• Young people aged 18 to 24 were less likely to volunteer regularly (22%) compared to 26% in all other age groups. • People from BME communities were more likely to volunteer (30%) than those from non-BME communities (25%). • Participation in volunteering increased steadily as with perceptions of better health. Only 13% of people with bad or very bad health volunteered regularly compared with 28% of those with good or very good health.
• People with dependency needs due to disabilities (41%) and in poor health (21%). • People not working due to illness, disability or unemployment (21%). • People living in low income households i.e. under £10,000 (16%). • People living in rented accommodation (16%) and people living alone (11%). • Smokers (13%), people who are not physically active (13%).
Accessing groups providing support 4
• People from ethnic minority communities (11%), twice the rate of the White population.
• 1 in 3 of older people, disabled people and carers found it difficult to access groups which provide support for people with specific health and social care needs.
• Young people, i.e. those aged 18 to 24, 14%. This was much higher than those aged under 65, 7%, vs. those aged over 65 (4%) and even those aged over 75 (5%).
• Victims of crime were most likely to have difficulty in accessing community services including those which provide support to remain independent, to improve mental well-being and specific health and social care needs. People in Dewsbury & Mirfield were least likely to:
Of those feeling isolated or lonely most or all of the time: • 66% had lower mental health status scores and also reported depression, anxiety or other nervous illness, vs. 21% overall.
- access such services
• 42% suffered pain, vs. 6% overall.
- be regularly involved in any community organisation
• 1 in 8 drank about the sensible limits of alcohol.
- 9 out of 10 people did not take part in local community activities.
• 1 in 4 did no physical activity.
Ever felt lonely or isolated where you live?5 Overall 20% adults felt lonely or isolated some, most or all of the time, similar for people under 65 and over 65. Those most likely to feel lonely or isolated most or all of the time were:
• 2 in 5 smoked.
Themes for action • For many people in some localities, especially for many young people across the district, there is a lack of a sense of belonging, feeling that people do not get on together and anti-social behaviour is a real
Health and well-being issues for adults 97