LEAP (Listening, Empowerment, Advocacy and Participation)

I visited the LEAP Team base on Stanningley Road in Leeds this afternoon...

LEAP is the local programme of The Children's Society and has worked in Leeds since 2002 benefiting hundreds of children and their families.
Through a holistic child-centred approach the LEAP team works to promote the inclusion and integration of children with disabilities, children from refugee and asylum seeker families and other vulnerable young people.

I spent time talking to Judith Shalkowski who is Programme Manager and Steve Richards who is a Senior Project Worker working mainly with Refugee and asylum seekers. They are looking at how they package their offer creatively for schools in the new world and it was great to spend time with Judith and Steve whose work with Education Leeds and Children's Services has made a real difference for some of our most vulnerable children and families. Their passion, energy, creativity and stories are simply inspiring and it is important that this vital work continues during the hard financial times ahead.

If you want to find out more about LEAP and The Children's Society you can visit their website at www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/helping-children/our-services/advocacy-services/childrens-society-leap-programme
Chris