The Directory

Leeds Involving People represents the independent voice of people through the promotion of effective involvement. It involves the community in the development of health and social care services by ensuring their opinions and concerns are at the centre of decision making processes. It does this by promoting best practice in involvement and by ensuring it uses methods that are appropriate, accessible and responsive to the needs of individuals and communities. It also supports individuals and organisations to become 'involvement ready' so they can work in partnership with public bodies to shape, improve and co-design services.

Lock Lane Residents Group has a maypole and dance group, a craft night for children, and bingo night for all residents. We have a wildlife garden and also run a shared community garden with Wakefield Council in the Lock Lane area of Castleford. We try to improve the environment for all residents.

MK Choices CIC is a Community Interest Company aiming to reduce social inequality. It sells household appliances, furniture, sofas and baby items and offers interest free finance on its goods. The finance is open to everyone, whether employed, self-employed, retired or on benefits. MK Choices CIC doesn't carry out credit checks, it just ensures it is affordable.

Newground CIC operates throughout the North of England as the social enterprise arm of Together Housing Group. Any profits are reinvested into Newground Together, the charitable arm of Together Housing Group which distributes funds to local environmental and community projects across the North of England.

Penny Appeal was set up in 2009 to provide poverty relief across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa by offering water solutions, organising mass feedings, supporting orphan care and providing emergency food and medical aid. Since then it has transformed lives and empowered communities around the world, helping to break the poverty cycle and build brighter futures. Penny Appeal's work and its teams have grown considerably in the past few years, allowing it to launch many new campaigns and work in even more countries, including the UK.

Rainbow Baby Bank is a non-profit organisation supporting families and expectant mothers. It distributes baby equipment, basic essentials and pre-loved clothes ranging from new-born to 2 years. It is available by either self or professional referrals.

The Refugee Council works with refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK. It offers practical support and advice throughout their journey in the UK. It has been helping refugees for more than 60 years and has a thorough understanding of the difficulties facing people arriving in the UK, having fled war, rape, torture and with unimaginable stories to tell. Many refugees have lost everything and their lives will never return to normal. The Refugee Council offers a helping hand to support and empower them to rebuild their lives.

Royal Voluntary Service is a registered charity and volunteer organisation that enriches the lives of older people and their families in the home, hospital or in the community. We support older people by giving time and practical help to help them get the best from life. Our volunteers – ordinary men and women of all ages and ethnicities – love spending time with the older people. Through them, we want to help create a society where everyone feels valued and involved whatever their age.

SEE Ahead is a specialist business support for social enterprises. The core business is with individuals and groups who want to set up social enterprises and also with established social enterprises who want to improve social, economic and environmental objectives whilst achieving financial sustainability. It provides both 1 to 1 support and runs training workshops on a variety of social enterprise topics.

The aim of Springfield Allotment Community Klub is to get people in the local community who haven't got a garden onto the plot to enjoy a countryside environment and to do some gardening. For example, weeding, planting lettuce in a raised bed and watering plants. The community allotment is at the side of the nursing home at the bottom end of Grove Lane, Hemsworth and is the first plot through the gate. There are chickens on the allotment which are entertaining to watch. There will be nice seating areas to enjoy the birds singing whilst having a cup of tea and a good old chat! The allotment will be wheelchair friendly with one metre wide solid paths as well.

Stanley Residents' Group mission and core purpose is to improve the village environment, provide opportunities for social engagement across the whole community, and help residents address concerns or issues that may arise within Stanley. It does this through organising village flower baskets, bulb planting, a commuity garden, a little Library, litter picks, an annual gala and other social and fund-raising events.

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is a regeneration charity and social enterprise working for the benefit of coalfield communities.