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 to reduce isolation and loneliness for older people (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 us OPAL is based in and manages Welcome In Community Centre which is a vibrant and inclusive hub nestled in North Leeds (LS16). A warm and inviting space, it serves as a gathering place for people of all ages and backgrounds. Renovated from a run-down pub it has been transformed to a fabulous facility with a community café, mini orchard, therapeutic gardening space and has a bright and cozy interior.
OPAL is the Community Anchor connecting people to a range of services including:
- Digital support Hub working in partnership with 100% Digital Leeds
- Host to the Leeds 16 Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) project.
- Host to a weekly Health Hub and a weekly wound clinic in partnership with Leeds Community Healthcare.
- Host to Millfield for their weekly memory clinic.
- Host to PCN for their weekly Health and Wellbeing Coach.
- Host to Adult Social Care for their fortnightly contact point.
- Host to West Yorkshire Police weekly contact point.
Our impact OPAL improves older people’s lives through friendship, social and wellbeing activities, information and support. 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, increased volunteer opportunities and provided a base for a number of agencies delivering services to members of the local community including Local Councillor Surgeries, Youth Groups, Police Contact Point, Musical Communication for young children and more.
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.
