132 Educators providing Courses in Leeds

Stained Glass Centre

stained glass centre

London

The Stained Glass Centre was established in 2008 by the recently-formed Stained Glass Trust, with the aim of providing an educational centre to encourage the study and appreciation of stained glass, as well as breathing life back into St Martin-cum-Gregory. This beautifully evocative Grade I listed building, which dates back to before the 11th century, is home to a rich range of historic glass, including some of the earliest logos to be seen in stained glass and memorials to celebrated glass-painters. Set in the city of York, home to much of Britain’s surviving ancient glass and a focus for craft and creativity in the modern day practice of stained glass making, The Stained Glass Centre provides a unique point of interpretation for the city, with demonstrations, workshops, guided tours and lectures. The Stained Glass Centre is developing as a national resource for the discovery and interpretation of stained glass. The building has long been a destination for those interested in this fragile medium. As the Stained Glass Centre, it is transforming into a venue in which residents, students and visitors can explore, participate in and learn more about one of the most beguiling of crafts, one that continues to be central to the heritage, culture and economy of the city of York. Now that the future of the building has been secured for public use, a programme of events is bringing people and new life back into the building. Founding Aims The Stained Glass Centre was established with five long-term aims for its future role The Stained Glass Centre will be a national resource for the discovery and interpretation of stained glass. Visitors will be able to participate in, and learn about, craft-skills, arts and industries that continue to play a vital role in the life of the city and region. Practitioners from all over the UK will have a national centre of excellence for the study and development of their craft. People of all ages will have the opportunity to learn about the historic importance of this beautiful art form as well as helping it to develop and flourish for the 21st century. The creation of the Stained Glass Centre in the former church of St Martin-cum-Gregory will give new life to one of York’s most beautiful ‘lost’ buildings. Regeneration The establishment of the Stained Glass Centre within the former church of St Martin-cum-Gregory aims to give stunning new life to a magnificent building, with the exciting opportunity for regular public access to one of York’s most beautiful ‘lost’ buildings, and to see, and have interpreted, its lovely fittings and glass. Through the Centre, residents of central York can reclaim aspects of their own local history, participate in, and learn about, craft-skills, arts and industries which continue to play a vital role in the life of the city and region. The Stained Glass Centre also plays a key role in the re-awakening of Micklegate, which once was, and could be again, York’s most important and elegant street. The Centre works closely with the Micklegate Quarter, hosting and participating in events for the local community.

Thinking Big Community Interest Company

thinking big community interest company

London

We are a group of individuals from different backgrounds and with a broad range of experiences. Collectively we have worked in and with statutory services, private business, charitable and voluntary organisations, and across many sectors including health and social care, education, heritage and industry. Each Director brings a rich array of knowledge and perspectives and we are bound by our common interest in building a fairer society. We like to be creative and to seek the involvement of others in generating new ideas, both to overcome existing challenges and in Thinking BIG about new ways to improve experiences and outcomes. After a number of years of talking about ideas, we decided it was time to take action. We looked at different models for forming a charitable, not-for-profit organisation, and took advice from some who had gone before us in this sector. As a result, we formed Thinking BIG as a Community Interest Company, dedicated to engaging in training, and projects with individuals, groups and organisations, in pursuit of the overarching aim - to promote social inclusion, opportunity and wellbeing, by making a positive difference to services and people's lives through meaningful training and community engagement. There are no share holders, no dividends and no spurious expenses. Any funds raised are put entirely into the running of projects for the benefit of the community. As for the name, we asked the people we work with what words they thought captured what we do. We want people to Think BIG when considering new projects and activities, not to be limited by what is already out there. A little imagination and passion goes a long way, and we're on an exciting journey. We have experience of achieving outstanding outcomes, both with organisations, and with individuals. Our training is designed, delivered, evaluated and quality assured, with organisations benefiting from improved employee ability, confidence, performance and wellbeing. Our community projects have made a positive difference to people's lives, and include collaborations with The National Lottery Community Fund, the Police and Crime Commissioners for West and South Yorkshire and their Violence Reduction Units, Menston Parish Council, Bradford Metropolitan District Council, Kirklees Council, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, and Yorkshire Mentoring. Our Story Our aim is to promote social inclusion, opportunity and wellbeing by Thinking BIG. To achieve this, our vision is to facilitate positive experiences, progress and sustainable outcomes; empowering people through education, training, skills-building and having a collective voice in shaping future services and lives. Much of our work is with individuals and groups who face barriers to inclusion, opportunity and/or wellbeing, and others who can support these very people. Children and adults can be vulnerable or disadvantaged by many factors including disabilities, ill-health, poverty, abuse, isolation, marginalisation or being in care. They can also find it difficult to keep themselves and others healthy and safe, or to access opportunities, services or employment, as a result of missing out on appropriate education, training or support. We can help to achieve goals and aspirations which improve lives. Others who support vulnerable people include families, friends, carers, schools, and involved or potentially supportive professionals, volunteers and services. These people can also face challenges which need to be recognised and addressed and they can be empowered in their roles through dedicated support and training. By choosing to use our training services for their teams, organisations can benefit from outstanding workforce development whilst simultaneously supporting their communities, as money raised is invested back into meaningful activities and projects