Groundwork, Merlyn-Rees Ave, Morley, LS27 9SL
What do groundwork do?
We’re passionate about creating a future where every neighbourhood is vibrant and green, every community is strong and able to shape its own destiny and no-one is held back by their background or circumstances.
01. we create better places
by making communities greener, safer and healthier and by enabling people to work together to bring about change in their local area.
02. We improve people’s prospects
by increasing the confdence, skills, wellbeing and
employability of those struggling in educaton or out of
work
03. We promote greener living and working
to help people and businesses reduce their environmental impact, cut waste and save money.
About Groundwork
Groundwork was established over three decades ago as a radical experiment to bring together communities, businesses and government in a joint effort to improve the quality of life and promote sustainable development in places that had become run-down and neglected.
In late 1986 the South Leeds Groundwork Trust was born. A registered charity, its mission was to improve the quality of life for people in south Leeds by working with local people, schools and businesses. Our founding Chairman was Lord Merlyn-Rees and our two company members were (and remain) Groundwork UK and Leeds City Council.
Originally based in offices on Great George Street in Leeds city centre, Groundwork Leeds began with a handful of staff (with several seconded from Leeds City Council) led by our first Executive Director John Howden. The Trust purchased the old Wesley Street Mill in Morley in 1987. Having lain derelict for 15 years we restored the mill, converted it into offices, and – in true eco-friendly style – furnished it with an array of second hand desks.
Since then we’ve continued to champion local environmental regeneration and maintained our work with unemployed young people. Our portfolio has expanded to include outdoor education, energy and resource efficiency advice for residents and businesses, food growing, youth work, climate change awareness, and volunteering – to name but a few. We’ve worked on projects large and small, indoors and outdoors, with large groups and individuals, and people of all ages.
In 2003 we expanded our charitable area to cover the whole of Leeds and now also work in Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees and in 2018 we formally merged with Groundwork Wakefield and Groundwork North Yorkshire, to create Groundwork Yorkshire.
Now, as then, we are taking practical steps and building partnerships to change places and change lives.
Charity Registration Numbers
Groundwork Leeds 518154 | Groundwork Wakefield 519846 | Groundwork North Yorkshire 1094878