Older people are vulnerable to feeling socially isolated and lonely, and this can have a negative impact on their mental and physical health.
Leeds Neighbourhood Networks (NNs) are community based, locally-led schemes designed to support older people. Comprising voluntary organisations working across Leeds, one of their main roles is to reduce social isolation and loneliness by providing people with opportunities to engage in group activities (e.g. lunch clubs, fitness classes, craft sessions). Each of the 37 Leeds NNs offers different activities based on perceived local needs.
This project developed a framework for understanding how NNs are designed and delivered.
The Leeds NNs model of community support is being adopted by other cities across the UK. Whilst we know the NNs are highly valued by attendees, we do not know who engages with the NNs, which activities offered by networks reduce loneliness and social isolation, and how this might vary for different groups of older adults.
This research worked with older adults and commissioners to describe what each NN delivers including the groups of older adults who do or do not use them (and their reasons why), and better understand what aspects of NNs reduce loneliness and social isolation. The team conducted a feasibility study to inform the design of a large-scale evaluation study.
This project was funded by the 2023–2024 Reseach England Policy Support Fund.
Contacts
- Shaunna Burke (co-lead)
- Suzanne Richards (co-lead)
- Joanne Greenhalgh
Others involved
- Jo Volpe and Hillary Wadsworth (Leeds Older People’s Forum)
- Helen Laird, Lisa Hanson and David Peel (Leeds City Council)