Holbeck was once the industrial heart of the Leeds. Today, it’s one of the 0.2% poorest areas in England, challenged by deprivations in income, employment, education, health, housing, environment and high crime rates. However, drop into The Old Box Office in the centre of Holbeck, and the team is busy challenging that view of Holbeck.
Part of the Leeds City Council Neighbourhood Network Scheme since 1992, the goal of Holbeck Elderly Aid was primarily to keep older people socially and physically active, supporting and enriching lives, providing meals, activities, trips to the cinema, or even just a trip to the supermarket.
Since their move into The Old Box Office in 2017, their prominence in the community has grown and they now support all generations, aiming to empower everyone in Holbeck to make more informed choices and to live longer and happier lives. “Elderly” and “Aid” were no longer adequate descriptions, and so, to reflect this expanded mission, the name has changed to Holbeck Together.
“Our older generations will remain pivotal to the next stage of our journey, but we now have a new name that welcomes people of all ages.”
Seeking to be responsive to the needs of the wider community, including those under 60, Holbeck Together consulted widely and the response showed that people wanted a strong community anchor that would empower people to connect with others and that they valued neighbourliness, community and friendships.
Holbeck Together is now a resource for people of all ages who are experiencing a crisis and the office is always busy with the team and local people, many of who drop in adhoc looking for assistance. They have become a reliable resource and somebody you know is always going to be there.
A big part of the growing role of Holbeck Together is their work in St. Matthew’s Community Centre, just over the road from the office, running the Community Café and Lunch Clubs, a Carer’s Group, Wellness Space, Line Dancing and Table Tennis, as well as the Kidz Club during the school holidays. A tour of Leeds United FC’s stadium, crafts and pizza making, games on Holbeck Moor and a summer disco were all a great hit with the youngsters.
“We are delighted to be working with a range of local community groups to rejuvenate St. Matthew’s Community Centre. We’re clearing out rooms so that the space can better support a range of activities for people of all ages.”
Supporting, engaging and working with people in later years of living remains at the heart of their work. However, Holbeck Together aims to make Holbeck the best place to live, work and play for everybody.
MiD solutions 4 Documents works with many charities and community groups, providing both multifunctional printers and the Managed Print Services to support them. HEA/Holbeck Together joined the MiD family of clients in September 2019 and we are happy to partner with them and support the work they are doing in their community. The photo below shows team members Matthew, Bryony and Ellen, accepting the hamper supplied by MiD for Holbeck Together’s Christmas events.
If you need advice, help or support, would like to go along to an event or activity, want to find out about volunteering or have an idea about what you want to see happening in Holbeck, give them a call or just pop in!
Tel: 0113 2455553
Email: info@holbecktogether.org
Web: www.holbecktogether.org
