Great Leep forward…
LEEDS organisation Leep1 supports people with learning disabilities, celebrating what they can do, rather than what they can’t. And when you chat to staff and volunteers it’s easy to see how friendly and supportive they all are.
“We do a lot of campaigning to help get our voices heard, and we help people learn skills and gain experience and confidence in our cafe,” says CEO Susan Hanley, who was and is passionate about opening up opportunities for people with learning disabilities.
Project manager Mandy Haigh adds, “It’s about changing the public’s perception and showing people that everyone has an ability to achieve something. With the Leep1 cafe, people learn the life skills to gain employment by working here for a year, then they take their exams and move into employment.”
But Leep1 (“Leeds People First”) isn’t just about the cafe. This year, the group has designed, produced and sold clothes with its distinctive “AND” (“abilities not disabilities”) logo, as well as writing a book together – and it has big plans to further expand its activities in 2022. All those involved agree that lockdown was tough, but Leep1 offered support online with a Facebook group and activities such as group fitness. “I had a meltdown,” admits Susan. “I felt awful, but at least we could still have daily chats and workouts like yoga.” As Christmas approaches, those involved are reflecting feeling grateful for the funding awarded by People’s Health Trust from money raised through The Health Lottery.
“They’ve learnt all aspects of how to run a clothing business, and it has really changed their lives,” says Mandy. “The funding we’ve received is so important because we can see how much it’s helping people. We’re hoping next to take on some of our volunteers as paid staff. I’d like to say thanks to everyone who’s bought a ticket for The Health Lottery, because the money raised goes towards such worthwhile causes.”