Please note: The content on these pages is a working draft and is currently being co-designed with stakeholders and website users. Your feedback is welcome as we continue to refine and improve these resources.
It’s important to know where to turn for support when we need it – whether it’s for our mental health, staying active, socialising, or for practical issues like money and housing. In Leeds, there are a wide variety of services that can help you maintain your wellbeing, stay connected, and live independently.
To make it easier for you to find the right support, we’ve grouped services and information into categories. Just click on the headings below to explore what’s available. Let us know if you spot any activities that are no longer running or that should be added and we’ll update our list!
Digital inclusion and learning
- AbilityNet – For older or disabled people looking for help with their technology, AbilityNet offers free IT support in the home or over the phone, as well as useful guides on how to make digital technology accessible. Visit AbilityNet.
- Citizens Online – Citizens Online can provide support with digital skills from one of their trained Digital Champions. They offer a freephone Digital Skills Helpline for people who need help to get started. If you, or someone you know, needs help with basic digital skills or support getting online, you can call their free helpline: 0808 196 5883. One of their team of trained digital champions will offer friendly, patient support over the phone. Visit Citizens Online.
- Digital Health Hubs – Community organisations across Leeds with trusted people on hand to help you overcome barriers to using technology, including using tools to improve your health and wellbeing. Find your nearest hub.
- 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.
- 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.
- Leeds City Council’s 100% Digital Leeds – Provides tablet lending schemes, online learning, and digital skills support for older adults. Visit 100% Digital Leeds.
- 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.
Exercise and staying active
Leeds has many places for older people to exercise, including leisure centres, parks, and programmes for people with health conditions:
- 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.
- Age UK Leeds: Hosts regular wellbeing and exercise events, including a new Moving with Confidence programme.
- 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 at risk of falls that includes chair-based and standing exercises to improve strength, balance and co-ordination.
- 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.
- Older Wiser Local Seniors (OWLS): Help seniors in Burley, Hyde Park, Little Woodhouse, Headingley, and Kirkstall stay healthy and independent.
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.
Local Directories
- 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.
Mental health and emotional support
Physical health and wellbeing support
- 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.
Practical support and advice
- 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.
- 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.
Social and wellbeing groups
Take a step towards prioritising your mental wellbeing and explore the diverse range of wellbeing groups and activities available online or in your local community, including:
- Regular wellbeing groups and activities
- Creative groups and activities
- Physical exercise groups and activities
- Outdoor groups and activities
- Peer support groups
Support for carers
- 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 community involvement
- Voluntary Action Leeds (VAL) – Provides volunteering opportunities and support for people wanting to get involved in their community. Get involved.
- Time to Shine – Volunteering for older adults – A project aimed at reducing social isolation through volunteer-led activities. Learn more.
- 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!