This milestone marks the city’s growing commitment to creating inclusive and supportive environments for older people and those living with dementia, making Leeds a national leader in age-friendly business practices.
The initiative, delivered by Leeds Older People’s Forum in partnership with Age Friendly Leeds, supports businesses in taking simple, practical steps to improve accessibility and provide a welcoming and positive experience for all. Exceeding its original target of 250 Age and Dementia Friendly organisations, the scheme has steadily gained popularity since its launch in 2019.
Participating businesses receive:
- Access to staff training such as Wise Up to Ageism and Dementia Friends sessions
- Public recognition through Leeds Older People’s Forum and Leeds Directory
- Promotional support and social media exposure
- Opportunities to engage with older customers and volunteers more effectively
With over 54p in every £1 spent in the UK by people over 50, and projected to rise to 63p by 2040 by the International Longevity Centre UK, the benefits of becoming age- and dementia-friendly extend beyond social responsibility; they also make good business sense.
Sarah Prescott, the Friendly Communities Development Officer at Leeds Older People’s Forum, said:
We’re obviously keen to keep going as there are so many more places that could make changes and adaptations, raise awareness and remove barriers so that older people and people living with dementia can keep doing the things they want and need to do to age well and be an active part of our city.
Businesses becoming Age and Dementia Friendly is just one part of a wider programme of work aimed at reducing social isolation, improving accessibility, and promoting independence for older residents. Some other key initiatives include:
The ‘Come In and Rest’ Scheme, which invites businesses and community venues to display a “Come In and Rest” sticker, signalling that older people are welcome to sit down and rest without the need to make a purchase. It helps reduce barriers to leaving the house, especially for those with mobility issues, fatigue, or hidden disabilities. Participating venues range from cafes and shops to libraries and GP surgeries, all of which help make everyday outings easier and more comfortable.
At the heart of Age Friendly work in Leeds is the Friendly Communities initiative, a partnership between Leeds Older People’s Forum, Leeds City Council, and community organisations across the city.
More than just delivering activities, Friendly Communities is about amplifying the voices of older people, people living with dementia, their carers and supporters, ensuring they play a central role in shaping change in the city. Through steering groups, the Age Friendly Ambassadors programme, the Older People’s Hub, and DEEP (the Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project), individuals are supported to share their experiences, influence decisions, and lead change in their communities.
Businesses and organisations that want to be part of this transformative movement can sign up and access free resources at Leeds Older People’s Forum.
Take a look at the Businesses and organisations that have already signed up here: Age and Dementia Friendly Businesses
Sources
International Longevity Centre UK (ILC), 2023. Money well spent – Overcoming barriers to spending in later life. [online] Available at: ilcuk.org.uk
Notes to editors
Leeds is a member of the World Health Organisation’s Global Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities. The ambition is for Leeds to be the best city in which to grow old and a place where people can age well.
About Leeds Older People’s Forum (LOPF)
A network of third-sector organisations working with and for older people. LOPF wants to ensure older people have the opportunities, choices, and support they need to live the lives they want. LOPF is a registered charity.
About Age Friendly Leeds
The Age Friendly Leeds Partnership brings together statutory, voluntary, and private sectors to:
- Address the priorities identified by older people in relation to making Leeds an age-friendly city
- Build awareness of age friendly priorities and actions
- Assess how age friendly the city is against the World Health Organisation’s eight Age Friendly domains
- Support age friendly initiatives which help us to work towards Leeds becoming an age friendly city
- Support staff training and development
- Develop key linkages with other groups that enhance health and social care services for older people
- Work to challenge and remove the structural and social barriers faced by older people
Membership includes Age UK Leeds, Care and Repair Leeds, Centre for Ageing Better, Feel Good Factor, Groundwork Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds City Council, Leeds Older People’s Forum, Leeds Dementia Action Alliance, Leeds Playhouse, University of Leeds, and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.