OPAL (Older People's Action in the Locality)

0113 261 9103

Supporting older people to live happy, healthy, informed lives in their own homes.

Older people's Action in the Locality (OPAL) was formed in 2002 with the aim of reducing isolation and loneliness of those who are over the age of 60yrs and who live in the LS16 area.
OPAL covers Adel, Bramhope, Holt Park, Cookridge, Tinshill and Ireland Wood. We take a community focused approach to supporting older people and are based in and manage the Welcome In Community Centre and Cafe which is accessed by all age groups.

In 2015, OPAL received the prestigious Queens Award for Volunteering and in 2020, the Inner North West Community Committee awarded OPAL with the Community Heroes Award.
In 2016 OPAL’s CEO was awarded the Citi Micro-entrepreneurial award for sustainability and in July 2022 was awarded an MBE.
OPAL are part of Leeds Neighbourhood Network which is a celebrated network of voluntary organisations working across Leeds at a local level, promoting community participation, social connection and healthy aging.

Why the community needs usOPAL purchased the Bedford Arms public house in 2015 and converted it to the Welcome In Community Centre. This space has made a huge difference to OPAL & the local community as it means we have secure premises for the future, we can operate more efficiently & we now provide a place for local people & organisations to meet, use & enjoy the space. This includes the Welcome In Cafe open to the public Wed to Fri 9am to 4pm.

Our impact on the communityOPAL’s ambition is to further develop our work by improving the community we work in, providing increased opportunities for integration of older people and the wider community and by increasing our personalised support to isolated, frail older people. As part of this aspiration, in 2016, OPAL purchased a Public House and converted it into the Welcome In Community Centre. The renovation is still a work in progress with the grounds, cellar and garages still to complete. The Welcome In Community Centre is critical to OPAL’s future as it has enabled us to consolidate most of our activities and services into one building as well as moving our own offices into the building.

The Centre’s community café is a focal point in which all members of the community can meet which increases involvement and participation in the community and further contributes to reduced isolation. The Centre has created new jobs (Café Manager, Café worker and we hire the services of a Caretaker on an ad hoc basis). The increased volunteer opportunities has enhanced the skills and experiences of local people contributing towards this project.The Centre has provided a base for a number of agencies providing services to members of the community including Local Councillor Surgeries, Youth Groups, Police Contact Point, Phonics class, Musical Communication for young children and more.

Volunteers needed

We need people who are good listeners, patient & like people to visit someone in their own home & spending an hour a week with them. We need drivers to provide transport to social events/appointments on an ad hoc basis or as a regular commitment.

What your gift could provide

£5

covers volunteer expenses to visit an isolated person weekly for a month

£12

enables 3 carers to have a much needed break from their caring role

£50

contributes to transforming Welcome In Community Centre grounds for therapeutic gardening projects

Fundraise for us!

Charity Information

OPAL (Older People's Action in the Locality)

Telephone: 0113 261 9103

Address: Welcome In Community Centre, Leeds West Yorkshire LS16 6DJ

Established in: 2002

Registered charity no.: 1131792