Students to spread festive cheer with Compass House pop up shop in Kirkgate Market

Students from the West, East, North West and Broomfield SILCs and Lighthouse School will be spreading festive cheer next week with the return of their Christmas pop up shop in Leeds Kirkgate Market.

In partnership with Leeds City Council’s Voice, Influence and Change Team the students have been working hard to set up and run the shop, named Compass House. The pop up shop will be open from Monday 2 to Friday 6 December, 10am-2pm in Unit 278 at Kirkgate Market.

Students will be selling beautifully handcrafted gifts including bath bombs, Christmas plates, and decorations – with all items being priced £5 or less.

Compass House returns following the great success of the popular pop up shop in December 2018 and July 2019. The students involved in the project agreed to continue opening the shop every 6 months and have all been attending regular planning meetings to make key decisions. They have also handcrafted each of the gifts.

The project has been a great opportunity for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to gain valuable work experience. Compass House is also a fantastic example of how dedicated Child Friendly Leeds Ambassador, Kirkgate Market is working with partners to improve opportunities and outcomes for children and young people across Leeds.

Students from each of the schools will also be coming together tomorrow (Friday 29 November) at 10am in Kirkgate Market to perform Christmas songs and promote the opening of the shop.

Councillor Fiona Venner, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families said:

“In Leeds, we truly value the voice and influence of our children and young people. This project was launched in response to students from our SILCs highlighting the need for more work experience opportunities for young people with SEND. We listened to what our young people wanted and worked with them to develop something amazing that addressed this gap.

“I am absolutely thrilled that Compass House will be returning for its second Christmas. It’s a fantastic example of our city’s commitment to making Leeds the best city for children and young people to grow up in and giving every young person the opportunity to fulfil their potential. I would like to say a huge well done to all those involved in setting up the shop for their hard work and dedication. I can’t wait until the doors open next week and would encourage everyone to pop in and show their support.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

SILC – Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre

For media enquiries please contact:

Leeds City Council communications and marketing

Tel: 0113 378 6007

Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk