Celebrating ‘place’ with Leeds Civic Trust

A year of community action has seen 500 Leeds residents take part in heritage activities thanks to funding from the Leeds Civic Trust Community Fund. 6 community organisations each received a share of £100,000 from the fund to respond to the theme ‘Celebration of Place’.  

During the first year of their 2-year grants, the organisations have engaged local people in a variety of activities to celebrate places, communities and their histories. From exploring dance in African communities of East and North-East Leeds, to commemorating tales of Halton Moor and Osmondthorpe in stained glass, and all sorts in between. 

Working with local people on their projects is fostering community connections. 400 participants say they now feel a stronger sense of belonging to their community, while 200 have a better understanding of other cultures. 

One organisation, RETAS (Refugee Education and Training Advice Service) supports the social, cultural and economic integration of refugees and asylum seekers in West Yorkshire. Their ‘Patchwork Project’ is a celebration of Harehills focused on the idea of ‘home’. 

During the first year of their grant, RETAS created an exhibition of photographic portraits. Everyone featured in the exhibition lives or works in Harehills. The images and stories reflect the positive impact and legacy of the people who have sought sanctuary in local communities and made Harehills their home. 

They also created a community recipe book full of meals from the different cultures that make up the area. The recipe book celebrates people coming together to share food and learn about each other’s stories.

We’re proud to partner with Leeds Civic Trust to deliver the Community Fund, and previously the Community Heritage Fund. Together, we’re creating opportunities and helping to build a fairer Leeds for everyone. 

If you want to know more about how you could invest in Leeds communities, take a look at our Giving page or contact us at info@leedscf.org.uk.