Armley Local Care Partnership is a well-established LCP that covers a geographical footprint of LS12.
As an LCP we work together to look at where we can make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of the local population. By working together to address health inequalities locally in Armley, we are proactive, and use resources more effectively. Our GP surgeries include:
- Armley Medical Centre
- Priory View
- Thornton Medical Centre
Our past work has included supporting the Developing You programme, where people living with poor mental health have been supported to improve confidence, self-esteem, and positive coping strategies to support employment. This priority has been supported by mapping of and improved signposting to mental health services within the area.
Current priorities
The overarching principle that influences everything we do, is to improve mental health and wellbeing for people in Armley. This sits across three priority areas the partnership has identified:
- Employment: engagement in local activities, social groups, volunteering, employment opportunities
- Social prescribing: connecting people in Armley with local services
- Children and families: supporting people to keep well
To enable partners to work together on these priorities, the following working groups meet regularly:
Food
Supporting people to stay well is vital, with a healthy diet and nutritious, affordable food a key requirement for children, families, and older adults. A mapping exercise over Autumn 2021 showed a number of organisations and local groups in the area such as food banks and food stores, who are delivering cooking courses, free and low-cost hot meals, and advice available for cooking on a budget. By working with neighbouring local care partnerships, Armley plans to identify any funding opportunities to fill gaps in provision, and link closely with current support to focus on healthy weight as appropriate.
Cost of living
The substantial price increases in food, fuel and transport are having an impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities. People on low incomes are particularly affected by living in a cold home and being unable to afford to buy and cook nutritious food. Partners have organised several community events to support the local community, which has provided opportunities to support people with the cost of living in a fun and engaging way by providing family activities, refreshments, and entertainment, as well as financial advice and support from citywide services. Baby Bundle packs have also been developed to support new families with essential baby supplies, together with sources of helpful information to build ongoing conversations and support around child and parental health.
Access to transport has also been highlighted as an area of concern, especially where there are barriers to people attending hospital appointments, either through lack of finances or transport information. This has been a key area where partners have worked together, which has led to the development of an LS12 transport leaflet, which all local partners and organisations can use to signpost people in the community.
Connecting people
Similarly to mental health and food, there are a number of local organisations supporting people to access groups, activities, and services in the area. Partners recognise there is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach, and how important it is to work together, know each other’s offers and be able to signpost people to the most appropriate support. By working together, we will be able to better articulate what help is already out there, and what we as partners can better deliver together to improve the needs of local people. Partners are working together to think about how local people can be more involved in leading and developing help and support within their own communities, and the best way to communicate this.
How to get involved
We are keen to include more partners across the area, in particular those who can support our current priorities and community groups. If you would like more information or to join us, please contact [email protected]