CATCH-Up Community Cafe (CATCH Leeds)
Leeds, UK
CATCH (Community Action To Create Hope) is a volunteer-led charity in Harehills, Leeds, founded to improve the community and provide children and young people with better life chances. CATCH began by transforming a disused wasteland into a vibrant community green space where children and young people could meet, play, socialise, learn, and grow. Over the past eight years, it has evolved into a thriving community hub, housed in a two-storey modular building. This transformation was made possible by the efforts of young people and volunteers, who refurbished the building and landscaped the grounds, fostering a strong sense of pride and ownership. Facilities CATCH provides essential facilities for the local community, including: A Community Café: Serving affordable meals made from donated food and hosting a food bank to tackle food insecurity and isolation. An Educational Farm: Home to goats, alpacas, rabbits, guinea pigs, and chickens, offering hands-on learning about animal care, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. A Volunteer Gym: Supporting the physical and mental well-being of young people. Meeting and Games Rooms: Multi-purpose spaces for youth activities, workshops, and events. Youth Activities CATCH runs daily activities that engage young people in diverse programs such as dance, music, arts and crafts, sports, boxing, martial arts, and youth club sessions with pool, gaming, and table tennis. With over 1,000 active youth members aged 8–17, sessions attract 70–100 participants on average. What sets CATCH apart is its peer-led model. From age 13, young people can volunteer to lead activities, manage facilities, and participate in community projects. Supported by the digital Volunteer Development Programme, “Super Stars,” this model promotes leadership, accountability, and ownership. Addressing Community Needs CATCH tackles key issues in Harehills, such as food insecurity and social isolation, through its Community Café and food bank. During school holidays, it addresses holiday hunger by providing meals and food support to the 70% of its members who face food poverty. The Educational Farm offers unique learning and therapeutic experiences, connecting families with animals and promoting well-being. Activities include farm tours, animal care, and sustainability education, helping young people develop responsibility and compassion. A Community-Driven Mission CATCH is powered by volunteers and sustained through donations, grants, and income from its café, training courses, and room hire. Every contribution is reinvested into its programs, ensuring its vital work continues. At its heart, CATCH is about empowering young people to lead and create opportunities for their community. Its success is a testament to the passion, collaboration, and resilience of the Harehills community. Together, they are building a brighter future for all.
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