Our story
With over 20 years of our history, there’s a lot of stories to be told. Find out more about where we came from, the members who make Leeds GATE, and our hopes and vision for the future.
What’s in a name
Leeds GATE stands for Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange. Our name is strongly recognisable locally and nationally, and each part has specific meaning and connection to our mission.
Leeds
Having Leeds in our name acts as a signpost to where the organisation is based. Any Gypsy or Traveller can become a member of Leeds GATE and benefit from our services. We live at Crown Point House, Cross Green Ln, Leeds LS9 0BD and we deliver work across West Yorkshire.
Gypsy and Traveller
It was felt our name needs to reflect who we work for. The name explicitly names Gypsies & Travellers to be clear about who owns our organisation and who the intended beneficiaries are of our work.
Exchange
The word ‘exchange’ in our name represents the receiving and giving of gifts, talents and resources through the existence of our organisation. Relationships are two way and Members are encouraged to contribute to the work of Leeds GATE, therefore Leeds GATE exists to be more than a service provider.
Where we came from
Originally founded by community members in 2003, Leeds GATE works for Gypsies and Travellers in Leeds and across West Yorkshire – a population estimated at around 7,000.
Prior to the formation of Leeds GATE Jim Connors (a Leeds resident and became a long-term member) took a critically important case to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). His successful appeal led to security of tenure for all residents of public Gypsy and Traveller sites. His victory still provides inspiration and motivation in our work.
You can watch Jim tell his story here:
Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange has its roots in the work of Gypsy and Traveller activists going back many years in West Yorkshire. Ada North, Tommy Doherty, Jim Connors, Eileen Lowther, Kim Moloney, along with many colleagues from their communities and partners including Peter Saunders, the former head of the Leeds Travellers Education Service and Maureen Baker MBE, laid the foundations for what became Leeds GATE.
Our Timeline
2002
The first committee forms to take the project known as Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange forward
2003
First funding secured brought first staff member on board. In April of that year, the first constitution was signed and Leeds GATE registered with the Charity Commission.
2004
Leeds GATE conducted ‘The baseline census of Gypsies and Travellers in Leeds’ – a first and a very important piece of work involving community researchers gathering vital data about these populations in Leeds. The research was published by the Race Equality Council.
The baseline census indicated an average life expectancy 28 years shorter than the local average – of approximately 50 years of age.
2006
Board member Kim Moloney pursued a highly significant case against Leeds City Council, challenging their repeated eviction of her family without any attempt to make suitable provision for them. This despite the fact that Kim’s father was living with Alzheimer’s’ and dementia. Although ultimately lost in the House of Lords, the case had a significant impact on Leeds City Council approach towards the needs of homeless Gypsy and Traveller people and was later referenced by ECHR.
2006
We moved into our home in Cross Green Lane, Leeds and have gradually taken over the whole building. The building represents a warm and welcoming place to our members across West Yorkshire. It is recognised by Gypsies and Travellers from across the country which is why it was chosen to be represented in our logo.
2007
Leeds GATE published ‘One Punch Kills’, a domestic violence project report by Kathleen Morrison who worked for the organisation as an inspiring youth leader and mentor until her untimely death in 2012. Staff and volunteers working today tribute the influence that Kathleen had on their aspirations and desire to be part of the organisation she loved.
2007
Eileen Lowther, Kathleen’s mother, became Chair of the Board. Eileen was a much respected activist, mam and granny to a large local family. Well known as a great networker and fine thinker, Eileen was a regular at national conferences until her death at the age of 63 in 2017. Another heart-breaking loss to her family and the organisation.
2008 – 2009
Development of the Leeds GATE Values which have become very dear to us and remain highly characteristic of the organisation to this day.
2010
The Negotiated Stopping method for facilitating good management of roadside camps and the right to a nomadic life is developed, alongside Leeds Council and our members.
2018
Winners of the national GSK Impact Award, recognising our work to improve people’s health and wellbeing and beating more than 350 organisations from all over the UK to be one of eight winners. The judges were particularly impressed ‘by how the local community is actively involved in shaping services and leading the charity.’ You can watch our winners’ video for our GSK award here: https://youtu.be/nA40VqL2WYA?feature=shared
2019
Kim Moloney was awarded an MBE in the New Years’ honours. The award recognised Kim’s dogged pursuit of social justice for Gypsies and Travellers living on temporary camps and contributing significantly to the development of the negotiated stopping policy. You can watch Kim talk about her life and her work here: https://youtu.be/_rbTxYt0PRg?feature=shared
2021
We were able to purchase our building and long term home in Cross Green, with support from our funder Lankelly Chase. We made a video to tell them what it means to us: Leeds GATE – Help us buy our building (youtube.com)
We became the first Gypsy and Traveller organisation in the UK to own their own community centre (as far as we know)!
2022- present day
We have focused on making our mission statement of being a West Yorkshire organisation a reality for our members. For many members outside of Leeds this is the first time they have had a service directly for them and we have worked hard to build their trust. This has involved rapid growth in our delivery, however, the things that built GATE remain and will remain core to who we are.
Did you know?
At least 7000 Gypsy and Traveller people live in West Yorkshire. Many of us live in houses, or in our caravans on private or public sites. Some of us live on short term camps.
Did you know?
The average life expectancy for Gypsies and Irish Travellers in Leeds is about 50 years of age, compared of the settled population of Leeds which is around 78 years (Leeds Racial Equality Council, 2005). This means that if other groups think of older people as being 70 or over, we have to think of Gypsy or people who are over 50 as being ‘older’.
Did you know?
Some of the best known Gypsy or Traveller activists now and in the past are from West Yorkshire? Tommy Doherty, Ada North, Jim Connors, Eileen Lowther, and Kim Moloney MBE are all from West Yorkshire!
Did you know?
Gypsies and Travellers are recognised Ethnic Minority groups under the Race Relations Act as amended in 2000, and we have ‘protected characteristics’ according to the 2010 Equality Act.
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