VE Day 75 Bank Holiday
This VE Day Bank Holiday is a time for reflection and celebration as we remember those who fought so bravely for our freedom 75 years ago.
These celebrations will be very different due to COVID-19 restrictions, but there are many ways to get involved through online resources and national TV broadcasts to show we are remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
As we look forward to the Bank Holiday, now more than ever, is the time to be proactive around our levels of physical activity, as this can help with our mental well being. MRCActive has activities for all ages and abilities via social media and the All Sorts To Do pages of our website have loads of ideas to keep you entertained.
So stay safe, move more when and where you can, and look after yourself and your loved ones this VE 75 Bank Holiday.
Here is the latest information:
 Freephone Helpline opening hours for VE Day Bank Holiday
If you know someone who needs support with food, medicines, or fuel bills, please share the freephone number 0800 234 6123 and email address: COVIDSupport@manchester.gov.uk
The helpline is open over the May Bank Holiday at the following times:
Bank Holiday Friday: 10am-2pm
Saturday 9 May: 8.30am-5.30pm
Sunday 10 May: Closed
Information about the helpline in British Language Signage.
If you need support with council tax, business rates or bins, visit manchester.gov.uk/coronavirus
Celebrating VE Day 75
The "VE 75" celebrations will be led by a pre-recorded televised address by the Queen on the BBC at 9pm on May 8. After the broadcast, the public will be invited to join a moment of celebration and thanksgiving by taking part in a rendition of Forces' Sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn's wartime anthem "We'll Meet Again".
VE Day timetable
11am — Two-minute national silence to remember the declaration of victory and the end of the Second World War in Europe.
2.45pm - 3.45pm — The first of two special BBC One programmes to mark VE75, including extract from Sir Winston Churchill’s victory speech delivered at 3pm on VE Day.
Afternoon — Britons encouraged to hold 1940s-style afternoon tea parties at home rather than street parties, including homemade bunting and recipes from the era.
9pm — Address by the Queen followed by national doorstep rendition of Dame Vera Lynn’s "We’ll Meet Again".
A pack with ideas for homemade VE Day bunting, original recipes, games, and educational and creative activities for children hase been produced by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, so families under lockdown can create their own experiences at home.
Victory in Europe Day marked the formal acceptance of Nazi Germany's surrender by Britain and its Allies following almost six years of conflict.
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NHS Services are here when you need them
We are aware that the number of people contacting their GP about heart conditions, cancer treatment, during pregnancy or with ill children has decreased during the COVID-19 lockdown.
NHS services are still available for you to access by contacting your GP by phone, online, or using NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency.
Visit Health at Home for information about accessing NHS services.
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A million items of PPE distributed to key workers
Over a million items of PPE (personal protective equipment) have now been distributed through the Manchester and Trafford PPE Mutual Aid Hub.
The hub is an emergency service based on the urgent supply of PPE equipment to ensure key workers have the protection they need to provide essential services. For over a month the Hub has been working to provide equipment to staff working in health and social care throughout the two boroughs.
Take a look at this BBC News report (via BBC iPlayer, starts at 3.35) about PPE Mutual Aid Hub.
Join the Clap For Our Carers at 8pm every Thursday
The weekly clap pays tribute to all the key workers who are out there making an unbelievable difference to our lives in these challenging times.
Join in and show your support by applauding them either outside your door or through open windows at 8pm! A special Clap for Carers video is airing on Manchester City Council's YouTube account at 7.30pm tomorrow.
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Bin Update
From Monday 11 May, green garden and food recycling bin collections will begin again. We will collect them every two weeks, on the same days as your grey general waste bins. All other collections will continue as normal.
Once green bin collections resume, food and garden recycling waste will only be collected if it is in the bins. Please keep any excess waste until your next collection. Food waste can be put in your grey/black general waste bin if necessary.
Grey/black, brown and blue bin collections are continuing as normal.
This will be regularly reviewed due to staffing issues related to COVID-19, so please check our website daily for updates.
Check your bin collection days
While maintaining a safe distance, please let any friends, family, or neighbours without internet access know about the current arrangements.
