Health scheme to '˜change lives' in most deprived parts of Leeds

Leeds City Council has unveiled Better Together, a new community health development and improvement service focusing on areas with the highest levels of deprivation.

It will concentrate on tackling issues that lead to poor health, such as poverty, unemployment, relationships and housing problems.

Experts will work with individuals, groups and communities to identify their needs and find specially tailored ways to help improve the situation.

These could include physical activity sessions, such as walking groups, Zumba or healthy cooking classes.

It may also help people gain work-related skills, such as improving language and communication skills, developing volunteers, and helping people to improve their confidence by developing their CV.

Councillor Rebecca Charlwood, Leeds City Council’s executive member for health, wellbeing and adults, said: “This is health improvement for and by communities.

“At the heart of this new work is a commitment to the vision we outlined in the Leeds Health and Wellbeing Strategy last year: that Leeds will be a healthy and caring city for all ages, where people who are the poorest will improve their health the fastest. ”

The new service will be delivered in different sectors of the city by consortia led by Feel Good Factor and Health for All, and by BARCA in the West and North West area.