Our Stories:
Meet Fran

“People are telling us about how coming here makes them feel safe, makes them feel welcome, makes them feel as if they’ve got a purpose and a reason for getting up. All of the team, so the front house team or the cafe team, work really hard at identifying who looks lonely. Who they spot coming in who might just be on their own, or not really looking quite happy, or they might just want to chat. They’ll engage with them, introduce them to somebody. 

People have started to really know that if they turn up here, they’ll get some help. You’ll get some support because of the organisations we have in the building. We have six charities that run out of here. We’ve had quite a few people who started out visiting us, and now they either go to a group or they’re running a group themselves, or they’ve ended up working for us. 

One of the main challenges for us is the cost to run the building. It’s an old building. It leaks a bit, and bits fall off so financially that can be a real strain. Being self-sustaining is really important, ensuring we’re generating income for the building so that we’re still used by the community but not giving the space away for free. We want the community to be able to use the space and ensure we’re here for the long term, not just a hub that pops up and has to close.  

I think there’s real power in this building, bringing the local community together and supporting them in any way we’re able. It was a gift to East Leeds from Jimi Heselden and it should always feel special and lovely.” 

The Old Fire Station is a multipurpose community hub, providing a base for six local charities, along with rooms available to hire, a cookery school and a café for all of the community to enjoy. They’ve received a range of funding from Leeds Community Foundation, including grants for children’s holiday activities and the organisation’s strategic development.   

If you want to play your part in supporting brilliant local Community Organisations like The Old Fire Station, learn how you can support us, or reach out at info@leedscf.org.uk.