Support Helps Thousands Stay Well During Winter

Community projects provide essential aid through winter months

Last winter, community organisations across Leeds received funding to support vulnerable residents during the colder months. The Stay Well this Winter Grants, a partnership between Leeds Community Foundation and Leeds City Council, enabled 20 local projects to offer practical assistance and social activities aimed at improving wellbeing.

Targeted support for those most at risk

The grants focused on helping groups identified as being at higher risk of ill health during winter, including older people, disabled individuals, refugees and asylum seekers, people experiencing homelessness, and those living in poverty.

Support provided by the funded organisations included:

• Warm meals and practical items
• Tailored advice on benefits and living costs
• Energy efficiency guidance and help contacting utility companies
• Referrals to relevant local services
• Activities to improve mental health and reduce loneliness

Impact on individuals and communities

One participant, David, attended the ‘Soup and a Roll’ sessions run by Caring Together in Woodhouse and Little London. Facing financial difficulties and often skipping meals, David found the sessions provided a hot meal and social contact. He also received informal advice on accessing local support services and managing living costs. David later began volunteering at the sessions and has continued to engage with other activities at Caring Together, maintaining social connections.

In total, the funded projects supported 3,683 people last year. Of these:

• 1,228 reported improvements in mental health and wellbeing
• 924 felt less lonely
• 1,205 experienced better physical health and wellbeing

Ongoing need for winter support

With the rising cost of living, the demand for such support remains high. Flourishing Families Leeds highlighted the worsening poverty experienced by families, noting that their assistance helped parents and carers provide food for children during school holidays.

Following the success of last year’s grants, Leeds Community Foundation and Leeds City Council have launched another round of Stay Well this Winter Grants. Applications have now closed, with details of funded projects expected to be shared in the autumn.

Source: Leeds Community Foundation