The head of a West Leeds organisation which supports isolated older people in Bramley, Swinnow and parts of Stanningley has welcomed a much-needed funding boost.
Council leaders are set to agree multi-million pound funding to continue and expand the work of the city’s highly acclaimed Neighbourhood Networks.
Lee Ingham, General Manager of Bramley Elderly Action, said:
“The proposal to continue Leeds City Council investment in Neighbourhood Network services is fantastic news for older people in Leeds.
“It has allowed schemes like Bramley Elderly Action and Older Wiser Local Seniors to improve lives, reduce loneliness and deliver valuable help in local communities.
“Leeds should be proud of this excellent way of enabling people to make the most of community assets and to help Leeds be the best city in which to grow old.”
Proposals for extra funding for the Neighbourhood Networks are being discussed at today’s Leeds City Council’s executive board, following in-depth evaluation of the work they do.
The Neighbourhood Networks, which include organisations such as Armley Helping Hands, focus on reducing social isolation and improving the health and wellbeing of people across the city.
Planned and managed by older people and other community stakeholders, they were developed in the 1980s as a response to the growing numbers of older people in Leeds and the need to focus on preventing illness and isolation and promoting health, wellbeing and independence.
Examples of services provided by the Networks include befriending, luncheon clubs, digital skills and exercise sessions, as well as home-based and one-to-one support, as well as being a gateway to other services.
Cllr Rebecca Charlwood, executive member for health, wellbeing and adults, said:
“Our Networks are recognised nationally and internationally as examples of good practice, highlighting the significant impact key services can make in tackling inequality and improving the lives thousands of people in the city.
“I am delighted that we have guaranteed funding for the Neighbourhood Networks in Leeds. We aim to invest more than £500,000 per year extra, increasing the funding from Leeds City Council to over £3 million a year.”
The total value of the proposals contained within this report is £15 million over the initial five years, with an additional £565,000 coming in the next three years.
Bramley Elderly Action is due to rake over the running of Bramley Community Centre from Leeds City Council.