Gipton Supported Independent Living (GIPSIL)

GIPSIL, a community-led organisation supporting vulnerable young people aged 16 to 25 to live independently in East Leeds, were awarded over £29,000. They provide community services such as:

  • Welfare and housing advice
  • A peer support group for women and children affected by domestic violence
  • Opportunity Shops which support people to access and maintain employment, education or training.

With the funding they have received from the Skills and Opportunities Fund they will extend their successful Opportunity Shop services across Gipton and Harehills. These communities are among the most deprived neighbourhoods nationally with unemployment rates over twice the Leeds average.

As well as offering IT access and assistance with CVs and job applications, the Opportunity Shops will help young people find volunteering opportunities and valuable work experience.

The aim is to engage with at least 160 people within 12 months and they envisage that over half will progress to employment, education, training or regular volunteering or work experience.

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