How a £40,000 Grant is Transforming Lives of Older Residents in Leeds

The Hamara Centre, an ethnic minority charity based in Beeston, Leeds, has taken a significant step forward in supporting older residents, thanks to a generous £40,000 grant from the national charity, Independent Age.

This new funding has allowed Hamara to expand its services, particularly in the area of cost-of-living support for the elderly—a crucial development at a time when nearly 2 million older people are living in poverty across the UK.

Expanding Support with New Roles

The grant from Independent Age has facilitated the hiring of two key roles at the Hamara Centre: an Older People’s Benefits Advice and Support Worker, and a Befriender. These roles are instrumental in addressing the challenges faced by older residents, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds who may not be fully aware of the benefits and services available to them.

The Older People’s Benefits Advice and Support Worker focuses on helping the elderly navigate the often complex process of applying for benefits, ensuring they receive the financial support they are entitled to. This role also involves providing guidance on housing issues and connecting individuals with other relevant services. With many older people struggling to make ends meet, this assistance can be life-changing, helping them maintain a dignified standard of living.

The Befriender, on the other hand, plays a critical role in combating social isolation, a growing concern among older adults, particularly in economically deprived areas. This position is not limited to current service users; it involves proactive outreach in the broader community. By running drop-in sessions at various local services, the Befriender identifies older residents who could benefit from the Hamara Centre’s support but have not yet accessed it. This outreach is essential for reaching vulnerable individuals who might otherwise remain unnoticed.

Hamara Centre: A Community Pillar Since 1994

Established in 1994 as a small initiative to support the South Asian elderly population in Beeston, Leeds, the Hamara Centre has grown into the largest ethnic minority charity in Yorkshire. Today, the centre boasts a team of over 30 staff members and 15 volunteers, collectively speaking more than 15 different languages, reflecting the diverse community they serve. Located in one of the most economically deprived areas in the country, the centre's growth is a testament to its vital role in the community.

Aftab, a 71-year-old chair of the men’s elder group and one of the centre's founding members, highlights the ongoing struggles faced by those who use the centre. He notes that the cost of living remains a significant challenge for many, with rising expenses forcing some to dip into their savings or avoid social activities altogether. Aftab emphasises the importance of community and social interaction, stressing that financial constraints should not prevent anyone from participating in the centre’s activities.

The Hamara Centre works hard to ensure that cost does not become a barrier to social inclusion, offering support where needed to encourage participation.

A Broad Range of Services for All Ages

While the Hamara Centre began with a focus on the elderly South Asian community, it has since broadened its scope to serve a wide range of age groups and needs within the local population. The centre offers a variety of services, including a youth club, a Saturday school for primary-aged children, support for adults with learning disabilities, assistance with accessing health services, a food bank, and a cultural food hub. This wide array of services underscores the centre’s commitment to supporting the community at every stage of life.

However, the centre remains particularly dedicated to its older residents. The older people’s project currently serves around 90 members, with initiatives aimed at reducing social isolation, addressing digital exclusion, tackling poverty, and improving health outcomes.

These services run from Monday to Friday, providing consistent and reliable support. Remarkably, several of the founding members of the centre are still actively involved, including one who recently celebrated their 103rd birthday and continues to serve on the board of trustees.

Independent Age: A National Partner in Supporting Older People

Independent Age is a national charity focused on providing advice and support for older people facing financial hardship. Through its cost-of-living fund, the charity has awarded £3 million to 77 organisations across the UK, including the Hamara Centre. The funding aims to enhance the capacity of local organisations to support older people during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Hannah Lison, Head of Grants & Partnerships at Independent Age, expressed her pride in partnering with the Hamara Centre. She acknowledges the severe impact of rising costs on older people, particularly those on fixed incomes, and praises the Hamara Centre for its effective use of the grant to support the local community. By collaborating with organisations like Hamara, Independent Age ensures that its support reaches those who need it most.

A Commitment to Improving Lives

The £40,000 grant from Independent Age has empowered the Hamara Centre to make a tangible difference in the lives of older residents in Leeds. By expanding its services and reaching out to more individuals in need, the centre continues to fulfil its mission of supporting the community, particularly those in later life. The collaboration between Hamara and Independent Age is a powerful example of how targeted funding can drive meaningful change, ensuring that older people receive the support they need to live with dignity and independence.

This ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for older residents is a cornerstone of the Hamara Centre's work, reflecting its broader mission to serve the diverse needs of the Beeston community. As the centre continues to grow and evolve, it remains a vital resource for those who might otherwise be overlooked, providing not just support, but a sense of belonging and community.