All aboard for our visit to south Leeds community organisations

We had a brilliant time at our recent Community Engagement Event! The annual event is an opportunity for some of our partners and supporters to visit organisations that have had funding from Leeds Community Foundation, and learn more about the impact of their donations first-hand.

This year we took a tour of south Leeds aboard a coach generously provided by FirstBus and York Pullman. We’d like to give a special thanks to our driver, Phil, who made sure we made it to each destination safely!

Stop 1 – Re:establish

Our first stop on the tour was Re:establish. They empower young people to discover and actively pursue opportunities to develop their potential and positively improve their lives, whilst enhancing the lives of others. We were lucky to visit their newly-renovated community space, The Loft. There, Team Leader & Development Manager, Jo, shared insights into their work with young people aged 7–19, focusing on early intervention and mentorship. Their programs aim to improve physical and mental health, life skills and aspirations, especially for those at risk of abuse, offending, or school dropout.

Stop 2 – St Luke’s Cares

Next up was St Luke’s Cares. They’re a charity working with communities through a wide variety of community and youth projects, an innovative charity shop and furniture warehouse. Interim CEO, Rachel Reddington, and co Interim Manager,, Sally Thums, discussed their 20-year mission to empower residents in Beeston, Holbeck, Hunslet and Middleton Park. Their approach includes building trust, boosting confidence and addressing personal barriers to help people reach their potential. While there, we had the chance to enjoy homemade Baklava and branded cupcakes. We even played a game of standing bingo!

Stop 3 – Health for All

Our final stop of the day was Health for All. They believe in and work towards a society free from inequality, poverty and isolation. We heard from Bally Kaur, Healthy Communities Manager, Alison Reynolds, Healthy Minds Manager, and Trustee Martin Dean. We were also treated to a fantastic Diva Dance performance by Vandan, relaxing hand massages and engaging craft activities. Plus, delicious samosas that guests wanted even more of!

Addressing guests, Leeds Community Foundation Chief Executive, Steph Taylor, celebrated the organisations’ focus on the assets in communities. She commended their approach of harnessing the strengths, skills and resources within their communities to foster empowerment, rather than concentrating on deficits or problems.

Feedback from our attendees included “This is always my favourite event of the year. I found the visits really uplifting. I also made some great connections.” and “We had a fabulous day. The students said it was lifechanging. They had no idea about life and community projects in south Leeds.”.

If you want to learn more about how you can join us to make even more of a difference together, take a look at the ways you can support the Foundation here.