Case studies

This project took place in November 2007 in conjunction with Leeds Legal, which promotes the collective legal services of the city, and delivered in association with the environmental charity, Groundwork Leeds. 

Local residents and resident groups were asked to identify environmental tasks that needed to be undertaken in their areas and to open community facilities to host the working parties.  Volunteers were given a site briefing, and provided with all the tools, materials and instructions required by our partner, Groundwork Leeds.  Over a period of 5 days volunteers donated in excess of 2,000 hours of their time; painting public underpasses in Little London; clearing litter in Bramley; tidying gardens in Gipton, area-wide tidy ups in Chapeltown and landscaping in Beeston.  Volunteers were split into teams to encourage networking and teambuilding opportunities, and teams took part in a variety of tasks throughout the day.

Local school children from Little London Primary School created mural designs for several of the underpasses in their area, and also worked alongside volunteers to litter pick and plant bulbs.

Over 280 volunteers from 13 of the city's legal firms donated their time to what turned out to be the biggest volunteer project from one profession in Leeds.  

By working with local residents, school children and partners, the volunteers delivered tangible environmental improvements across the city.  In Gipton alone over 27 tonnes of rubbish were collected, 4,000  bulbs planted, 300 bollards painted, 38 gardens cleared and 25 instances of fly tipping removed.

The volunteers helped deliver environmental improvements, creating a safer, cleaner and greener environment for those living in the neighbourhoods.  The activities complimented a range of other projects supported by business in the area, such as school projects and support for enterprise.  Local resident groups benefited from such highly visible support, giving those striving to improve their own communities a much needed boost.  Engaging local school children in the activities fostered a level of pride and responsibility for their neighbourhood and by working alongside volunteers from outside their area preconceptions were challenged and children's aspirations broadened.  

Leeds Legal has committed to holding another Environment Week in 2008 and to extend its support to other community regeneration initiatives.  Through Leeds Ahead businesses of all sizes have the opportunity to engage meaningfully in city regeneration.