Catholic Care (Diocese of Leeds)

Catholic Care (Diocese of Leeds)

Catholic Care is a major charitable social care organisation operating within the Diocese of Leeds. Founded in 1863, it is one of the oldest charities in the region, delivering a wide spectrum of professional care and community support services across West and North Yorkshire.

Who We Are

Catholic Care serves a vast catchment area including Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Halifax, and Skipton.

Headquartered in Headingley, Leeds, the charity is led by Director Carol Hill. It originated as an orphanage in the Victorian era and has evolved over 160 years into a modern, multi-disciplinary agency. The organisation is governed by a board of trustees chaired by the Bishop of Leeds, currently the Right Reverend Marcus Stock.

They pride themselves on their Mission of Christian Love, focusing on justice and charity to support the most "disadvantaged, vulnerable, and marginalised" members of society.

What We Do

Children & Young People’s Services

• Residential Care: Providing a therapeutic and stable home environment for children who cannot live with their own families.
• School Social Work: A large-scale service placing dedicated social workers and educational psychologists in schools across the Diocese to support children’s mental health and wellbeing.

Adult Learning Disability Services

• Residential & Supported Living: Operating specialised homes and housing schemes (such as Eller Beck Court) that empower adults with learning disabilities to live with as much independence as possible.
• Outreach Support: Helping individuals living in their own homes to engage with their local communities.

Mental Health Services

• Supported Housing: Providing accommodation-led support for adults with enduring mental health needs, focusing on relapse prevention and community integration.

Older People’s Services

• Community Groups: Managing lunch clubs and friendship groups to tackle social isolation and loneliness among the elderly.
• Extra Care Housing: Enabling older people to live independently for longer with on-site support.

Community Projects

• Gianna Baby Bank: Providing essential baby items and support to vulnerable expectant mothers and families.
• Community Markets & Pantries: Addressing food poverty through local "social supermarkets."

Approach & Values

Catholic Care focuses on Dignity, Empowerment, and Compassion.

They prioritise Person-Centred Care, ensuring that every individual—whether a child in residential care or an adult with a disability—has maximum control and choice over their own life. Their approach is designed to be Socially Transformative; they don't just provide "maintenance" care but actively work to advocate for the rights of those they serve.

A strong emphasis is placed on "Caritas" (Charity in Action), with the organisation acting as the primary vehicle for the Catholic Church’s social welfare mission in the North of England.

Industry Role

Catholic Care plays a critical role in the Yorkshire social care landscape, acting as a strategic partner for multiple local authorities.

As a long-standing voluntary sector provider, the organisation contributes to the stability of regional care markets by offering specialised services that bridge the gap between state provision and private care. They act as a pioneer in school-based social work, a model that has become increasingly vital in addressing the UK's youth mental health crisis.

They offer a trusted and ethically-grounded care solution, making them a preferred choice for families and commissioners who value a provider with deep historical roots, high regulatory standards, and a genuine commitment to the common good.