Pride in Place Sparks Hope Across Seacroft

A wave of hope is sweeping through East Leeds following the announcement of an investment of up to £20 million for Seacroft and North Monks Wood. 

The government-backed programme could bring up to £20 million into Seacroft and North Parkway over the next decade, with residents, community groups and local leaders already beginning conversations about how the funding should be used 

With a tight initial timeline following recent elections, local organisers are moving fast to ensure the entire community is at the heart of the decision-making process. The initiative is designed to empower local voices to steer exactly how the resource is used to create a lasting impact. 

Groups like the LS14 Trust, We Are Seacroft, in conjunction with local churches and organisations have been at the forefront of facilitating conversations known as “conversation cafes” with local residents to ensure that they have a say in how the funds are spent.

Howard Bradley, who works for the Trust, said: “We are going to talk to as many people as possible to make sure everyone has a voice and everyone is part deciding where the money spends, for me that is the most important thing. This is community-led, it’s about community power and the LS 14 trust.

The LS14 Trust is a community organisation created by local residents to help make Seacroft better by supporting neighbourhood projects and encouraging people to take the lead in shaping their own community. 

Howard Bradley, LS14 Trust said the aim of the conversation cafes was to “make Seacroft better” by working with the community and encouraging them to take the lead in how the £20 million is spent. 

“For years, there’s been lots of people working really hard together to make this community better. What this does is bring some resources for the community to take the lead and decide how they want to change this community, and keep improving.” 

He added that the investment comes at a good time for Seacroft due to the community infrastructure in place.

“Seacroft is a brilliant place. It’s a place for creative people, kind of committed people, brilliant families, like anywhere,” he explained, adding: “More resources are always needed. The brilliant thing about this area is that you’ve got local leaders, local people that have got ideas of how to spend this money. 

“I think this community will have really good ideas as to how it can be spent in the most effective way as well.”

The Pride in Place discussions are bringing together churches, schools, community groups and residents from across Seacroft, with leaders hoping the process can strengthen relationships as well as improve the area itself.

Reverend Anne Russell, team rector for the parish of Seacroft, said listening to residents would be crucial. As conversations continue around how long term investment should be shaped in Seacroft, she has been playing a role focused on ensuring local voices are heard and reflected in future decisions. 

“I’m just there to reflect the residents’ views and vision for the next 10-30 years, and how we can best use the investment for the benefit of local people. It’s really hard to hold space for lots of different community views, especially in Seacroft. 

“It’s got a particular reputation from the past, and we are now a different community, and so my job really, and the job of the church is to Church of England parishes, they have to serve the whole community. I’m here just to be a steward, really, and listen to people’s views.”

Local organiser Elliott Moon from Chapel FM Arts Centre said there is excitement across the area, despite the challenge of moving quickly to get the programme established. 

“We’re running lots of different events over the next four weeks, so that people can find out about Pride and Players, see if they want to be on the board, or even just have their opinions heard,” he said.

However he stressed the importance of ensuring that all voices get heard and not just the loudest voices in the room.

He added: “There’s definitely voices that are not being heard, and we’re going to try our best to make sure these voices are, but we’ll do the leg work, but it’s then up to them to then come back to us 

“There’s lots of great people in the community doing great stuff, and this money will help people do even better stuff.”

For those looking to get involved in the Pride in Place the events and discussions that are happening around the community, they can visit the Connected Seacroft website for more information.

The website provides details on how local residents can apply to be on the Neighborhood Board that will play a role in deciding how the £20 million fund is spent.