The new Leeds service empowering lonely and vulnerable people to improve their lives

Linking Leeds, which is based at the Reginald Centre in Chapeltown, has helped more than 3,000 people since it was set up just over a year ago.

The social prescribing service connects people with a range of local community services to improve their social, emotional and mental wellbeing.

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A team of 40 wellbeing coordinators with extensive knowledge of their local areas work at GP surgeries across Leeds.

Not for profit service Linking Leeds is currently recruiting more wellbeing managers as the service, which is funded by Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group, expands.

Anna Quinn-Martin, service manager for Linking Leeds, said: "Problems can be far ranging - some people have complex needs, some people are lonely and simply need connecting with groups in their communities, such as joining a gardening or singing group.

"We do a simple but thorough assessment with each client and help them to make an action plan - which we support them to achieve.

"No matter what the problem we will support them to find solutions and work up to 12 sessions with them as needed

"There are thousands of services for all sorts of things, such as health, debt problems, housing, community connections.

"We are like a tour guide, connecting people to the services and helping them to figure out what support they need.

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"We give people the confidence to live their lives, helping them feel more connected, less lonely, happier, with many going on to lead community activities themselves.

"We support our community. During Covid-19 we’ve been supporting the NHS by ringing and supporting people on the shielding list.

"We empower anyone who needs support - especially those who are the most vulnerable - to cope with and improve their lives.

"People can be referred via their GP, by other services and by themselves and the only criteria is that they are over 16 and are registered with a Leeds GP."

One man from Morley area has been helped by Linking Leeds after suffering from anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress disorder.

He had problems with antisocial neighbours, which impacted on his mental health, and he was looking for work.

He is now working with Leeds City Council's anti-social behaviour team and is bidding for new properties from housing associations provided by Linking Leeds.

The man, who doesn't want to be named, said: " I am currently still accessing Linking Leeds, having weekly phone discussions with a wellbeing coordinator Ethan Foster, who is my support worker.

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"Topics covered are my mental health, financial, employment and general wellbeing.

"Because of Covid-19, I have had several full-time temporary contract positions via employment agencies, finishing very early, which has a knock-on effect financially.

"Ethan has in the past helped me to obtain food through the food bank organisation.

"The impact of Linking Leeds and working with a wellbeing coordinator has been very beneficial to me."

People can self-refer to Linking Leeds by calling 0113 336 7612 or going to the website at www.commlinks.co.uk/?service=linking-leeds Anyone interested in applying for one of the new wellbeing coordinator posts can find more information on the website.

The YEP has previously reported that health chiefs at Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group have published what has been described as one of their most “innovative and dynamic” plans to tackle the issue of health inequality in Leeds once and for all and help close the gap in health outcomes between rich and poor.

In the CCG’s annual review, chief executive Tim Ryley, together with Jason Broch, clinical chair, said the pandemic’s impact will be “far reaching and long lasting”, affecting people’s physical health, mental welling, livelihoods and communities - with those living in areas of deprivation among the hardest hit.

“The economic decline and social disruption resulting from the pandemic will almost certainly harm health and widen health inequalities”, they said.

The CCG's new health inequalities framework will now be a major factor in the work to mitigate the effects of the pandemic.

The ambitious blueprint for action has shaken up the way the CCG has traditionally run health services and gives more power - and funding - to communities to tackle issues head on.

Pip Goff is a director at Forum Central, which represents third sector health and care organisations in Leeds.

She said: “Voluntary and community sector organisations play a key role in achieving the city's aim to improve the health of the poorest fastest by tackling health inequalities at grassroots levels.

Leeds health chiefs launch ambitious bid to tackle growing gulf between rich and poor

“Our member organisations have always worked in really innovative ways to help improve the health of people from some of our most marginalised communities.

"During the pandemic, they have worked especially hard, finding new and creative ways to continue to support communities, many of whom are also most at risk of Covid.

"They really do fantastic work and we at Forum Central, alongside our partners Healthwatch, Voluntary Action Leeds and Leeds Community Foundation, are very proud that our voluntary and community sector organisations are increasingly recognised for their pivotal contribution across all Leeds communities."