St George's Crypt

Skip to main content

Main menu

• Crypt Work
• Crypt History
• Crypt News
• Crypt Fundraising
• Crypt People
• Crypt Donation
• Crypt Editions
• Crypt Members
• Crypt Jobs
• Crypt Gallery
• Crypt Partners
• Crypt Contact
• Home

The Next Step

Proposed development project
St Geroge's Crypt has been working in partnership with a number of commercial partners since 2001 to explore the feasibility of developing an innovative accomodation/training project near the centre of Leeds. The Crypt was successful in negotiating with Pricewaterhouse Coopers for a three month placement of a senior accountant (at no cost to the charity) who undertook an initial feasibility exercise. The results of the study were positive and after an extensive search a site has been identified in Local Authority ownership on the corner of Burley Street and Park Lane.

The scheme named 'The Next Step' will be aimed at clients aged from 20 upwards who are willing to undertake an intensive programme of drug rehabilitation. St George's Crypt will work with RAPT, a leading charity in the field of drug rehabilitation.

The project will comprise 23 units of studio accommodation and clients will be expected to participate in the training opportunities provided within the scheme in order to develop skills and self confidence which will equip them for the world of work.

Training opportunities will be provided within retail units sited within the project, including an 'eight till late' store. Placement will be negotiated. The project will be sited within easy reach of the main Park Lane building as well as St George's Crypt.

Consultation
Extensive consultation with interested parties include the Little Woodhouse Community Association, local Councillors, executive Councillors, the local MP, the Chief Executive of the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the Leeds Community Safety team, other key partner agencies and Park Lane College.

Innovative Approach
The project will approach three problem areas:

• – Appropriate accommodation for people ready to take the final step on the road to independence.
• – Affordable accommodation for student/key workers in the proximity of the city centre.
• – Customised training and placement opportunities in retail facilities providing skills and confidence building in preparation for the world of work.

The Need
Statistics from the Leeds Initiative indicated that 150,000 people in Leeds (20% of the total population) live in areas that are officially rated as being amongst the most deprived in the country. 'Closing the gap' on social and economic exclusion is one of the cornerstone objectives of Central Government and Leeds City Council. Specifically, the Leeds Initiative seeks to encourage more joint working between partnerships to develop holistic thinking and to help secure a more sustainable future for Leeds. The City needs to engender responsibility in individuals, organisations and businesses to create a common culture of true partnership.

The principles of developing a scheme to provide housing at affordable rents for key workers, students and tenants of St George's Crypt is both innovative and inclusive.

St George's Crypt had been developing skills training opportunities for clients since the major refurbishment of the Crypt completed in 1999. Since late 2002, fifty-five people have successfully completed the Community Cafe course and one has been employed by Marks & Spencer following a successful induction course organised through Business in the Community.

St George's Crypt wishes to provide further openings for those clients who progress and believe that this project will provide opportunities for many who would otherwise find the path towards work daunting.

< Back