OWL

A wide range of support and accommodation is offered for individuals aged 16 to 25 living in Leeds. The focus is on preventing homelessness by providing housing advice and collaborating to enable young people to live independently. Access to accommodation requires a referral from a professional, such as Leeds Housing Options.

What we offer

Housing

Emergency Accommodation
Core Accommodation
Cluster Accommodation
Dispersed Accommodation

Services

Advice Service
Complex Needs
Counselling
Domestic Abuse
Employment & Engagement
Mediation
Prevention
Wellbeing

Who we are

Our Way Leeds (OWL) supports young people aged 16-25 across Leeds who are navigating housing challenges or transitioning to independent living. OWL provides tailored advice, practical support, and guidance to help young people secure safe, stable housing and develop essential life skills. By working closely with local services and communities, OWL fosters an inclusive and empowering environment where young people can thrive. With a focus on holistic support, OWL is dedicated to helping young people build brighter, more independent futures.

Clubs

Running Club

Monday
14:00-16:30
Archway LS8 5AQ
liz@therunningcharity.com

Eats & Beats

Monday & Tuesday
16:30-19:30
Archway LS8 5AQ
wellbeing.referrals@ourwayleeds.org.uk

Young Mums Club

Tuesday
13:00-14:30
Archway LS8 5AQ
wellbeing.referrals@ourwayleeds.org.uk

The Drop in

Wednesday
13:00-15:00
Archway LS8 5AQ
wellbeing.referrals@ourwayleeds.org.uk

Safe Voices

Wednesday
13:00-15:00
Foundation, LS12 2AE
wellbeing.referrals@ourwayleeds.org.uk

Safe Space

Thursday
15:30-17:00
Archway LS8 5AQ
wellbeing.referrals@ourwayleeds.org.uk

Climbing Club

Friday
14:00-15:30
Archway LS8 5AQ
wellbeing.referrals@ourwayleeds.org.uk

Consortium Partners

Through OWL’s services, our partners are at the heart of empowering individuals and creating stronger communities. Together, we drive meaningful change, achieving lasting impact through collaboration and dedication.

“Thank you for all your help and for getting me into accommodation where I feel safe. Also thank you for understanding my situation and for being so easy to talk to.”

Archway
95 Roundhay Rd,
Harehills,
Leeds
LS8 5AQ

0113 391 8000 

referrals@ourwayleeds.org.uk

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Emergency Accommodation

The Emergency Accommodation service provides immediate and medium-term housing with personalised support for young people facing homelessness, sofa-surfing, or housing instability. With 9 emergency bedsits and 3 longer-term self-contained units, we support young people aged 16-25 in making the transition to stable, longer-term accommodation.

Criteria:
Homeless, sofa-surfing, or facing housing instability
.
Aged 16 to 25
.
In Leeds.
Access: Self-referral.
Email: referrals@ourwayleeds.org.uk

Core Accommodation

Core Accommodation offers intensive 24/7 support for young people to help them build the skills necessary for independent living. Waking night cover and regular staff visits are provided in a supportive, communal living environment, enabling young people to take the next step towards independence.

Criteria:
Homeless, sofa-surfing, or facing housing instability.

Aged 16 to 25
.
In Leeds.
Access: Self-referral.
Email: referrals@ourwayleeds.org.uk

Cluster Accommodation

Cluster Accommodation offers a mix of 1-2 bed houses and flats, providing young people with the opportunity to live independently while receiving ongoing support. Staff visit regularly to help develop life skills necessary for long-term independence, with emergency support available 24/7.

Criteria:
Homeless, sofa-surfing, or facing housing instability.

Aged 16 to 25.

In Leeds.
Access: Self-referral.
Email: referrals@ourwayleeds.org.uk

Dispersed Accommodation

Dispersed Accommodation is ideal for young people ready for more independent living, offering 2-bedroom houses or flats with minimal support. Weekly visits from a support worker help maintain independence while providing access to emergency support at any time.

Criteria:
Homeless, sofa-surfing, or facing housing instability
.
Aged 16 to 25
.
In Leeds.
Access: Self-referral.
Email: referrals@ourwayleeds.org.uk

Advice Service

OWL Advice Service is an accredited service providing free, independent, flexible advice to young people receiving support through OWL services. The team helps young people access their benefit entitlements and maximise their income. They can help young people apply for benefits and challenge benefit decisions up to and including representation at appeal tribunal. In addition, the team raise social policy issues which impact on young people such as welfare reforms and austerity. They regularly contribute to Select Committee Consultations to feed in the issues and barriers young people are experiencing. 

Criteria: Working with OWL.
Access: Referred via OWL.

Complex Needs

The Complex Needs team supports young people facing a range of challenges, including mental health issues, substance misuse, and homelessness. Our dedicated workers collaborate with each individual to set and achieve personalised goals while providing holistic support.

Criteria:
High support needs.
Aged 16 to 25.
In Leeds.
Access: Referred via OWL.

Counselling

OWL offers up to 12 weekly counselling sessions for young people struggling with issues like anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Referrals are accepted from external organisations or via self-referral for those willing to engage with therapeutic support.

Criteria:
Willingness to engage
.
Aged 16 to 25.
I
n Leeds.
Access: Self-referral.
Email: referrals@ourwayleeds.org.uk

Domestic Abuse

The Domestic Abuse service provides advocacy, emotional support, and practical assistance for young people who have experienced or are at risk of domestic abuse. We also offer a 12-week support group for women called ‘Safe Voices’ to help with recovery and empowerment.

Criteria:
Experiencing or at risk of domestic abuse.

Aged 16 to 25.

In Leeds.
Access: Self-referral.
Email: referrals@ourwayleeds.org.uk

Employment & Engagement

OWL Employment & Engagement service helps people we support explore job opportunities, education, and training. We provide tailored support with CV writing, job applications, finding work experience, volunteering, and accessing learning opportunities.

Criteria:
Working with OWL.
Access: Referred via OWL.

Mediation

OWL’s Mediation Service supports young people facing relationship breakdowns, helping them resolve conflicts with family or others in a safe, supportive, and impartial way. The service aims to help individuals find common ground and restore communication.

Criteria:
Willingness to engage
.
Aged 16 to 25.

In Leeds.
Access: Referred via OWL.

Prevention

The Prevention service helps young people avoid homelessness through interventions like mediation and housing advice. We provide support for staying in current living arrangements or finding alternative accommodation if needed.

Criteria:
Working with OWL.
Access: Referred via OWL.

Wellbeing

The Wellbeing service works with young people to improve their overall quality of life by offering activities that reduce social isolation and build confidence. We help with goal setting, self-esteem, and decision-making to empower young people to thrive.

Criteria:
Working with OWL.
Access: Referred via OWL.

Parent Mediation

Parent Mediation helps separating or divorcing couples resolve disputes about children without costly legal battles. Mediators support constructive discussions to reach agreements in the children’s best interests.


Watch Service Video Here


Criteria: 

Open to all parents and carers.
Priority for specific postcodes in deprived wards.
Access: Self-referral.
Email: Nicola.French@GIPSIL.org.uk

Family Mediation

Our Family Mediation service provides a safe space for young people and their and their Parent/carer to reduce conflict and improve communication. Sessions focus on preventing family breakdown and creating positive changes through a solution-focused approach.

Watch Service Video Here

Criteria:
Young people aged 11 to 18 years.
Living in Leeds or attending an educational provision in Leeds.
Access: Self-referral.
Email: CHP@gipsil.org.uk or Nicola.French@GIPSIL.org.uk