Burmantoftsis an inner-city area of Leeds and is amongst the most deprived areas in the country: 

• On the Multiple of deprivation Index the area is ranked within the 10% most deprived areas in England. 
• On the Average Deprivation Decile for the city it scores highest for poverty, unemployment, education, skills and training, and disability.
• It has one of the highest scores in the city on crime and poor living environment, and poor access to housing and services.
• There is very little green space in the area and there are limited recreational facilities.
• In the last ten years there has been a significant change in the demographic make-up of the community with international migration into the area including refugees and asylum seekers. Many are young adults, themselves isolated and unfamiliar with the local community. 
•  This rapid change is believed to be a factor in the increasing isolation, fear and loneliness felt both within the static and incoming population.

Who we are and what we do…….

Burmantofts Senior Action CIO(BSA) has provided services and activities for older people in its catchment area of Burmantofts, Lincoln Green, Ebor Gardens and part of Harehills since 1994, under an umbrella charity (1051368). 

BSA has always worked to enhance the quality of life of older people (aged 60+) helping them live independent lives in their own homes for a long as possible.

Many of those we support live-in high-rise flats which can be very isolating, particularly with a disability, and can contribute to depression, social isolation and poor access to services.  

We are seeing an increasing number of referrals with complex needs, including dementia, social isolation, bereavement, depression and mental health issues, including hoarding behaviours and self-neglect, frailty and mobility issues. A high proportion of older people living in the area have some level of disability, often related to the cumulative effects of long-term poverty and poor housing. 

Our focus is on enhancing the quality of life of the individuals living within our catchment area by providing a mix of services, support and activities which: 

• Reduce isolation and loneliness. 
• Help people to live independently and safely in their own homes. 
• Improve the understanding of wellbeing and healthier life choices. 
• Provide information, signposting and advice to enable people to have choice and control over the way they live their lives. 
• Encourage contribution to, and involvement in, the management, delivery and future of the scheme.