Popular West Leeds schemes supporting older people have been awarded five years’ funding to continue their work.
Armley Helping Hands, Bramley Elderly Action, Farsley Elderly Action, Hawksworth Older People’s Support, Neighbourhood Action in Farnley, New Farnley and Moor Top, OWLS (which covers Burley, Hyde Park, Little Woodhouse, Headingley and parts of Kirkstall) and Pudsey Live at Home are among the neighbourhood networks across the city to receive ongoing funding.
Cllr Rebecca Charlwood, Leeds City Council executive member for Adults and Health, said:
“We have been keen to provide longer term security to the Neighbourhood Networks, which have been such a success story for the city. It will help them plan for and deliver the support they do with confidence over a longer period.
“This announcement is a real vote of confidence in the work they have been delivering over recent years and will contribute to our aim of making Leeds the best place to grow old, for instance supporting older people who want to stay independent remain in their own homes as long as possible.”
Cllr Charlwood said city-wide the networks would receive an annual increase of over £564,000 on current contracts.
All of the Neighbourhood Network schemes are governed by local people who represent the communities they serve. These people steer the organisations so they best meet outcomes local older people want. The grants total value is £15,009,450 over the initial five years, with an annual value of £3,001,890.
The Neighbourhood Networks support around 20,000 older people around the city, delivering support which helps reduce pressures on statutory health and care services, as well as enabling local people to get involved in using community assets in ways local people want.