A number of projects have been supporting vulnerable people in Armley during the Coronavirus pandemic, councillors will hear next week.
Members of the inner west community committee will next week hear how The Red Cross vulnerability matrix has identified Armley as a particularly vulnerable
ward to the impact of the pandemic.
A council report says that isolated single men with low mood and poor emotional and physical health had been identified as a major target audience in Armley. The report adds:
“This has attracted funding. Grants for this ward and Farnley have been made available from a central government initiative. Five projects applied and all were successful. All are free to access.”
They projects are;
1. Connecting Armley
An I-Pad loan scheme to connect local people with low computer literacy to services that can improve their health and keep it that way. These include walking groups, virtual peer support groups and employment training.
2. Talking Sheds
A men’s health project designed to bond men and create a peer support group over the construction of allotment sheds there is also a shared lunch and therapy
session connected to this project.
3. Wildlife Walks
Guided walking tours in the local area exploring nature and people’s connection to it. This project combines elements of gentle physical activity with improved mental and emotional health.
4. Listening Room
A virtual space run by Armley Helping Hands where local isolated residents can talk about their problems and seek support. This project also link to various online tutorials aimed at men around, basic cookery, car maintenance, gentle exercise and DIY.
5. Treasure Books
A family learning scheme centring on mathematics and literacy skills.
It’s aimed at vulnerable poorer families, those with low education levels struggling with lockdown and home schooling.
The Inner West Community Committee meets online on Tuesday, 16 March at 6pm. It’s made up of nine councillors from three wards – Armley, Bramley & Stanningley and Kirkstall. More details and full agenda can be found here.