Anyone aged 18 or over can go and get their vaccine this weekend by simply walking into one of the pop-up vaccination centres.
A county-wide vaccination push is happening in West Yorkshire this weekend, giving any and all adults over 18 the opportunity to walk in and "grab a jab".
The pop-up centres mean that there's no need to book, rather people can just turn up to receive either their first or second dose without having to wait for a pre-booked appointment.
New evidence has suggested that the second vaccine dose is very important in protecting against the new Delta variant, which is currently causing a third wave to break out across the country.
BBC
Second doses have also now been brought forward to eight weeks, to ensure that the vaccines provide people with the maximum protection against Covid-19.
The walk-in clinics will be open across the weekend from Friday 25th June to Monday 28th, with locals in West Yorkshire being advised to look up their nearest center using the NHS.uk website.
Here, you can search for the one closest to you - as local NHS clinical commissioning group websites.
If you live in an area with a particularly low uptake, chances are you'll also receive a text message with details of local services encouraging you to attend this weekend.
West Yorkshire's senior responsible officer for the Vaccination Programme, Dr Phil Wood said: “Over recent weeks it’s been great to see glimpses of what we once called normal life return and I know we all want restrictions to be lifted.
BBC
“The reality of the situation is that getting the vaccine is the best way we can all help to see those restrictions lifted. The more people are fully vaccinated, the more the spread of the virus will be limited and fewer people will end up in hospital.
“That is the aim of ‘Grab a Jab weekend’. It’s about putting needles in as many arms as possible and making the process easy for everyone to get their jabs - whether that is a first or second dose.
“If you are 18 or over, please go and grab your jab.”
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Leeds City Council granted £1.6m to tackle rough sleeping by Christmas
Clementine Hall
A £1.6m grant has been given by the government to Leeds City Council to help tackle rough sleeping.
The funding has been allocated to Leeds City Council as part of the Government’s national Rough Sleeping Programme.
The overall target is to help rough sleepovers off the streets by Christmas through providing safe accommodation.
The council have said that voluntary organisations and charities will be able to help them reach this target.
The council report said: "This funding will be used for immediate interventions to ensure all those rough sleeping have an offer of accommodation by Christmas and support longer term sustainment of accommodation.
“The initial target is to provide a suitable offer of accommodation for everyone who is rough sleeping by Christmas 2026.
“Providing a path into supported accommodation and independent living is the key objective and sustaining this independent living with, where necessary, ongoing support to prevent any return to rough sleeping and homelessness.”
The government announcement spoke of the scheme: "The programme is intended to support people experiencing rough sleeping.
"People experiencing rough sleeping may have differing entitlements to housing and support depending on their individual circumstances, including their immigration status and eligibility for public funds."
The funding is intended to help provide immediate support for people currently sleeping on the streets, while also helping them access longer-term accommodation and the support needed to maintain independent living.
By working with local charities and voluntary organisations, the council hopes to ensure people are not only offered a place to stay but are also given the help they need to avoid returning to the streets.
Georgina Pellant -
25th June 2021 
