Leeds Sanctuary is delighted to share that the Charity Commission has accepted our application to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). This milestone marks an exciting new chapter for the organisation, allowing us to expand our reach and enhance the services we offer to local communities across Leeds.
As a CIO, Leeds Sanctuary will benefit from the ability to access a wider range of funding opportunities, allowing us to continue the valuable work we are doing in justice and wellbeing spaces, both on-site and online. While we will no longer be part of the Methodist Church and the Yorkshire West Methodist District, our Methodist heritage will continue to underpin our work and values going forward.
“We are incredibly excited about this next step in our journey,” said Joe Barnes, Interim Team Lead of Leeds Sanctuary. “Becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation will allow us to have a greater impact in the Leeds area, improve our organisational capacity, and secure the future of the essential work we do for those who need it most. We’re grateful for the ongoing support of our volunteers, donors, and community partners, and look forward to building on this foundation to reach even more people in need.”
“Methodism has played an important part in the life of the City of Leeds since the 18th Century. Oxford Place became an important part of that work until its closure, and with its closure came new opportunities to engage differently in the life of the city,” explains Revd Kerry Tankard, Chair of the Yorkshire West Methodist District. “This is the next step in enabling Methodism to contribute to the ever-changing life of the city and to discover new ways to sustain that work. We will enjoy supporting the work of Leeds Sanctuary as it shapes its work for the future.”
Formerly Leeds Methodist Mission, Leeds Sanctuary has been curating spaces to explore justice-seeking, wellbeing and community for a number of years; including facilitating Enneagram Retreat Days, Sketch Walks, and the Leeds Craftivists group, and creating digital resources including a regular podcast spotlighting other local organisations and sharing reflective discussions. The transition to CIO status will help ensure that we can continue to thrive and grow, enhancing our services and reaching more people across our city.
“This is an exciting time for Leeds Sanctuary, as we leave behind our direct link with the Methodist Church, but remain true to our Christian values and Methodist heritage”, said Michael Noble, Chair of the Leeds Sanctuary Board of Trustees. “The Trustees look forward to helping the staff team develop the work and reach of Leeds Sanctuary in the city centre of Leeds in its new guise.”
We will be recruiting new Trustees to join our existing Board, and would particularly like to hear from people with experience in cyber security, and interest in being our Treasurer. If you would like to learn more about being a Trustee, please contact Joe Barnes at joe.barnes@leedssanctuary.org.uk, or Mick Neal, Operations Manager, at mick.neal@leedssanctuary.org.uk .