Former Leeds United player Eddie Gray was the special guest in South Leeds at the relaunch of a not-for-profit organisation that has renamed itself 'Holbeck Together' in response to a community need within the area.

The charitable organisation is nestled in the heart of Holbeck, a part of the city deemed one of the most deprived in the UK, and Gray was on hand to lend his support to the event on behalf of the club, meeting locals and learning more about what the charity do to help people in the area.

Established in 1992, Holbeck Elderly Aid (HEA) has been supporting some of the most vulnerable and socially isolated older people in the city. However, in more recent years, the charity has opened its doors to many more people of all ages, including families, supporting those facing challenges in health, housing, welfare and wellbeing and is now considered a community anchor in the local area.

Due to its central location in Holbeck, the charity welcomes people of all ages to access its services. Hosting regular wellness clinics for adults who are older (as early intervention) and kid’s clubs for families.

The re-brand is an essential part of the charity’s evolution and will now enable them to be a support network for all generations. Holbeck Together was the name chosen by volunteers, staff and trustees to represent its commitment to the community and the services it now offers to those most in need. 

In order to respond to a changing landscape itself and bring people together in times of change, Holbeck Together has utilised vital funding provided by Leeds City Council, the National Lottery Community Fund and a range of other funders to provide not only proactive services, but to be responsive to the needs of the local community.

Held at St Matthews Church, the special event was open to everyone to attend to help mark the milestone occasion and celebrate the rebrand, with close friends, local MPs and social care professionals all in attendance. The event was also the perfect chance for local people to find out more about the re-structure, ask any questions, and contribute to the development of services that will be offered in the future.

Commenting on the re-brand, Chief Officer, Elissa Newman, said: “Since moving to a more visible office in the centre of Holbeck, interest and demand for our services has increased. 

"We’ve been adapting our services for some time now to cater for all generations, which naturally led us to the name change, which we believe has come at a key time in the charity’s evolution.

"Supporting people who are older in the local area will continue to be central to our work, as well as expanding support to the wider community who we know have and will continue to benefit from our services.”

She added: “Our new name ‘Holbeck Together’ is an exciting step forward for us and the community as we truly believe that it represents what we stand for now and in the future. We are now better placed to help and support each other through the tough times, making life that little bit easier.”