The Big Leeds Chat roadshow took us to OPAL, Rainbow Junk-tion and Little London. OPAL supports older people to live happy, healthy, informed lives in their own homes while Rainbow Junk-tion is an independent pay-as-you-feel community café that aims to reduce food waste, feed hungry people and build community.
A total of 23 people took part in these Big Leeds Chats. What did people say in Woodsley and Holt Park?
During our chats at OPAL, Rainbow Junk-tion and Little London, we heard a lot about how the pandemic had put a strain on people’s mental health. The isolation and uncertainty really took its toll on many, although a few others said that working had helped them keep a much-needed sense of stability.
Parents told us about how hard the pandemic had been on children and young people’s mental health, and it had been tough keeping them entertained during the long days of home-schooling. People would like to see much more for locals of all ages (but especially children and families) to do in the area, and thought organised spaces and activities might be a really useful and sensitive way to support everyone to look after their physical and mental health.
Housing is an issue for local people in Woodsley and Holt Park. Sometimes, lockdowns had shown up the inherent difficulties of house shares and closely packed housing units, with residents with less space seeing their relationships with neighbours and housemates come under strain. Other people shared that their house wasn’t suitable to their needs, but they’d found other options unaffordable or they hadn’t been given high enough priority by Housing Options to have a chance of moving any time soon. It was clear that lots of Woodsley & Holt Park residents loved to see local people coming together to support one another, and some of the people we spoke to told us they were volunteers for community organisations.
What next steps for Woodsley & Holt Park did this chat inspire in our decision-makers?
“I heard about the isolating impact of pandemic and the challenges of non face-to-face mental health support. We need to consider how we support those who feel isolated, especially in terms of access to telephone/remote services.”
“Consider neighbourhood assets & geography as barriers to healthy lifestyles and isolation”
“Power of volunteering. Woman was so active because she lives alone.”
