LEAP was formed in 1992 in the Cambuslang area by people frustrated by a lack of things for older people to do.
Today, the organisation operates throughout South Lanarkshire and still provides cost-effective, quality learning and leisure opportunities. But it now also provides vital free befriending and handyperson services to help older people live in their own homes for longer, and a cost-effective home maintenance service.
It also runs three R:evolve Recycle clothing swap shops promoting sustainable clothing choices.
LEAP now employs 25 people and manages almost 300 volunteers who deliver most of its front-line services in befriending, handypersons and its shops
Our befriending and handyperson services help people remain safely in their homes for longer. Most of these services are delivered by our team of volunteers who are given comprehensive training and are all cleared through PVG before they carry out their responsibilities.
97% of people receiving befriending and handyperson services say they feel less isolated and that their mental health and wellbeing has improved.
Our leisure and learning programme allows people to remain active in their community through the likes of keep fit classes, art, singing, craft workshops and activities such as New Age Kurling, badminton and table tennis.
In addition to these services, LEAP now also provides a quality home maintenance service covering larger tasks such as flat-pack furniture building, smoke alarm installation and power-washing. All these jobs are quoted for so people know exactly what they will cost.
And when you use one of LEAP’s services you are being supported by an organisation that has:
- Awards for Investing in Volunteers and Quality in Befriending;
- A Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service;
- Won the Herald Society Award for Older people’s Project 2019; and
- Won VASLan’s Organisation of the Year 2021.
To find out more about LEAP’s services, or to volunteer with LEAP, visit www.leap-project.co.uk, call 0141 641 5169 or email enquiries@leap-project.co.uk
