This week, we caught up with Jo Parry-Gee from The LEAP Centre in Ashton. Leap is a Tameside charity for children, families and the community, established in 1998. The centre - which runs a number of schemes for many community groups - has recently been running some incredible schemes which connect people with nature for wellbeing.

‍

Jo tells us more about the charity and how it reflects the ethos and represents the communities of Ashton and beyond…

‍

Tell us about your business / venture?

‍

We provide responsive and empowering services, which inspire positive outcomes for children, their families and communities. I love my job as CEO of the organisation, working with great staff, volunteers and partners, who are passionate about making a difference with local people. Here are some of our successful projects;

‍

Our successful projects include green wellbeing projects, Daisy Chain, which provides parental support after domestic abuse, an adult reading scheme and a befriending matters scheme for Tameside.

‍

Over the past few years we have responded to the need for more local green wellbeing support, establishing projects which connect children and adults with nature through accessible, inclusive services.  This year, we exhibited at the RHS Tatton Flower Show and it was just amazing to be able to showcase our work and the benefits of going green!  

‍

What do you love about Ashton and Tameside?

‍

That you can go from being in a busy town centre to beautiful Stamford Park in 15 minutes! Access to green spaces has become so important to us all after the global lockdowns. It certainly made us at LEAP realise how much we take for granted. We have such lovely green spaces on our doorsteps and didn’t always realise it, until we couldn’t actually go there! We love local walks such as Hartshead Pike, Daisy Nook and Park Bridge.  

‍

It's great having lots of community facilities locally such as the hospital, cultural places of worship, the market and shopping centre to name just a few. Plus, easy access to public transport links and the motorways for those who drive.

‍

Mostly, LEAP loves the diversity, strengths, hopes and aspirations of local communities. Our work brings us into contact with some of the most vulnerable children and adults in Tameside. Issues such as poverty, disability, isolation and abuse are common threads of multiple disadvantages and can significantly impact futures. But we also see amazing community spirit here and we love being part of it.

‍

How is Ashton’s heritage and culture reflected in your business or venture?

‍

Our workforce and governance structure is made up of local people, who know and understand the area well. We celebrate local diversity, working with communities, volunteers and parents to bring cultural tastes, insights and awareness to our projects. We also love opportunities to talk about Ashton with older people through our projects, remembering Ashton as it was and educating our younger children by sharing local history  

‍

Interestingly, The LEAP Centre is based at Clyde House, which was built in the late 1800’s for Hugh Mason’s family.  Hugh Mason was a prominent figure in Ashton’s local history, there is a statue of him in Trafalgar Square. He is described as a mill owner, politician and philanthropist who ensured his workers were treated and paid fairly, including an education for children. Here we are, over a hundred years later delivering our nursery and early education projects from one of his houses!. (Although, I also understand that he was very strict and expected an awful lot of his workforce in return for his patronage!)    

‍

What do you believe would bolster the town’s cultural/ creative /local business community

‍

Investment and inspiration! Some renovation of the town centre, safer streets where people feel comfortable day and night, improved shopping and leisure opportunities, safe meeting places for young people.  Plus, more awareness of events taking place in Ashton for example street festivals and Christmas markets.

‍

What are your 3 favourite venues/ventures and services in the town…

‍

• Portland Basin Museum, an absolute gem of a place and it’s free!
• Ashton’s beautiful, old churches. So much history and heritage to behold!
• Darryl Bates Hairdressers, great staff, great service and a lovely community vibe.

Find out more about The LEAP centre at https://www.leapcfc.org.uk/