Case Studies

The Neighbourhood Network Schemes - improving the health of older people

The Neighbourhood Network Schemes are ‘key local organisations that enable and support older people to remain healthy and independent and actively to contribute to the development of local services that respond to their specific needs’ (Director of Nursing and Health Care Development, Leeds West Primary Care Trust).

The Schemes provide health information and advice and are involved in immunisation campaigns, healthy eating initiatives and winter warmth projects. They provide a range of practical help such as support groups, transport to appointments and prescription collection. They receive over 800 referrals from health professionals every year.

Over 2000 older people a year regularly attend exercise sessions at the Schemes, including swimming, walking, dancing and tai chi. The Schemes work in innovative ways to encourage their members to exercise regularly. Bramley Elderly Action, for example, runs a succesful exercise mentoring project.

Burmantofts Senior Action -
a Neighbourhood Network Scheme

Burmantofts Senior Action in East Leeds was set up in 1994 to support older people living independently, to improve the environment where older people live, to reduce isolation and loneliness and to provide services that are not available from statutory organisations. The Scheme "does amazing work for older people" (George Mudie MP).

The Scheme provides a range of services including line dancing, bowling, a friendship group, a lunch club, a stroke club and a winter warmth campaign. In 2003, it decorated 122 rooms, maintained 65 gardens and carried out 52 odd-jobs. It provides an advocacy service for hundreds of older people and organises day trips and holidays.

The Scheme is run by a Management Committee, including local pensioners, and a committed team of staff and volunteers. It hosts placements for social work and medical students. It is funded by Leeds Social Services Department and through charitable grants, fundraising events and donations from local people, schools, and businesses.