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 able to be more proactive, and use resources more effectively. Through this partnership we work with local GP surgeries, namely Armley Medical Centre, Priory View, and Thornton Medical Centre.
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 to work on:
- Employment: engagement in local activities, social groups, volunteering, employment opportunities
- Social prescribing: connecting people in Armley with local service
- Children and families: supporting people to keep well
To enable partners to work together on these priorities, we have established a number of working groups:
Developing you
Unemployment in the area is a key contributor to poor mental health. Through our Developing You project we target people living with low-level mental health, who are of working age, are currently unemployed, and who speak a reasonable level of English. The project aims to raise self-awareness, self-confidence and self-esteem. The hope is that it will increase coping, managing, goal setting and job search skills and also increase readiness to take opportunities and open up horizons.
The project has been developed and coordinated by the Employment and Skills team and LCP Development team in line with Medical Research Council guidelines, and is delivered by the third sector, Adult Learning and Active Leeds.
Mental health
Supporting people in Armley to access appropriate mental health support when needed, is not just an action to take, but a passion for a number of partners. The aims of this project is to map out what is already available in Armley to support people with their mental health; to improve the flow of information between healthcare professionals and local people about the services available; and to identity any gaps in service provision.
Food
We know in order to support people to keep well, ensuring children and families eat well is vital. A mapping exercise over Autumn 2021 showed a number of services/groups/support in the area such as food banks, food stores, cooking courses, free and low-cost hot meals and advice available for cooking on a budget, all delivered by a wealth of local organisations. 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.
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 isn’t 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’s already out there and what as partners we can better deliver together, to improve the needs of local people.
How to get involved
We are keen to include more partners across the patch, in particular those who can support our current priorities and community groups. If you would like more information or to join us, please contact lcht.lcpdevelopment@nhs.net