Our work in focus - LEAP assists disabled and refugee children in Leeds
14 August 2012
We are currently focusing on our LEAP programme, which supports young people in the Leeds area. Their work includes supporting young people with disabilities, as well as children from refugee and other migrant backgrounds, and disability workforce training to professionals.
From the manager
Please read an interview with the manager of our LEAP programme, Judith Shalkowski.
In the chat, Judith addresses her programme's impact have you had on the local community, as well as the biggest challenges are in working with children and young people.
Read our interview with Judith.
Fleeing Eritrea, finding refuge in West Yorkshire
Hamid, a young person who has worked with our LEAP programme, is the subject of a touching short film broadcast on BBC2's Seeking Refuge series.
The animated documentary addresses why Hamid and his mother had to flee his country and how he has found adjusting to life in the UK. Hamid describes the struggles of leaving his father behind.
'Befriending is an amazingly empowering experience'
Liam Mackin, Worcester Young Citizen of the Year earlier this year. He is a student, works in the voluntary sector and has raised an estimated £150,000 for a range of charities. Here, he writes about the influence of befriending work with our LEAP programme.
Read Liam's story and watch a video of him reading humorous verse.
The many values of befriending
Sara, a young volunteer with LEAP, talks about her eight months as a befriender to a young person with disabilities.
As part of its befriending scheme, LEAP pairs disabled young people with volunteers, enabling the young people to access activities and develop their independence.
All about our LEAP programme
Our LEAP programme is committed to enabling disadvantaged children and young people, alongside professionals, to challenge the ignorance and overcome the barriers that stop them reaching their full potential.
The dynamic programme offers a range of services across Leeds to disabled and refugee children and young people, as well as disability workforce training to professionals.