Zest is an independent non-profit organisation and registered charity which offers support and opportunity to people living in disadvantaged areas of Leeds. We aim to address health inequalities and social isolation through activities which improve physical, mental, social, emotional and economic wellbeing. 

The 2019 Index of Multiple Deprivation shows that austerity continues to widen the gap between the rich and poor. In Leeds there are now 186,000 people living in areas classified as deprived, compared to 164,000 in 2015 and 150,000 in 2010. With a further 9 Lower Super Output Areas falling into the bottom 10%, meaning that 24% of Leeds LSOA are now in the lowest decile nationally. Of the 48 LSOA making up Inner East Leeds there are 42 ranked in the bottom 10% meaning that 36% of the bottom 10% LSOA in Leeds are found in three wards of Inner East.  

The 2018 annual report from the Director of Public Health in Leeds highlights this widening inequality. Saying that while Leeds has enjoyed exceptionally strong recent economic growth, for people living in deprived areas the growth the rest of the city has experienced has not trickled down, and their living standards have got worse. The report acknowledges that growth in the city is failing those furthest from the top table.

It is within this backdrop of ongoing austerity, widening inequality and increasing poverty that Zest works with people to improve life chances.