This year, once again, third sector and faith organisations across Leeds have stepped forward to provide supportive Welcome Spaces where people can come together this winter. So far just under 160 organisations have received funding to provide Welcome Spaces in their neighbourhoods and to their communities.

 The Welcome Spaces partnership team, which includes Leeds Community Anchor Network, Leeds City Council and Voluntary Action Leeds have recently reviewed the network of Welcome Spaces and have identified a number of areas where we would like to develop more spaces. We have allocated a further £15,000 to ensure that our city has the best possible Welcome Spaces coverage and would like to encourage not for profit and faith organisations from the following places and groups to apply for funding (most funding awards will be between £500 and £1000).

 

Neighbourhoods:

·        Adel and Wharfedale

·        Morley North

·        Harewood

·        Calverley and Farsley

·        Ardsley & Robin Hood 

·        Farnley and Wortley

 

Communities of Interest

 

We would love to hear from any organisation who offer a space for specific communities of interest to come together and would particularly like encourage organisations working with the following groups to apply for funding:

·        disabled people

·        people with learning difficulties

·        armed forces veterans

 

Faith Communities

Similarly to last year, we have been bowled over by the positive response from our Anglican community, and have really good reprentaion across the city. We would particularly wish to encourage funding applications from other Faith communities.

 

If your organisation wishes to apply for funding you should read this guidance which includes a link to the short Expression of Interest application form. The deadline for funding is Friday 16th February 2024