An easy-to-use booklet that contains Covid and flu vaccination details, set within essential information to help with heating, food, bills, computer and mobile phone support has been launched today.
The booklets, produced by Manchester City Council and partner organisations as part of its Winter preparations, can be picked up throughout city via community outlets like churches, mosques, libraries and neighbourhood groups are image-led so that they give help quickly and easily with essential written details. This EasyRead format has then also been translated and are set to be available in 11 different languages, Braille and British Sign Language.
David Regan, Director of Public Health for Manchester, said: “Our communities have told us that they want to see vaccination information set within a wider context – looking in particular at how money pressures and other worries have an impact on health, too, which is why we have produced these booklets. People also told us that they wouldn’t have time to read lots of detail – they wanted a quick, efficient ‘go to’ booklet with key links to where help can be found.”
The booklets are now available throughout the city, along with a smaller guide designed to fit in pockets.
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader at Manchester City Council, said: “We estimate that the cost of living crisis could adversely affect up to 100,000 households in Manchester this winter and these booklets are just one of the ways we are marshalling resources and providing a united front to help people when they need it.
“It’s a stark situation for many and it is very clear that greater action is needed to stop our residents from slipping below the poverty line. Central government support is not nearly enough and we have taken action within the powers we have at our disposal so that more than £8m is available to support residents across the city through the expansion of welfare schemes as well as helping to provide access to food and setting up a dedicated helpline.”
Cllr Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care at Manchester City Council, said: “Our approach has been informed by what Manchester people have told us, and also by all the learning from the support put in place during the pandemic. That’s why it so important to put health advice and support within all the other factors that impact on wellbeing and inequality so that we work towards a fairer Manchester.”
