Meanwood and Chapel Allerton
Aerial photo of the British town of Meanwood in Leeds West Yorkshire, showing typical UK housing estates and rows of houses from above in the spring time on a sunny day

Vision & Background

Established in 2001

Community is important

Communities give us belonging, human contact and shape our identity, and we believe that we all have something to learn from one another.

Knowing each other is an important part of community, so when we began as a project in 2001 (then known as Three Churches Project), we were all about meeting other people – mainly through creative arts activities.

Since then, we’ve expanded what we do a little, reflecting the needs and passions of our local area. However, the vision remains to bring people together from across the various neighbourhoods that make up and connect to Meanwood and Chapel Allerton, so that we all have opportunity to share in what it offers, what we can learn, and what we can give.

As a partnership of local churches, we seek spiritual wellbeing and fullness of life for all. And because we work alongside other agencies in the area, we are able to signpost people to other services where needed.

Our member churches: Holy Trinity, Meanwood; Meanwood Valley Baptist; Stainbeck United Reformed; and St. Matthew’s, Chapel Allerton. We are also partnered with Leeds South and West Methodist Circuit.

Our PURPOSE

Our PURPOSE is to help shape communities that give everyone opportunity to achieve their potential and live life to the full.

Our MISSION

Our MISSION is to bring people together, from Meanwood, Chapel Allerton and beyond, to encourage the building of relationships and trust​, and to enable us to support one another.

Our VISION

​Our VISION is a united community with strong relationships, where all are valued and the love of God is shared.

Who’s who & contacts

Vanessa Brown

Vanessa Brown

Community Development Project Manager

vanessa@interact.uk.net; 0113 393 0600; 07961 535 767

Maureen Lillywhite

Maureen Lillywhite

Community Development Officer

maureen@interact.uk.net 07877 394 816

Our Trustees represent our partner churches (as listed below). They are Rev. John Rogers; Charles Laxton; Rev. Jo Lightowler and Rev. Angela Hughes.

Our management team is made up of volunteers who live locally and meet once a month to support Vanessa and Maureen in their paid roles. They are: Charles Laxton, Hilary Wilson, Agnis Smallwood, David Keighley, Emmanuelle Bastide-Wilson and also Rev. Angela Hughes. Together, they also represent our partner churches.

Our partner churches are Holy Trinity, Meanwood; Meanwood Valley Baptist; Stainbeck United Reformed; and St. Matthew’s, Chapel Allerton. We are also partnered with Leeds South and West Methodist Circuit.