Please note: The content on these pages is a working draft and is currently being co-designed with people who will use it. Your feedback is welcome as we continue to refine and improve these resources.

If you’re aged 50 or over and living in Leeds, there’s a wide range of services and activities to help you stay well, enjoy life and feel connected.

Whether you want to learn new skills, stay active, find emotional support or join local groups – this page can help you get started.

Let us know if anything here is out of date – we’ll update it as soon as we can.

Digital skills and getting online

Want help using the internet or learning digital skills? These services can help you get online confidently – whether you’re new to digital or looking to improve.

  • AbilityNet – Free tech support for older or disabled people, at home or by phone. Visit AbilityNet.
  • Community Support Directory – Find trusted organisations near you offering help with digital access. Find your nearest place.
  • Digital helpline – Run by We Are Digital in partnership with Lloyds Bank, the digital helpline offers free one-to-one training sessions over the phone. Get in touch to book a free training session or to chat about any queries you may have: 0345 222 0333. Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. If you have a hearing or speech impairment you can book a session using Relay UK or BSL SignVideo.
  • Leeds Libraries digital support – Offers free computer access and help with using the internet at all libraries across Leeds. Find out more. You can also access their tablet lending scheme.
  • Leeds Adult Learning – Offers a range of first-step courses for adults, including digital and IT courses. Courses take place across the city in a variety of different venues, though most are currently delivered virtually. Whether you are looking to learn a new skill or develop your skills to find work, there will be a course for you. Many courses are free subject to personal circumstances. Visit Leeds Adult Learning.
  • Learn My Way – Free online courses to help people learn digital skills like sending emails, using social media, or accessing online health services. Learn more.
Staying active and moving more

Keeping active can boost your physical and mental wellbeing as you age. Whether you’re just getting started or want to try something new, there are plenty of ways to move more in Leeds – at your own pace.

  • Active Leeds: Offers a variety of activities for older people, including Age Friendly programmes, gyms, fitness classes, and swimming. They also have programs for people with health conditions, such as Keep Moving, a low-impact exercise class.
  • Active Leeds Keeping Well at Home: Resources to support people who prefer to be active from home, there are a range of digital and physical resources available which can be requested by emailing health.programmes@leeds.gov.uk. There are also support programmes available to keep people motivated and provide tailored personalised activities for people with health or mobility problems.
  • Age UK Leeds: Hosts regular wellbeing and exercise events, including a new Moving with Confidence programme.
  • Dance On!: Fun, sociable dance sessions for over 55s run by Yorkshire Dance, with 24 classes now running across Leeds and Bradford. Everyone is welcome, and your first taster session is free.
  • Parks and green spaces: Leeds has plenty of green spaces for activities like walking, cycling, and games.
  • Falls Prevention Postural Stability Classes: A structured program for people aged 60+ at risk of falls that includes chair-based and standing exercises to improve strength, balance and coordination, including the new Strength & Balance Hub at the Old Fire Station in Gipton.
  • Leeds Encouraging Activity in People (LEAP): Provides personalised support to people with health conditions who want to move more.
  • Neighbourhood Networks: Locally-led organisations that help older people live independently and stay active in their communities. For more information contact your nearest neighbourhood.
  • Your Back Yard: Providing opportunities for people in Leeds, particularly older adults, to get more active.

For more tips and ideas, visit our Exercise and Move Your Way section or download our Move Your Way resource for advice on moving more at home and outdoors.

Leeds is also part of Falls Prevention Week each September, which highlights that falls are not an inevitable part of ageing – most can be prevented through regular activity and good support.

Looking after your health

Get support to stay well and manage your health as you get older. From pain clinics to free NHS health checks and help to stop smoking – find services that can support your physical wellbeing.

  • Leeds Pain Management Service – Helps people to manage persistent or chronic pain and provides support and advice to help them improve their quality of life.  All referrals must come directly from a health professional. If you think you would like to use the service, please visit your GP who can make a referral for you. Find out more about the service on their website.
  • Leeds Stop Smoking Services – A free local service offering support with stopping smoking.
  • NHS Health Checks – Free health checks for people aged 65+ to assess risks of developing health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and dementia. Find out about NHS health checks.
  • Forward Leeds – Free local service offering support with alcohol and drug use. Find out about the latest advice for alcohol usage in later life.
Mental health and emotional support

It’s normal for your mental health needs to change as you get older. These services offer emotional support, peer groups and helplines – including options for people aged 50+.

Practical help and advice

Need help with money worries, housing, or planning for later life? Find trusted local advice and services to help you stay independent and navigate life’s challenges.

  • Age UK Leeds – Offers a range of services, as well as information and advice on topics including practical help at home, benefit options, legal advice, planning future care needs, home services, advice on aids and adaptations at tome, and care homes and retirement living. They can offer home visits for clients who need them. Visit their Guide to Later Life in Leeds or visit their website for more information. You can also contact them by calling 0113 389 3000 or emailing info@ageukleeds.org.uk.
  • Citizens Advice Leeds – Offers free and confidential advice on a wide range of topics, including benefits, debt, and housing. Visit Citizens Advice.
  • Leeds Welfare Rights Unit – Helps with understanding benefits, including attendance allowance and pension credit. Get advice.
  • MindWell’s practical advice section – Find resources and support on a range of practical issues, from cost-of living support, to housing and homelessness, and debt and money worries.
  • Together Leeds – Find help with the cost of living, including finance, housing and heating. Visit Together Leeds.
  • Travel Connections is a project aimed at helping older people feel more confident travelling alone. They can arrange for travel buddies and accessible taxi options, especially for older people with disability, or dementia-related needs. Learn more through the Leeds Older People’s Forum’s Travel Connections page or email them at info@opforum.org.uk.
Social groups and wellbeing activities

Staying connected can make a big difference to your wellbeing. Find befriending services, social groups, and community activities to meet new people and feel part of something.

Or visit our general pages for people of all ages:

 

Local Directories

Looking for something specific? These directories can help you find services near you – including care providers, health support, activities, and practical help across Leeds.

  • Leeds Directory – Comprehensive, free local directory, that provides details of over 1,700 services in Leeds, from personal care to home maintenance and social activities. Visit Leeds Directory.
  • Leeds Community Healthcare Directory – Provides information about NHS services and community health support across Leeds. Access the directory.
  • MindWell’s mental health services page – A helpful guide to local mental health support and services. Explore services.
Support for carers

If you’re looking after someone else, there’s support available for you too. These services offer advice, one-to-one help, and social activities for unpaid carers in Leeds.

  • Age Leeds Guide to Later Life in Leeds – Information and advice for older adults in Leeds including how to arrange help at home, hospital to home service, home comfort service, planning future care needs, funding care, other home services, care homes and retirement living. Visit online booklet.
  • Carers Leeds – Offers support, advice, and social activities for unpaid carers. Access support from Carers Leeds. Carers Leeds also offers one-to-one support sessions to help unpaid carers get online and feel more confident using the internet.
  • MindWell’s carer support resources – Find information and signposting for carers looking after someone with mental health needs. Visit the page.
Volunteering and getting involved

Want to give something back, connect with others or build your confidence? Volunteering is a great way to get involved and support your local community – on your terms.

  • Voluntary Action Leeds (VAL) – Provides volunteering opportunities and support for people wanting to get involved in their community. Get involved.
  • MindWell’s volunteering and wellbeing – Explore our volunteer section for ideas on how to get involved. Or why not volunteer with MindWell and apply to become a MindWell Champion!