Through commitment, support and collaboration around 50,000 people's lives are better since we officially started operating as a charity in 2002.

As we reflect on this milestone, there’s a lot to be proud of and celebrate. Our progress so far has motivated us to continue working with people in Calderdale, understand their aspirations and create opportunities so they get to where they want to be.

It’s been inspiring to read all the stories and achievements of those who have been involved with HOT over the years and how many lives we’ve made better in our local community. Of course, this hasn’t been without its challenges, but makes our achievements all the more rewarding.

Our charitable objectives address poverty, wellbeing and disadvantage; the very reason we exist is to improve the quality of life and prospects for local people. I have every confidence that Halifax Opportunities Trust has the expertise and knowledge to support those experiencing the current Cost of Living Crisis and is demonstrating this already, through some of the dedicated workstreams that have been introduced this year.

Finally, as you will learn from reading this report, I’m thrilled that our commitment to the environment has been driven-forward with a carbon reduction roadmap, and that our ambition of getting into property has been realised with the purchase of our first house. Both will have a lasting impact on our vibrant community.

I am positive that by working together we can overcome whatever challenge is ahead, as we have many times before, and come out stronger, healthier and happier.

Creating opportunities

for 21 years

Our workforce has grown from

14 to 180

21 years in numbers

We operate from

eight

we’ve created opportunities for around

50,000

sites across Calderdale

people

of funding received to deliver place-based community projects

£70 million

We have worked with over

200

local, regional and national partners

We're here so people have the opportunity to grow in a vibrant, multicultural and self-sustaining community

We create opportunities for a better life

We’re people powered and community focused so individuals and families in Calderdale live as well as possible with practical support that builds skills, confidence and aspirations

We

CARE

We ARE

ENTERPRISING

We

COLLABORATE

Shaping the future...

Responding to challenges...

It’s been quite a journey since Halifax Opportunities Trust officially launched in April 2002 – a community-led and run regeneration charity set up to continue the work of West Central Halifax Partnership. This significant date on our timeline was marked by a community launch at our flagship site, Hanson Lane Enterprise Centre. 21 years on, the charity has evolved into an organisation equipped and perfectly positioned for the aspirations of Park ward and the wider Calderdale community.

Since 2002, we’ve invested almost £70million into place-based community projects and initiatives. We’ve created opportunities for around 50,000 people through our six core areas; children & families, apprenticeships, inclusive integration, community & wellbeing, employment and enterprise. We’ve worked with over 200 national, regional and local organisations, charities and funding partners to ensure individuals, families and businesses within our local community have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a brighter future for all.

While we always have room to grow, we are incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made along the way. People and community are part of Halifax Opportunities Trust’s DNA, which has driven us forward and continues to guide us towards our purpose for people to grow in a vibrant, multi-cultural and self-sustaining community.

From employees to trustees, volunteers, participants and partners, we’re passionate about creating opportunities and we’re optimistic that together we can continue to make great strides for a better life, stronger community and brighter future.

Our timeline (pages 3-4) charts some of our many milestones over the last two decades. From the early days, where we operated from a single site with a team of just 14, to today with around 180 employees across eight sites throughout Calderdale - we’ve grown in many ways.

What remains the same is our resilience to local challenges and responding to the hopes of our community. We are used to thinking innovatively and adapting to change so individuals, families and businesses have relevant and accessible support. This was particularly demonstrated throughout the COVID pandemic, when we flexed our muscles as a community anchor to collaborate with other charities and organisations and provide essentials for the most vulnerable residents of Calderdale.

This, alongside various charity awards, shows how we have continued to make an impact through place-based delivery - addressing the real, lived experiences of local people with co-designed services that truly make a difference.

Our delivery...

Our six key areas of delivery have been defined based on our connection with those we work with. Our roots within Park ward, our historic links to regeneration and our fundamental role as a community anchor, have all lead us to deliver projects in a wide variety of specialisms. Many times an individual will receive support from a number of teams simultaneously and we’re able to do this because of our flexible and holistic approach to:

Creating opportunities for work and life

Providing good quality employment support for local people is one of HOT’s key objectives. This has been more challenging this year due to the unsettled funding landscape, ongoing post-COVID impact, and the cost of living crisis.

Many participants have complex and multiple barriers to employment and this, combined with an increase in people in crisis situations, means the Employment team has worked hard so people can overcome challenges. The team continues to provide holistic support, which includes intervention-based approaches for employability.

This is delivered alongside the team’s employment support services, for people seeking work or employment advice locally. Danyaal found himself seeking work after making the decision to leave university. The employment team supported him with interview techniques and signposted him to local employers with vacancies in the field Danyaal was interested in.

Through working with the Trust, Danyaal’s confidence has grown and he has found employment, where he can gain experience in the business world and build skils for life and work.

Watch the video...

Creating opportunities to boost wellbeing

Community and Wellbeing represents a lot of the place-based work the Trust is involved with to support sustainability, social cohesion, inclusion and promote community action.

The Staying Well project is part of this area of work and creates opportunities for local people to engage with social activities so they meet others, learn and share practical skills to combat isolation and loneliness.

Staying Well’s regular groups, Knit & Natter and Arts & Crafts, take place at Hanson Lane Enterprise Centre. They are participant-led where group members mutually decide the activities and syllabus, which enhances social interaction and builds confidence and trust among peers.

Rosalyn is a regular participant at both groups, which have offered her a lifeline since her mother passed away. Through attending the groups Rosalyn has been able to meet new people and build friendships, while sharing her excellent knitting skills with other members of the group.

Watch the video...

192

Wellbeing sessions

delivered

Creating opportunities for volunteering

184

practical sessions were delivered at the Outback

Creating opportunities for business growth

One of the Trust’s four values is ‘We are enterprising’ which is demonstrated most prominently through our two business centres, Hanson Lane Enterprise Centre and Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre (EWIC); both run through our subsidiary trading company, HOT Enterprises Ltd.

EWIC is a social enterprise. From start-up to seasoned pro, the Centre offers flexibility for businesses to grow through a range of virtual, co-working and private office spaces. This is facilitated through start-up grants that subsidise office rental costs for new businesses established for up to 18 months.

Arren (pictured below, right) is the Managing Director of the Digital DRA, a debt resolution company. He launched the business in 2021 and benefited from a start-up grant to get up and running. Now, two years on, Arren and his team remain at EWIC where they commend its high standards of customer experience and flexible approach to quality workspaces.

Read the case story...

The Digital DRA has found a home at the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre, and our experience here has been nothing short of exceptional from day one.

Arren

6,580

people attended

meetings at Elsie

Whiteley Innovation

Centre

Creating opportunities to thrive in the UK

engaged with

240

migrants and refugees

As the most culturally diverse neighbourhood in Calderdale, Park ward has a long history as a welcome hub where migrant communities from across the globe arrive, settle and flourish in Halifax and the surrounding areas.

This is as true today as it was when the first generation of South Asian migrants began arriving in the post-war era of the 1950’s and 60’s. And, with the ongoing war in the Ukraine, we’re seeing a rise in migrants from this part

of the world.

To enable migrant families and individuals to make the most of their new lives in the UK, we’re proud to deliver a number of Inclusive Integration programmes, including ESOL (English as a Second or Other Language) from Hanson Lane Enterprise Centre.

Khatam fled her home in Syria so her young family could be safe. When she first came to the UK, she couldn’t speak English which made it difficult for her to integrate and communicate. Through a number of ESOL classes and vocational courses, delivered by the HOT Inclusive Integration team, Khatam is now able to interact with her community and has built strong friendships, as well as set-up her own confectionery business, which further builds on her English language skills.

Watch the video...

Creating opportunities for career progression

The HOT Apprenticeships team works with individuals and employers to build skills and workforces through nationally recognised apprenticeships. Specialising in the fields of training, education and early years, the team delivers work-based apprenticeships at Level 2 right through to Level 5.

