Fresh paint and new tech boost East Side Story

East Side Story has received a wonderful boost from housing provider Places for People (PfP) to help us grow. The team stepped in to support us as we settled into our new offices based in Seacroft.

They kindly donated three laptops and a printer to our team. On top of the equipment, energetic volunteers from PfP came in to paint our brand-new office space in Seacroft.

As a social enterprise, PfP works across the UK to create thriving communities by not only building and managing homes, but by going beyond bricks and mortar to deliver meaningful outcomes for customers. They regularly support local groups and charities through digital inclusion projects, skills training, funding, and hands-on volunteering.

This generous support directly helped us launch exciting new media training sessions for local residents. People can now come in to learn key writing skills, research techniques, and digital publishing.

Beyond training, the refreshed office provides a welcoming drop-in space where local residents can come and share their stories and perspectives with us.

Janine Griffiths, Editor and Director of East Side Story, expressed her gratitude for the practical help from the housing provider. “Having proper equipment and a bright, fresh space completely changes what we can achieve,” said Janine. “This support lets us welcome residents into a professional environment where they can learn new skills and tell their own stories.

“We are thrilled with our updated office and new equipment. We look forward to welcoming you into the space very soon.”

In 2024/25 PfP delivered £550.5 million in social value to its customers and communities across England and Scotland. In Leeds, £34,000 was granted to 17 projects, which included projects in East Leeds.

Director of Places Impact at Places for People, Marcus Hulme said: “We create social value in all areas of PfP and in many different ways – from helping customers access unclaimed benefits, improving wellbeing, investing in community projects and through all the volunteering our people carry out.

“Supporting valued partners like East Side Story is extremely important to us as we know the benefit it brings to our customers and communities. I am delighted that we have already granted over £11,000 to 13 projects in Leeds this financial year, including seven projects in East Leeds.

“As a social enterprise we continually reinvest in the communities we serve and are proud to be doing more than ever. We are committed to providing practical support that helps strengthen communities and creates opportunities for local people.”