Voluntary Action Leeds (VAL) is keen to highlight the good news stories coming through from the Leeds Welcome Spaces Scheme. This winter over 200 Third and Faith Sector organisations have opened their doors to the public to offer a safe, warm and welcoming space. Space2 are the Lead Community Anchor in the area, and they hooked us up with fellow arts based organsation for a visit to one of their Welcome Spaces:  

The third in our 2025/26 blog series focus is on Gipton and The East Leeds Project.  

The Henry Barran Centre nestles in the middle of the North Gipton estate. From the outside, with its barred windows and graffitied doors, it can look a little unloved. Step inside, though, and you find a vibrant treasure trove of community organisations, assets, and inspirations. 

The East Leeds Project moved into the Henry Barran Centre last September. You would think they had been there much longer, the place already feels like home.

“We run our Welcome Space on a Thursday morning,” Claire Irving, Director of East Leeds Project, tells us. “It’s mainly women who drop in for a cup of tea, some cake, and a natter. The group then cook and eat together before moving into creative activities that bring everyone together.” 

Rooting themselves in the building and the community was important for Claire. The building has been through so many changes over the years that simply spreading the word that people are welcome and they are open again can be a barrier in itself. 

Speak to two Welcome Space visitors and local residents, and they remember accessing the centre as children, coming here for community dances and youth groups. Now, their own children use the space, and they are keen to help promote it to their neighbours too. 

Claire expresses how important this space is. In North Gipton, 38% of household are living in fuel poverty. But Claire sees the assets before the deficits. “There are so many skills in our community, and as an arts organisation, we’re equipped to provide the tools for people to come together and contribute.”

It’s also about organisations coming together. Under one roof are other organisations such as Hamwattan, Nanu Sports, and Gipton Together, each offering something unique to the communities they serve. 

Claire admits they have found it difficult to encourage some people to take those first steps through the door. One way they addressed this barrier was by hosting a huge Christmas dinner. So, in December, Claire, supported by volunteers, including local elected members, cooked Christmas dinner for more than 100 people. 

It’s the stories of connection and giving people the space to thrive that show what Welcome Spaces can offer. Claire introduces us to Geraldine, who first attended the Welcome Space as a visitor. Claire soon discovered the gifts Geraldine had to share. 

“What we have here at Henry Barran is space,” Claire says. “We were able to offer Geraldine a small office next to our Welcome Space.” Geraldine now offers free holistic therapy sessions to Welcome Space users. She shows us around her therapy room, where she provides Indian head massage, hot stones, and other forms of holistic therapy. Geraldine admits that the process is not only therapeutic for those receiving the treatments, but it offers therapy for her too. 

In places like the Henry Barran Centre, reciprocity becomes a way of life, everyone gives, everyone receives, and together the community grows stronger through the sharing of skills, stories, and gifts. 

 

 

 

Voluntary Action Leeds