This year, Time to Shine has commissioned 11 new projects to combat and learn about social isolation in Leeds.

One of them is the “Don’t Call Me Old” project, delivered by Armley Helping Hands (AHH) and focusing on the needs of Armley and Wortley residents who are between 55 and 70.

The neighbourhood network schemes were set up in Leeds more than twenty years ago, and many of the members who use that service have aged with them. Consequently, their traditional model and activities may not be appropriate for the “young old” — people born between 1948 and 1953.

But this does not mean that this age group is not at risk for social isolation and loneliness. Armley Helping Hands are building a bespoke project to address their unique needs and keep them connected.

The project will be responsive in supporting individuals to engage within their local community and pursuing individual’s personal goals in line with their choice and preferences and in a way which are socially inclusive and promote independence.

AHH aim to develop an outreach system, to make contact with young older people currently not in touch with their neighbourhood work and their community, carry out initial assessment and consultation. In this way, they will be able to identify commonalities amongst this age group and start to deliver new ways of working.

To find out more or make a referral, please get in touch with AHH: dawn.newsome@armleyhelpinghands.org or 0113 279 9292.