In 2023, the team introduced a range of new courses to its portfolio to create further career opportunities in early years, play work and SEND. Teaching Assistant apprenticeships have also seen high demand, which have often been paired with SEN training.

Sameer (pictured below) recently qualified as a Teaching Assistant at Ravenshall, a school for children with additional needs. Completing with Distinction, the HOT Learning team guided Sameer through his course and he gained work-based experience, where he secured a permanent role. From starting out as a Teaching Assistant in a new field in education, Sameer has now progressed as a Cover Supervisor at Ravenshall where he continues to apply the valuable knowledge gained.

Read the case story...

I completed the course with a Distinction, which helped me secure a permanent role at the school. I have now progressed to become a Cover Supervisor and the knowledge gained from the course is still so valuable.

Sameer

88%

of apprentices

passed

Creating opportunities for confident parenting

HOT has developed and delivered a range of community-based services for families with young children in Calderdale for many years. These services operate from a range of Children's Centres and community venues, with teams visiting homes of some of our most vulnerable families.

Part of our work within Children and Families includes a family support service, delivered by the Family Support and Outreach Team, so parents and carers can improve their quality of family life.

Family Outreach Workers like Marta work with children from 0-19 years, alongside their families, at home and in Children’s Centre groups.

Marta joined the Trust as an apprentice and now works with local families to guide them through family life, offer parenting advice, build parental confidence and relationships. Since joining Halifax Opportunities Trust Marta has grown in confidence both in her own parenting and professionally, where she hopes to become a Perinatal Mental Health Worker.

Watch the video...

Celebrating 21 years

1

Keeping the local community connected

80

local individuals and stakeholders were engaged

with through

3

Park ward forums at

Hanson Lane Enterprise Centre

120

Fuel Cards handed

to people experiencing

fuel poverty

60

Local people received free HOT meals

from the Outback Tuesday Takeaway

120

Pre-loaded sim cards with data for vulnerable individuals to access digital services

Our plans

We’re ambitious, and in order to turn our goals into reality, we must continue to work together so people grow. Our plans are far reaching and long-term; like many community anchors, we’re here for the long-haul.

While it’s important we are responsive in our delivery, it’s vital that we are pro-active in our approach, driving progress from the front, rather than following from behind. Our Roadmap for the next five years includes:

Looking forward...

Thanks to the support of those we work with, we are able to embark on the next 21 years (and beyond) with confidence and ongoing resilience so we continue to flourish. We will begin 2024 with new organisational strategies – our road maps for the next five years are focussed on creating opportunities for a better life. We know we’ll be faced with challenges as well as opportunities and we need to be clear about how we’ll keep on track.

Our plans for the future consider local, regional and national initiatives and, of course, the emerging possibilities within our community. Through joined-up thinking and working collaboratively, we believe our future plans will bring together our vibrant community and create a better place to live and work.

Sustainability

It‘s within our charitable objectives and part of our purpose to be a role model for sustainability. Of course the Outback is a great example of this, but we want to spread this message across the Trust and throughout our community, with a measurable carbon reduction roadmap.

Community Spaces

Since we first began operating, many of our services have been delivered from Hanson Lane Enterprise Centre. As we‘ve grown-up, we‘ve also grown in size which means our teams are dispersed across a number of sites. We‘re hoping to secure a better equipped community space to centralise our teams and ensure HOT is more accessible to local people.

Homes

We‘re pleased to have purchased our first house in Park ward. We are working in partnership with the WomenCentre to provide good quality homes and plan to expand our property portfolio to bring more empty houses back into use for families to live.

Health

Our Community and Wellbeing work is evolving in response to long term health conditions and limited health awareness within Park ward. Social prescribing is a large part of what we do and we‘re planning to expand this through our work in the community.

Download your copy

Halifax

Opportunities

Trust

www.regen.org.uk

Halifax Opportunities Trust is a company limited by guarantee

and registered in England, number 4089288.

Our registered charity number is 1086183.