The role the third sector is playing
The cost of living is having a major impact on our communities, on third sector organisations and on the sector’s partners in the public and private sectors.
Although many third sector organisations are under pressure, they continue to play a crucial role in supporting communities through this difficult time.
- Frontline organisations are continuing to offer the tailored services that enable people to tackle the challenges they face
- Third sector organisations across Leeds are helping to distribute the Household Support Fund
The Together Leeds portal, produced by Leeds City Council, features information available to support individuals and communities.
MindWell is the mental health website for people in Leeds. They can help you find information about support in the city and different ways to take care of your mental wellbeing. MindWell also have a variety of resources covering the cost of living support in Leeds.
Welcome Spaces
- Many organisations across Leeds are offering Welcome Spaces this winter (23/24). Find out more about Welcome Spaces.
- Voluntary Action Leeds has worked with Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and third sector partners to produce some guidance for organisations opening as a Warm Space.
The role of third sector infrastructure
Infrastructure organisations like VAL and Forum Central that support and advocate for the third sector are playing our role to shape the city’s response and ensure that the third sector’s distinctive contribution is part of our city’s response.
Third Sector Leeds (the policy network for the third sector in Leeds) set out its view about how we need to respond to the crisis.
Voluntary Action Leeds and Forum Central are active members of task and finish groups that are focusing on cost of living support, alongside statutory partners. These groups are looking at practical support, information, advice and guidance, communications and funding.
We’ll keep you up to date with the work of these groups through this page, our newsletters and our social media.
Advice and support for third sector organisations
We know third sector organisations and their staff and volunteers face cost of living pressures.
We also know that many third sector organisations are keen to signpost community members towards the best advice. We’re committed to sharing key information and learning from our local and national partners.
Leeds already has lots of information available to support communities which you can find at the Together Leeds portal, produced by Leeds City Council.
I want to help
- Volunteering within your community can be a great way to help out during the cost of living crisis. Find your local Welcome Spaces venues to contact them directly to see if they are looking to recruit volunteers.
- You can also use our volunteering platform to search for volunteering roles to offer support specifically related to the cost of living crisis.
- If you would like to donate food, board games, or other items to a Welcome Space, please contact welcome.spaces@leeds.gov.uk
Find information and advice about...
Providing organisations with information and guidance about supporting their communities with the cost of living, as well as linking to other local resources available in the city.
Useful resources which you might find helpful during the cost of living crisis.
Warm Spaces – guidance for host organisations
The Warm Spaces map initially shows the Leeds City Council-managed venues of community hubs and libraries, where a warm welcome will include free hot refreshments and activities for children and families in addition to the existing services of free access to books, computers and wifi.
The third sector’s Warm Spaces will add to this offer in a complementary way, expanding the range of spaces that people in Leeds can access.
Thank you for offering to open your doors to people in your community.