Voluntary Action Leeds (VAL)  is keen to highlight the good news stories coming through from the Leeds Welcome Spaces Scheme. This winter over 180 Third and Faith Sector organisations have opened their doors to the public to offer a safe, warm and welcoming space.  

The next in our 2024/25 blog series features St Agnes Warm Welcome Space, Burmantofts

Opening in spite of snow and ice

On Monday 6th January when the whole of Leeds came to a standstill and schools and a lot of organisations closed, we opened. I had to go to put up a notice to tell our services users we were closed. However when I got there people were waiting outside…I couldn’t close…that day 30 people enjoyed warmth, food, hot drinks and above all friendship. 

“I was so lonely and fed up after the New Year week, I needed to be with people” Quote from an attendee. 

We at St Agnes are so grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Burmantofts in this way. 

What would you want to say to funders and organisations who make initiatives like Welcome Spaces possible?

The need is so GREAT. 

      

Voluntary Action Leeds