Thank you for your cooperation and patience during this unprecedented situation.
Greater Manchester Recycling Centre Opening Times
Recycle for Greater Manchester has reopened some tips. Please see recycleforgreatermanchester.com their website for further information.
GP Surgeries and Pharmacies Bank Holiday opening times
The opening times for local health care services over the Bank Holiday weekend can be viewed online:
 Allsorts To Do At Home
Manchester’s obviously quieter than usual at the moment, and our buzzing arts, culture, fitness, youth and music scenes are on hold. Our sports centres, art galleries, theatres, libraries and events are in temporary hibernation – but you don’t have to be. Behind the scenes, the staff who keep these things going have been busy finding ways to bring recreation to you at home.
To make it easier for you, we've launched a brand new e-bulletin that will deliver ideas and inspiration straight to your inbox so you don't have to go searching for it. Every week, we’ll be rounding up some of the best activities that parents, children, young adults and families can take part in without even leaving the house. There’s Allsorts To Do At Home!
You can sign up at manchester.gov.uk/allsortstodoathome
 Be Active at Home
MCRactive is working to support Manchester by sharing ways to feel healthy and well in mind and body. For daily messages of support of support, inspiration and guidance on physical activity and follow MCRactiv on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or the tag #MCRactive.
From yoga and cardio to Zumba and meditating, MCRactive has ideas for the whole family. These include Diane’s regular fitness class from her front room in Hulme, keeping active during Ramadan and a range of online classes from BUZZ such as lower back core, strength and balance workouts.
Sign up for the MCRActive newsletter to receive additional ideas straight to your inbox.
To share the innovative ways you are keeping active, send MCRactiv active a short video, image or message via: info@mcractive.com or to @MCRactive on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Ramadan
Those observing the holy month are being asked to adhere to Government guidelines with regards to social distancing.
Staying at home will play an important part in the nation’s effort to slow the spread of coronavirus, and keeping yourself and loved ones well will mean adapting usual religious and cultural practices.
The Greater Manchester Council of Mosques has advised followers to worship from home and avoid praying in large groups.
For more information on how you can stay safe and make the most of Ramadan at home, visit Public Health Matters.
Be Smoke Free with Manchester's new tobacco addiction service
Giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, which is why so many smokers are deciding it's the best time ever to quit.
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Reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 - Smokers repeatedly touch their face whilst smoking,
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Reduce the severity - Smokers are 2.5 times more likely to need intensive care, a ventilator or die from the virus,
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Reduce the risk of other illnesses like pneumonia or stroke,
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Protect those around you from your second-hand smoke,
- Save money and feel good!
"Be Smoke Free" is a nurse-led service for people who live in Manchester and/or have a Manchester GP. They can provide a FREE direct supply of medicines such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy, a phone assessment, personalised Quit Plan and support.
Priority is given to over 60's, those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, mental health problems, pregnant women, or people who live with anyone in those categories.
Refer yourself or someone you know online now.
And there's more advice and support to quit smoking here.
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service
If you’ve been bereaved and need support or advice, call the Greater Manchester Bereavement Service on 0161 983 0902 or visit greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk
Support from Manchester Deaf Centre
WAITE - Well-being, Advocacy, Information, Training and Employment Service is a ’one Stop' shop, available five days per week to support D/deaf individuals. Support includes help with housing, benefits, employment, discrimination, letter translation, booking interpreters etc to improve the everyday lives and well-being of D/deaf people.
To learn more, get in touch with:
Mark Woodall 07557 095854 Mark.Woodall@manchesterdeafcentre.com
Anita Kanji 078253 46935 AnitaK@manchesterdeafcentre.com
Dipti Patel 075570 95929 dipti@manchesterdeafcentre.com
Take part in COVID-19 Research
University College London is running a study into the psychological and social effects of COVID-19. The results are being used to understand the effects of the virus and social distancing measures on mental health and loneliness in the UK, and to inform government advice and decisions.
Participation involves answering a 10-minute online survey and then answering a shorter follow-up survey once a week whilst social isolation measures are in place. To take part, visit the survey page.
Helpful links:
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