Age UK Leeds closes The Arch Cafe and calls on people to check in on older neighbours

The Arch Café, in the Bradbury Building in Mark Lane, served homemade meals and cakes, as well as tea and coffees.

All profits made were donated back to Age UK Leeds to support the charity's work with older people in the community.

The charity announced its permanent closure on Wednesday, January 6.

It said that the cafe, which runs as a social enterprise, had been struggling financially for some time but that the coronavirus pandemic was the final blow.

Lisa Burnett, Age UK Leeds Fundraising Director, said: "The Arch has been struggling financially for some time but we always battled to keep it open as it was always more than just a café – it was an extension of our services for older people and a place where people could feel safe and cared for.

"Our staff knew all our regular customers by name, would look out for them, would offer them a friendly ear and help and support when needed.

"At the start of 2020 we had hoped to secure some grant funding so we could continue to run the café as a not for profit ensuring that we could continue to offer a service to lonely and vulnerable older people that need it.

"Sadly, Covid meant that things went from bad to worse and the situation became untenable as it was negatively impacting the charity’s finances.

"It was a very difficult decision and one made with very heavy hearts."

The services Age UK has provided during the coronavirus pandemic has been described as a "lifeline" to older people in the city.

Many elderly people were advised to shield due to being a high-risk category, meaning they had little to no contact outside their own homes.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post in July, volunteers for the charity's Check and Chat service discussed the devastating impact the pandemic has had on mental health.

They described how the isolation had caused people to become fearful of going outside or attending medical appointments and how the loneliness had led some people to depression and suicidal thoughts.

As well as the Check and Chat service, Age UK Leeds also swiftly moved its Befriending service online to ensure people would still have regular social contact.

Volunteers helped people to access and use technology so they could stay connected to friends and family, via platforms such as FaceTime and Skype.

Alongside this, the charity continued its Help at Home service to help the vulnerable with household chores, delivering shopping and offering respite services.

It also continued to transport people to the hospital, delivered follow up care and helped people with financial issues such as benefits.

This winter, the charity has provided blankets, thermal clothing, kettles and heaters to those in need.

Ms Burnett said: "As you would expect, people are handling this situation differently. Some are stoic and just want to get through it and find it difficult to ask for or accept help.

"Then there are those at the other end of the spectrum that have sadly given up and struggle to get through each day.

"There are people on all levels between those two extremes.

"That’s where our different services come in so we can try and lift spirits and offer hope as well as assist with practical things like shopping etc."

She added: "I would say if you know you have an older neighbour, perhaps pop a note with your telephone number on through the door asking if they need any help with shopping etc. Sometimes, just knowing they have someone to call if they are in trouble can be reassuring.

"There is also a leaflet on our website that you can print that advises people how to seek support from us – you could pop that through their door. Also, as little as a wave when you pass their window can make such a big difference – just to know that they have been seen and they matter."

Age UK is fundraising to ensure they can support more older people in Leeds.

People can donate on the Virgin Money Giving page here: www,virginmoneygiving.com/fund/AgeUKLeeds

Ms Burnett said: "We know this is such a difficult time for people and not everyone can help but if you can make a donation, no matter how much, it would be massively appreciated.

"The more money we raise, the more lonely and vulnerable older people we can help in Leeds."