Leeds
Public Health Initiatives
Information about public health campaigns, vaccination programs, and community health initiatives in Leeds.
Sections
1. One You Leeds
Overview:
One You Leeds is a free healthy living service commissioned by Leeds City Council. It is designed to help residents make healthier lifestyle choices, focusing on areas such as weight management, physical activity, smoking cessation, and healthy eating.
Key Services:
- Weight Management: Group sessions and one-on-one support to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
- Smoking Cessation: Free support to quit smoking, including access to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and behavioral counseling.
- Physical Activity: Guidance and programs to help people incorporate more physical activity into their daily lives.
- Healthy Eating: Advice and workshops on improving diet and cooking healthy meals.
Costs:
All services provided by One You Leeds are free of charge for residents.
How to Access:
- Visit the website: One You Leeds
- Call: 0800 169 4219
- Self-referral or referral by a healthcare professional (e.g., GP).
Local Considerations:
- Services are tailored to the needs of Leeds residents, with specific programs for different demographics, including families, older adults, and those with long-term health conditions.
- Sessions are held at various community centers and online for convenience.
2. Leeds Let's Get Active
Overview:
Leeds Let's Get Active (LLGA) is a public health initiative aimed at encouraging physical activity by providing free or low-cost access to leisure centers and fitness programs.
Key Services:
- Free or discounted gym and swimming sessions at Leeds City Council leisure centers.
- Community-based physical activity programs, including walking groups and fitness classes.
Costs:
- Free sessions are available at specific times (check the LLGA website for details).
- Discounted memberships for low-income residents or those on certain benefits.
How to Access:
- Register online at Leeds Let's Get Active.
- Visit participating leisure centers to sign up in person.
Local Considerations:
- Sessions are available at multiple leisure centers across Leeds, including Armley Leisure Centre, John Charles Centre for Sport, and others.
- Some programs are targeted at specific groups, such as older adults or individuals with disabilities.
3. Better Together Leeds
Overview:
Better Together is a community health initiative that focuses on reducing health inequalities by supporting people to improve their physical and mental well-being.
Key Services:
- Social support groups to combat loneliness and isolation.
- Health and well-being workshops, including stress management and mindfulness.
- Signposting to other health services and community resources.
Costs:
Services are free for residents of Leeds.
How to Access:
- Contact the Better Together team via local community hubs or through partner organizations like Touchstone, Barca-Leeds, and Leeds Mind.
- Referrals can be made by GPs, social workers, or self-referral.
Local Considerations:
- Programs are delivered in local neighborhoods, making them accessible to residents in different parts of the city.
- Focus on underserved communities, including ethnic minorities and low-income groups.
4. Leeds Food Partnership
Overview:
The Leeds Food Partnership (LFP) promotes healthy eating and sustainable food practices across the city. It is part of the Sustainable Food Cities Network.
Key Services:
- Community cooking classes and workshops.
- Support for accessing affordable, healthy food through food banks and community markets.
- Initiatives to reduce food waste and promote sustainable food practices.
Costs:
Most services are free or low-cost, depending on the program.
How to Access:
- Visit the Leeds Food Partnership website: Leeds Food Partnership.
- Participate in events and workshops advertised through local community centers and social media.
Local Considerations:
- Programs are often run in collaboration with local charities and community groups.
- Specific initiatives, such as the "Veg Cities" campaign, encourage residents to eat more vegetables and support local growers.
5. MindWell Leeds
Overview:
MindWell is a mental health resource hub for Leeds, providing information and support for individuals looking to improve their mental well-being.
Key Services:
- Online resources for managing stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Signposting to local mental health services, including counseling and therapy.
- Support for employers to promote mental health in the workplace.
Costs:
Access to the MindWell website and resources is free. Costs for specific services (e.g., private counseling) may vary.
How to Access:
- Visit the website: MindWell Leeds.
- Use the self-help tools or contact recommended services directly.
Local Considerations:
- MindWell is designed specifically for Leeds residents, with a focus on local services and support networks.
- Resources are available in multiple languages to cater to the cityโs diverse population.
6. Active Leeds Health Programmes
Overview:
Active Leeds offers specialized health programs for individuals with specific health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or obesity.
Key Services:
- Exercise referral schemes: Tailored fitness programs prescribed by healthcare professionals.
- Cardiac rehabilitation and diabetes management programs.
- Falls prevention classes for older adults.
Costs:
- Some programs are free, while others may have a small fee (e.g., ยฃ2-ยฃ5 per session).
How to Access:
- Referral by a GP or healthcare professional is required for most programs.
- Contact Active Leeds directly for more information: Active Leeds.
Local Considerations:
- Programs are delivered at various leisure centers and community venues across Leeds.
- Designed to support individuals with long-term health conditions or those recovering from illness.
7. Leeds Sexual Health Services
Overview:
Leeds Sexual Health provides free and confidential sexual health services, including contraception, STI testing, and treatment.
Key Services:
- Free STI testing and treatment.
- Access to contraception, including emergency contraception.
- Sexual health education and advice.
Costs:
All services are free.
How to Access:
- Visit the Leeds Sexual Health website: Leeds Sexual Health.
- Walk-in clinics are available, or appointments can be booked online or by phone.
Local Considerations:
- Clinics are located across the city, including the Merrion Centre and Burmantofts Health Centre.
- Services are inclusive and cater to all genders, sexual orientations, and age groups.
8. Leeds Public Health Campaigns
Overview:
Leeds City Council runs various public health campaigns throughout the year to raise awareness about key health issues, such as mental health, smoking cessation, and healthy eating.
Key Campaigns:
- "Time to Talk Leeds" (mental health awareness).
- "Stoptober" (smoking cessation).
- "Change4Life" (healthy eating and physical activity for families).
Costs:
Participation in campaigns and access to resources is free.
How to Access:
- Follow Leeds City Councilโs social media channels or visit their website for updates: Leeds City Council.
Local Considerations:
- Campaigns often include local events, workshops, and free resources distributed in schools, workplaces, and community centers.
Final Notes:
Leeds is committed to improving the health and well-being of its residents through accessible, inclusive, and community-focused initiatives. Most services are free or low-cost, ensuring affordability for all. For visitors or new immigrants, these programs provide an excellent opportunity to integrate into the community while prioritizing health and well-being.