A vibrant new community space designed to support vulnerable women and families has officially opened in the heart of Harehills, marking a major milestone for one of Leeds’ longest-serving grassroots charities.
Community leaders, dignitaries, supporters and local families gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the new Shantona Haven, a welcoming new hub created by Shantona Women’s Centre.
The charity, founded in 1998 by a local Bangladeshi woman concerned by the lack of support available to women in Harehills, has spent nearly three decades helping women facing some of life’s toughest challenges, including domestic abuse, mental health struggles, isolation and social exclusion.
What began as a small local initiative has now grown into a lifeline organisation employing 35 staff and 15 volunteers, supporting more than 2,000 women and children across Leeds.
The opening celebration was hosted by former ITV Calendar presenter Christine Talbot, with Adeeba Malik, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, officially opening the new centre alongside Shantona Chief Executive Nahid Rasool.
Guests included Richard Burgon, local councillor Salma Arif, West Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Alison Lowe and Leeds NHS representative Tim Ryley.
Located on Roundhay Road in Harehills, the former Connect Housing offices have been transformed into a warm and welcoming multi-purpose community hub complete with a café, training and workshop rooms, events space and dedicated women-only areas.
The charity hopes the new “under one roof” venue will provide easier access to vital services, wellbeing support, education opportunities and community activities for women and families who may otherwise struggle to find help.
The Haven has been designed as a culturally sensitive and inclusive space where women can feel safe, supported and empowered.
Opening the centre, Professor Adeeba Malik said: “I was delighted and honoured to be asked to perform the opening ceremony and meet many of the fantastic people involved in Shantona’s work with the community. I’m sure this wonderful new space will be a huge asset to their work.”
Deputy Mayor Alison Lowe OBE praised the importance of community organisations supporting vulnerable women across West Yorkshire.
She said: “The Shantona Haven offers a crucial community link, which will undoubtedly help to reach more people and deliver that vital support.
“It remains a priority of our ongoing work, ensuring we can respond effectively to what are often complex and diverse issues.”
For Chief Executive Nahid Rasool, who has been part of the organisation since its foundation, the opening represented an emotional and proud moment for the entire team.
She said: “We are all very proud of what we have achieved in the past 28 years and this is a huge milestone for Shantona as we aim to support even more women, not only in Harehills and Chapeltown but from further afield.
“I am grateful to our funders and all the hard work of the Shantona team and volunteers who’ve made this new space possible.”
The new venture has been funded through support from the Community Ownership Fund, the Clothworkers’ Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation and the National Lottery Community Fund.
