Cross Gates and District Good Neighbours’ Scheme was established twelve years ago to work with and for older people in the Cross Gates area of Leeds. The charity now helps over 700 older people in the area, supported by a team of 50 volunteers and a small office staff.
They work to:
• Reduce loneliness and isolation
• Support independence
• Promote healthy lifestyles
• Help older people try new things
How do they help?
They offer a variety of low cost activities for older people including a twice weekly drop-in on Tuesday and Friday; a weekly walking group; exercise classes; arts and crafts; computer lessons; creative writing; painting and drawing. Members also enjoy a variety of trips and outings in the local area.
The scheme offers support to carers and older people with dementia and a befriending service to isolated older people in the area. Members can sign up for a copy of the free quarterly newsletter and access free advice regarding gardening, home security, benefits and finance, housing opportunities and help with form filling and Blue Badge applications.
Helping older people get out and about
One of the big issues many of the scheme’s older members face, is the problem of getting to activities and events run by the scheme. To address this issue Cross Gates and District Good Neighbours’ Scheme is currently fundraising to buy a minibus. They need to raise £15,000 and have already raised almost a third of the total amount needed.
If you can help fundraise for the scheme please contact Moira Flynn, Scheme Manager – details below.
Find out more
If you are over 60 and live on the Cross Gates side of York Road you can access Cross Gates and District Good Neighbours’ Scheme services. To contact them:
• Call 0113 260 6565
• Email info@crossgatesgns.org.uk
• Visit www.crossgatesgns.org.uk
• ‘Like’ their facebook page www.facebook.com/crossgatesgns
• Drop in between 9.30am and midday on Tuesday or Friday. Their address is Station Road, Leeds LS15 7JY.
Neighbourhood Network Schemes in Leeds
Cross Gates and District Good Neighbours’ Scheme is one of 37 local Neighbourhood Network Schemes in Leeds. Leeds is the only city to have these schemes which all have good things going on to join in with and are all always on the lookout for committed volunteers. To find out more about a scheme near you visit Leeds Older People’s Forum website http://lopforum.wordpress.com/
