National Lottery funding award to help older people connect and thrive.

Feel Good Factor has been awarded £325K to deliver “Choices Together” and strengthen support for older people from culturally diverse communities.

Leeds charity Feel Good Factor has secured £325,140 from The National Lottery Community Fund to deliver a major programme supporting people aged 50 and over across Chapeltown, Harehills and neighbouring communities over the next three years.

The funding will enable Feel Good Factor to expand Choices Together, a community-led project designed to reduce loneliness, improve wellbeing and help older people stay active, connected and independent.

The project will bring people together through a regular programme of social, creative, physical and practical activities that reflect the interests, cultures and experiences of local communities.

Alongside activities, participants will be able to access peer support, wellbeing conversations, volunteering opportunities and help to connect with specialist services when needed.

A key element of the project is the continuation and growth of Feel Good Factor’s well-established men’s work. The charity has delivered men’s groups for the past eight years through short-term funding arrangements. The National Lottery award provides longer-term stability, allowing the service to develop further and provide consistent support for men who may otherwise experience loneliness, poor mental health or social isolation.

The project’s weekly Saturday Social programme will become a focal point of community activity. Developed in response to feedback from local older people, it recognises that weekends are often the most difficult time for people experiencing loneliness and isolation. Around 25 people attend each week, creating opportunities to build friendships, learn new skills and access practical support in a welcoming environment.

Angela Goodyear, Co-Director of Projects & Partnerships at Feel Good Factor, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to receive this support from The National Lottery Community Fund. Choices Together will help older people build friendships, improve their wellbeing and feel more connected to their communities. The funding also means we can continue and strengthen our men’s wellbeing work, which has become a lifeline for many local people over recent years. We are incredibly grateful to National Lottery players for making this possible.”

As well as funding frontline delivery, the grant will support organisational sustainability and leadership transition work, helping to secure Feel Good Factor’s long-term future and protect trusted local services for years to come.

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