Thousands in Leeds supported to stay well last winter

Last year, more than 4,200 people were supported over the winter months thanks to funding from Stay Well this Winter Grants, in partnership with Leeds City Council. 

Established in 2012, Stay Well this Winter Grants invest in a range of community-based projects that support people most at risk of becoming unwell over winter across Leeds. With the increased cost of living and higher fuel and food bills, for many people last year the need was even greater. 

20 projects ran across the city throughout the coldest months, providing a range of support for local people in their communities including home visits, social sessions and warm spaces, items to keep people warm, food pantries and meal provision. Many of the organisations provided referrals to other services to support people’s individual needs. 

As a result of the activities provided, 2,352 people reported improved physical health and wellbeing and 2,050 said their mental health improved. 

One organisation, Aireborough Voluntary Services to the Elderly (AVSED), supported more than 280 people through their programme. They ran weekly drop-in sessions for older people to share information and socialise, conducted home visits and distributed wellbeing packs. They also provided more in-depth, personalised support to their most vulnerable community members and ran cookery sessions where attendees left with slow cookers and affordable nutritious recipes. 

AVSED said “D saw our poster in the local Dr surgery regarding the community café. D attended for support in various matters. A session was arranged for a private meeting where we supported a referral for a food and fuel voucher with the Household Support Fund. A referral to Green Dr for a home check – further details received regarding top-up payments on energy and new heaters have been arranged. D also received clothing from us and attended the warm Wednesday for a few weeks over Christmas. D told us ‘I don’t know what I’d have done if you didn’t sort me out – I was at a loss’.” 

Since the programme began, more than 300 Stay Well this Winter grants have been awarded and over 25,500 people have been supported by the funded activities. Stay Well this Winter will invest even more grants in local Leeds Community Organisations to support the most vulnerable people across our city in the winter of 2023/24.