Spaces to rest for elderly folk

Shops, cafes and other business are being encouraged to provide a place of sanctuary for older people who need to sit down and rest for a few minutes when they are out and about.

The Come In and Rest scheme, launched by Age Friendly Leeds, already has more than 15 local businesses signed up, including Aroma’s Cafe, Lloyd’s Pharmacy and M&S in Moortown, and Arch Cafe, Carers Leeds, Colby’s Coffee and Enterprise House in the city centre.

Participating organisations put a sticker in their window to signal that theirs is a premise where older people know they are welcome.

It was officially launched this week by Time to Shine, the city’s £6m loneliness project.

Executive member for health, wellbeing and adults at Leeds City Council, Coun Rebecca Charlwood, is supporting the project.

She said: “This is a simple idea, but one which can have a great impact in boosting the confidence and independence of older people – something which they have consistently highlighted is important to them.

“We have an ambition for Leeds to be the best city to grow old in and by working with partners to promote schemes like this, we hope to see the benefit not only to communities but also local businesses, further highlighting our commitment to be a compassionate city with a strong economy.

“I look forward to seeing the response to this new scheme in Leeds and hopefully seeing it rolled out in other parts of the city.”

To join the Come In and Rest scheme, or to help promote it, visit agefriendly.
timetoshineleeds.org or ring 0113 244 1697.