Leeds Older Peoples Forum have made us aware of this offer. Let us know what you think.

Time to Shine has linked up with Leeds Civic Trust to fund benches across the city, deadline is 30th November. Applications are welcome from all areas but they need more from the West and South areas of the city. So if you know of an area in your Neighbourhood Network that needs a bench and is perfect for the opportunity for people to sit and natter, rest, watch the world go by, then get your application in.

Leeds Civic Trust is bringing colour to Leeds! Would you like to be a part of a city-wide community of colourful benches? We have a small funding pot available for you to customise a bench that will benefit your community – we’ll provide the bench, and your community will provide the creativity!

This opportunity is open to all – including parks, green spaces, local high streets, and community or charitable organisations.

To enter your nomination for a bench, you will need to consider the following;

• A creative and imaginative way of referencing the current Covid-19 pandemic and how the people of Leeds came together and helped one another so readily. There are many ways of doing this but examples could include; a suitable poem, plaque, painted images – please feel free to be as creative as you like!
• Have a suitable place in mind for the bench, with local support and permission sought. (The Trust can offer help).
• Be able to incorporate the Trust logo onto the bench.
• Be in a position where people will find the use of the bench helpful.
• Be within a Leeds postcode.
• Be able to participate in a special ‘Take a Seat’ launch day in June 2021.

Guidance and Timescales

• In addition to the bench itself, the Trust will provide a donation of £450 towards materials to decorate the bench.
• The bench to be in place by 1 June 2021 (unless there are unforeseen delays due to the current Covid-19 situation).
• For the bench dimensions and details click here.
• The local community should be engaged during the process.
• The Trust should be shown the final design before any decoration is begun.
• Where possible to source materials and resources locally; from independent traders, any commissioned artists/makers that you may use to be Leeds based.
• The final design should be non-political and secular.
• The Trust reserves the right to prioritise applications for benches in areas where there is greater need.