About Us
Leeds Sanctuary hosts communities and events, and creates campaigns and resources, so that belonging, flourishing and transformation can take place within and around the people of Leeds.
Through the development of sanctuary spaces for those on the margins, we enable supportive relationships to develop and bring about change in people’s circumstances and society.
As a Christian charity, we look to the example of Jesus to learn how to live a good life. Jesus spent his life meeting with people and getting to know them, and we aim to follow his example by giving our time, our attention and our compassion to people living, working and volunteering in the city of Leeds.
We also believe in the principles of community organising.
The inspiration for all of our activities and events has come from conversations with people living, working and volunteering in Leeds, and we are committed to keep listening to local people so that everything we do serves an identified need.
Do all the good you can,
by all the means you can,
in all the ways you can,
in all the places you can,
at all the times you can,
to all the people you can,
as long as ever you can.
John Wesley, Founder of the Methodist Church
Our Vision
Our Mission
Our Values
We want to create sanctuary spaces where community is built, power is collective, and the message that you matter is constant.
We create spaces and opportunities where belonging, flourishing and transformation take place.
Relationship
We offer ourselves to individuals and groups in relationship so we can serve them well.
Justice
We seek fair and equitable treatment for all those we serve, and the wider world.
Flourishing
Our deep desire is for people to grow and develop in themselves and their lives.
Our History
Our Impact
Leeds Sanctuary grew out of the Yorkshire West Methodist District and is built on a strong Methodist history in Leeds City Centre. Oxford Place Methodist Church used to draw large congregations from across the region and did incredible work for those in poverty in Leeds city centre. However, as the congregation became smaller, the difficult decision to close Oxford Place was made in 2017, with the intention of starting a new project which could grow in its place, as it was felt Methodism still had something to offer within Leeds.
After meeting with people across the city who had been making change but were burning out, we gained a better understanding of what our unique offering could be. The relationship between change-making and mental health, being an active citizen and deepening self-compassion and understanding, became the core concept that underpins the work we do today. Since 2019, Leeds Sanctuary has been creating spaces and opportunities in Leeds where belonging, flourishing and transformation take place. We have grown from our first community – the Leeds Craftivists – to running a range of communities, events, courses and other activities. In 2024 we made the decision to become an independent charity, and are registered with the Charities Commission as of April 2025.
Download our Impact Reports to learn more about our work in the City of Leeds.
Support our growth
We are delighted to be able to offer our events, communities and resources for free, but we would be grateful if you would consider making a donation or becoming a regular giver so that we can continue to run our activities and create new resources for anyone who would like to access them.
Contact us
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