Engage Leeds is a city-wide service commissioned by Leeds City Council. The service supports adults over 18 who are experiencing housing difficulties alongside other support needs. The city is split into three geographical wedges, and Riverside delivers the service across South Leeds.
Each person is allocated a Housing Support Worker who works with them to identify their main goals and priorities. Support planning is person-centred, focusing on building independence, confidence, and long-term stability. The level and type of support are tailored to each person’s circumstances and can change as needs change.
The service has three key goals:
- Preventing homelessness by addressing issues early, offering advice, mediation, and signposting to other services
- Helping people sustain their current home, supporting them to manage their tenancy or home situation successfully
- Supporting community integration, helping people feel less isolated and more connected to their local community to improve wellbeing and quality of life
Engage Leeds also works closely with specialist services, including Peer Support and Volunteering, Connect (Dementia), and BARCA (Complex Needs).
Referrals
Referrals to Engage Leeds are made through the Single Point of Access (SPA):
Volunteers and peer support
Reducing loneliness and isolation is a core part of Engage Leeds. The service has three Volunteer Coordinators, one in each wedge of the city. Each coordinator aims to recruit around 20 volunteers, supporting up to 50 clients at any one time.
Volunteers often have lived experience and play a key role in helping people rebuild confidence, routines, and social connections.
Volunteer enquiries and referrals: