West Yorkshire organisations aim to lift spirits with positivity campaign

West Yorkshire Prepared and West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership (WY&H HCP) have teamed up to spread some positivity across the region with a new campaign focussing on what we can do, not on what we can’t.

The #WestYorkshirePositiveVibes campaign has been created to help people concentrate on the positives by looking at actions and activities we can all do, however small, to improve our physical and mental wellbeing in the current climate, whilst also recognising that many people are struggling at the moment.

Robin Tuddenham CEO for Calderdale Council, Chief Officer for Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group and Co-chair of West Yorkshire Prepared, said: “Whilst recognising we are all living with a lot of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic at the moment, and acknowledging that some of us will have experienced real personal hardship and loss, positive thinking is simply about trying to focus more on the good things – however small they may be. 

“In no way are we downplaying the seriousness of the climate we are living in but, with a lot of news stories focusing on the restrictions and reminding people of what they can’t do, our intention is to remind people there are still enjoyable times to be had, and hope for all of us, both now and in the future.”

The campaign concentrates on personal wellbeing with simple ideas such as:

1. Exercising – whether gentle or strenuous, exercise releases mood lifting chemicals so it’s good for mental wellbeing as well as physical health. It also helps us feel happier and strengthens our immune systems.
2. Having some ‘me’ time – taking time out for yourself is really important right now. So do whatever makes you feel happy, and be kind to yourself.
3. Keeping in touch – Although we can’t get together with friends and family in person at the moment, there are still lots of ways to stay in touch through video chats or by picking up the phone. The successful #OurNeighbours campaigns, from WY&H HCP, shows how this works.
4. Connecting with the outdoors – Enjoying nature makes us feel happier and more relaxed so spend some time outside, or even just look out of the window, to help improve your mood and reduce stress.

There will also be an interactive element running to the end of the year, whereby people will be encouraged to vote for their favourite uplifting tunes around themes of staying cheerful, starting a new hobby and enjoying nature. By the end of the campaign, and in time for New Year’s Eve, we will have a fun, enjoyable playlist to help lift the spirits of people across West Yorkshire.

Rob Webster (CBE), CEO Lead for WY&H HCP said: “We are working incredibly hard to ensure that things that will get us through this pandemic are in place – PPE for staff, effective testing, new vaccines, new services for example. One of the key ingredients that will see us through is hope.

There is always hope, there is always help. This campaign is a reminder to us all that good things are happening and the pandemic won’t last forever. By continuing to pull together, looking out for each other and focusing on what we can do, it might make our lives feel that little bit easier.”

You can keep up with the campaign by searching for #WestYorkshirePositiveVibes on Twitter, or following West Yorkshire Prepared on Facebook (@WYPrepared) or Twitter (@WYRForum), and WYH Partnership on Twitter (@WYHpartnership).

For reliable, up to date information on Covid-19, please visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus or www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.

For news and information from West Yorkshire Prepared, visit www.westyorkshireprepared.org.uk. For the latest from WY&H HCP, visit www.wyhpartnership.co.uk.