STEP (Supporting The Elderly People)

STEP is one of the Leeds Neighbourhood Network Schemes. These originate from the Belle Isle Elderly Winter Aid established in the early 1980's.These schemes provide a range of activities that promote health, well-being and independence of their members including advice and information services, help around the home, healthy living activities and opportunities for recreation. Schemes are managed and run by older people for older people.

STEP is for people over 60 who live in the West Park, Far Headingley, Kirkstall and some of the Meanwood areas.

The STEP coordinator is based at St Andrew's Church,Butcher Hill, Leeds LS16 5BG (telephone 0113 2757988). STEP has its own website www.stepleeds.org.uk where more details of STEP's activities can be found.

If you would like to join (membership is free), or to participate in the arranged activities STEP will be pleased to hear from you. If you would like to make an appointment for a home visit to find out how STEP may be able to help you please give them a call.

A coffee morning is held every Thursday between 10 - 12 at St Andrew's church. A DROP-IN session is also held during the coffee morning, usually every 3rd Thursday of each month. The local neighbourhood police and housing advisors are in attendance to provide advice and take note of any matters concerning local people. It's the perfect time to raise HOUSING and POLICE issues with the officials who serve the area, and of course, to sample Joyce's superb tea and coffee.

Various day trips have already taken place, and more are planned for the future. Trips which have already taken place include a visit to Blackpool and Skipton, a tour around Leeds Civic Hall (including tea with the Lord Mayor), and a visit to YTV to watch a recording of Countdown.

The Gentle Exercise group has recently started, along with the STEP Walking group.

STEP is looking to recruit volunteers to help run the project, assisting with admin work or getting involved in the following:

• Befrienders - who can visit an older person in their home to have a cuppa and a chat
• Drivers - who can transport older people to and from our local drop in groups
• Escorters - who can escort an older person on a day trip/outing
• DIYers - who can carry out small repairs on an "as and when" basis
• Helpers - who can assist at the Drop In groups