As well as providing homes directly for individuals and families across the Leeds City Region, North and West Yorkshire, we also provide accommodation to local partners who offer specialist support.

Through this approach, we’ve partnered with St George’s Crypt at Ashlar House. They support people to build the skills and confidence to move from emergency accommodation into their own home.

St George’s Crypt share an update highlighting Keith’s journey and the inclusive support he’s received at Ashlar House. The blog showcases how the team is working with residents to create a welcoming environment and empower them to live independently.

At Ashlar House, we’ve come to understand that becoming trauma-informed isn’t a destination it’s an ongoing journey. Over the past two years, our service has grown not just in experience, but in heart, creativity, and adaptability.

From the beginning, we’ve aimed to offer more than just a place to stay. Our team is deeply committed to a person-centred, therapeutic approach to support work. With the help of generous donations, we’ve been able to think outside the box and empower our clients in new and creative ways. This has helped to rebuild their independence and confidence.

This year, we’ve focused on adapting our service to meet the diverse needs of those who walk through our doors. One powerful example of this was when we welcomed Keith, a client who is deaf.

Creating an inclusive environment

Recognising the communication barriers, we knew that a standard approach wouldn’t be enough. Instead, the team rallied together to create a truly inclusive environment. We took time to learn basic British Sign Language not just everyday phrases, but ways to express feelings and emotions, and to connect through humour and warmth. We shared what we learned with other residents too, sticking up signs around the house and making sure Keith felt not just accommodated, but understood and included.

This experience didn’t just benefit Keith it brought our whole community closer together. It reminded us that true trauma-informed care means meeting people where they are, adapting with compassion, and always being willing to learn. Ashlar House continues to grow as a place where everyone, regardless of their background or needs can feel seen, heard, and supported.

Co-production at Ashlar House

The aim of the project at Ashlar House is to empower clients to live independently in their own homes. To support this process, it is important for staff to build a positive rapport with the clients and to continuously assess their needs.

Ashlar House has a clear approach to involving clients in the service. This approach is person-centred and holistic. Ashlar House staff provide a supportive space where a community can thrive. They offer the following to aid client involvement:

• Monthly resident meetings: During resident’s meetings staff ask residents their opinion of the service and discuss any matters that were raised in the last meeting and what actions staff have taken. Staff will then circulate meetings minutes between clients and management.
• Wellbeing groups: Staff and clients talk about mental health, sleep hygiene, anxiety and depression and challenge stigmas by providing an open dialog and a safe space.
• Life skills classes: This includes looking at how to place Leeds City Council bids independently, phone and email etiquette, cleaning, managing emotions. These classes empower residents to live independently.
• Buddying systems: Residents show new residents around the accommodation
• Championing the service: Residents taking ownership of certain departments and support with cooking, cleaning and peer support.
• Activities: Gardening, debate nights, quiz’s etc cultural themed cooking.
• Residents cleaning rota: All residents assigned specific cleaning jobs.

This enables client to feel a part of a community, take ownership and have responsibility.