Leeds disability arts charity celebrates

A Leeds charity that supports adults with learning disabilities or autism through the power of art is our latest Community Heroes winner.

Pyramid, based in Holbeck, has scooped £500 worth of materials in our popular competition.

The arts collective and charity plans to use its prize to revamp the accessible toilet at its Croydon Street studio, improving its facilities to be more welcoming and inclusive of disabled participants.

Alice Clayden, Creative Programme Coordinator at Pyramid, said: “We were over the moon to be named a Selco Community Hero. As a small charity, any support is very gratefully received.

“We exist to support adults with learning disabilities, autism or both to come together and make friends. We host many individual artists as well as running eight two-hour group sessions each week where members can express themselves and create art.

“It is a really valuable time for some of the most culturally and socially excluded people in society.

“Everyone is very excited about cracking on with the work on our toilets as it means we can continue to offer a first-class, inclusive service.”

This is the fourth edition of Community Heroes, which sees good causes across the country supported with an annual prize pot worth more than £10,000.

Over the course of six months, 12 winners will benefit from £500 to spend at their nearest Selco.

At the end of the campaign, the dozen winners will go before a public vote, with the most supported bagging £5,000 in cash and the runner-up securing £1,000.

Alison Wong, Head of Communications and Sustainability at Selco, said: “Community Heroes 2024 has been open for three months and we have already received more than 1,000 entries.

“Judging the monthly recipients is always difficult but Pyramid are very worthy winners. They have a clear vision and plan for improving their facilities.

“We hope the work helps to make the centre even better for Pyramid’s members.”

Pyramid works with around 150 people a year and around half of its members have profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).

Community Heroes is open to any charity or group which is at the heart of its local community and entries can be made online by explaining in no more than 100 words how the building materials or money would be used to benefit organisation.