People in Calderdale are invited to a series of workshop events to help make a difference for those experiencing symptoms of Long COVID.
Although most people with COVID-19 feel better within a few days or weeks of their first symptoms, for some people, COVID can cause problems that last for weeks or months after the infection has gone – this is often known as Long COVID.
In Calderdale, it’s estimated that around 6000 people could be experiencing symptoms of Long COVID. Experiences can vary, but common long-lasting symptoms include tiredness, brain fog, muscle aches and breathlessness.
Calderdale Council, as part of the Calderdale Cares Partnership, has created a Long COVID Ideas Fund, to make a difference to the lives of people with Long COVID.
The Council wants people who have experience of Long COVID, either directly themselves or through having cared for someone with Long COVID, to decide how this funding should be used. A series of workshops are taking place at the Shay Stadium in Halifax, on the following dates:
• Tuesday 19 September, from 2-4pm
• Tuesday 17 October, from 2-4pm
• Tuesday 14 November, from 12.30-3pm
The informal events will allow people to share their ideas about support which might help those with Long COVID and decide how the funding should be spent. To book a place on the sessions, please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/long-covid-ideas-fund-workshop-tickets-692238723657(external link)
The sessions are also available online, for those unable to attend in person. There is the option to select online when booking onto the sessions and the link to the session will then be sent to the registered email after checkout.
The October and November sessions are also open to organisations or groups which could support people with Long COVID.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Cllr Tim Swift, said:
“We understand that sometimes the recovery from a COVID infection is not straightforward and there are many people in the borough who are experiencing long-lasting symptoms, known as Long COVID. We want to support these people on their road to recovery and we have created the Long COVID ideas fund to make a real difference.
“We are keen to hear from those who have experience of Long COVID as they are best placed to help decide how funding should be used and to get involved in projects to support others affected. These upcoming workshops will allow people to share their ideas and help shape future support for those with Long COVID in Calderdale.”
Calderdale Council’s Director for Public Health, Debs Harkins, said:
“The time it takes for someone to get better from COVID varies from person to person. If you have long COVID, there can be lots of different symptoms which can change over time and they can have a real impact on the lives of those experiencing them.
“There’s lots of support already available, through the NHS and local support groups, but we want to expand on this and are asking those who have experience of Long COVID, to help us develop local support through the Long COVID Ideas Fund.”
For more information about the Long COVID Ideas Fund, visit https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/council/consultation-and-feedback/long-covid-ideas-fund
If you are experiencing symptoms of Long COVID and would like details of available support, visit: Coronavirus – guidance and patient information(external link) (NHS).
Some people find it helpful to talk to others with Long COVID. If you would like to chat about it, please visit: Long COVID Support Group Calderdale(external link) (Facebook).
ENDS