Older People

Leeds Older People’s Forum has several core workstreams, each with equal priority:

Housing

We’ve worked with our members and Public to produce the key foundations of a policy for Housing and Older People in Leeds. At its heart is the fundamental importance of involving older people and organisations that represent them and work with them in the development and future monitoring of the policy.

Inter-Generational

We have championed inter-generational practice, its mutual benefits to young and old, and power to create stronger communities. We believe that inter-generational work can help meet many of the city’s priorities. We recently produced a report on intergenerational work in Leeds entitled ‘Generations United in Leeds’ which can be downloaded in the Information and Resources section on this page.

Campaigning

We are actively engaged in campaigning to make Leeds a “City For All Ages.” Campaigning strands include hospital discharges, housing, making Leeds an Age and Dementia Friendly City, and LOPF’s Manifesto.

International Day of Older Persons

Each year, since 1998, Leeds has celebrated the International Day of Older People (1st October). These celebrations extend beyond that day, usually for around a week and a half through a series of community events. Many of these receive small grants of up to £200 via LOPF. The aim of IDOP is to promote the contribution older people make to the city.

Neighbourhood Network Schemes

Neighbourhood Network Schemes are community based, locally led organisations. They enable older people to live independently and pro-actively participate within their own communities. They provide services that reduce social isolation and provide opportunities for volunteering. They also act as a “gateway” to advice, information and services that promote health and wellbeing and thus improve people’s quality of life.

Dementia

The Dementia-Friendly Leeds Campaign Officer for the city works for Leeds Older People’s Forum in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society and Leeds City Council.

They run the Leeds Dementia Action Alliance and work with people living with dementia and their families and carers. They also encourage local groups and organisations to join the Alliance, and support community projects to help neighbourhoods become more ‘dementia friendly.’ For more information please visit: www.dementiaaction.org.uk/leeds

LOPF Trustees and staff are involved in many local, regional and national strategic groups which cover issues of relevance and concern to older people. We also meet regularly with local councillors, commissioners and managers from local health and social care.

Making Leeds the Best City to Grow Old In is one of Leeds City Council’s seven breakthrough projects. These projects provide a focus on priorities in key areas of work for +the city. This breakthrough project plan is based on the eight World Health Organisation (WHO) Age Friendly City domains:

They are also reflected in the Age Friendly Charter which was launched jointly by Leeds Older People’s Forum and Leeds City Council. It specifies pledge that citizens and a range of organisations to adopt to contribute to making Leeds Age Friendly. The pledges were written in consultation with older people in Leeds.

The cities’ key ageing and ageing related strategies are:

Leeds City Council is currently reviewing a range of provision it commissions for older people including; residential care, home care, day centres, community meals and Neighbourhood Network Schemes.