Christmas shopping commences as popular student pop-up shop returns

The pop-up shop will run from Monday 5 December to Friday 9 December, opening from 10am to 2pm at the market.

This year, the shop will be run by students from Green Meadows Academy, West SILC, East SILC, Broomfield SILC, The Lighthouse School and Future Horizons. Shoppers will be able to purchase beautifully handcrafted items such as bath bombs, Christmas gifts, and decorations, all priced at £5 or less.

Originally set up in 2018, students from a range of specialist schools in Leeds planned, named, and promoted the first Compass House shop and handcrafted all the items for sale. After its initial success, they agreed that they would continue to open the shop annually, with Kirkgate Market agreeing to provide the unit free of charge.

The shop is now part of a work experience project for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), coordinated by the council. Students of all levels of needs are able to participate in the project and undertake various tasks, from attending project meetings, to designing promotional material, making products and working at the shop.

The aim of the project is to equip students with skills to help them prepare for adulthood, such as customer service, team working, organisational, design work and problem solving.

Councillor Fiona Venner, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult and children’s social care and health partnerships, said: “I’m delighted to see Compass House return this year. The shop is a fantastic way that different organisations can come together to help deliver the aim of making Leeds a child friendly city. This is a wonderful opportunity for students with additional needs to gain valuable work experience and make a positive contribution to the wider community.”

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education said: “Since its creation in 2018, Compass House has been a brilliant collaboration between the council, local specialist schools, and Kirkgate Market. I’m delighted to see Kirkgate Market acting as a Child Friendly Leeds ambassador to improve opportunities and outcomes for young people in Leeds.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved in setting this year’s shop up and I highly encourage everyone to visit the market to check it out.”