OPAL (Older People’s Action in the Locality) is a registered charity and was established in January 2002 as part of the Leeds Neighbourhood Network schemes. We support older people within the Cookridge, Adel and Bramhope areas to live safe, healthy, independent lives without isolation. This is achieved through a range of services and activities including advice, information, advocacy, social and healthy activities and home support.
OPAL is managed by a management committee. We have 4 part time members of staff and over 80 volunteers.
We have a contract with Leeds Adult Social Care from 2010-1015 and this provides 50-60% of our funding. The rest is obtained from Charitable Trusts, fund raising, donations and self-generated funding.
In July we had a successful Investors in People review where it was noted that:-
* The numbers of volunteers continue to grow and they are a dedicated team who believe the service is a fantastic help to older people in the community and contribute to its success.
* Despite the constraints of funding and the ever increasing demands of the services, staff remain loyal, enthusiastic and motivated to ensure the service continues to put members at the heart of everything they do.
* The mix of committee members has helped to generate discussion and decision making that balances passion for the service and commercial requirements for the future.
* OPAL continues to evaluate the quality and range of services and remains effective in listening to staff, volunteers and other stakeholders and in particular its members and uses feedback to improve service.