Helping communities to develop and run activities can be a powerful force for change

CUP was founded in 1998. We were able to launch thanks to the help of someone who enjoyed doing things differently. Felix Dennis, maverick publisher and entrepreneur, was so impressed by Lesley and Paul’s ideas that he wrote the cheque that got us going.

Since then CUP has found funds and income from a wide range of sources. We have worked with many different organisations and projects and are very proud of our achievements. But most of all we’re proud to still be learning and working hard to make a difference.

CUP is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. We have a small team of staff and volunteers and our Board of Trustees oversees and steers our work (members of our board are not paid for their role).

Our staff

Lesley Steel, Director

Paul Lewis, Director

Louisa Nardini, Volunteer Engagement Worker

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Our Board of Trustees:

Paul Joyce
Paul is a Managing Partner with Ramsdens Solicitors. He is also a trustee of Central Youth Group and a member of The Prince’s Trust Leadership Group.

Eddie Berry
After many years as a lecturer in Sport and Leisure at Huddersfield Technical College (now Kirklees College) and a part time youth club leader Eddie has great experience of coaching and encouraging people to participate in community sports and activities.

Carlton Midgley
Carlton has a wealth of knowledge about teaching and governance. This has been gained from, amongst other roles, over 20 years’ experience as an Ofsted Inspector.

 

Robert Pepper
Robert’s professional background is IT. He is a community activist (and football supporter) who headed up the Huddersfield Town Survival Trust in 2003 and has served on the Board of Supporters Direct, the umbrella organisation for football supporters trusts. 

Gerry Beamond
After many years as a senior manager in social housing Gerry brings great understanding of community needs and dynamics, along with many other skills.

 

We have worked with:

  • Kirklees Council – Children and Young People’s Service
  • West Yorkshire Police
  • Kirklees Youth Offending Team
  • Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing
  • Kirklees Federation of Tenants and Residents Association
  • Voluntary Action Kirklees
  • The Football Foundation
  • The Football Association
  • Kirklees and Calderdale Health Authority
  • Kirklees Active Leisure
  • Calderdale and Kirklees Careers Service
  • Yorkshire and Humber Government Office

Find out about our recent projects here

“A difference on our estates”

We have seen that CUP can make a difference on our estates. By giving young people the opportunity to get involved in sports and other activities we are beginning to see a reduction in incidents of criminal damage , vandalism and graffiti.

Steve Wilkinson, Prinicipal Manager
Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing

“Exactly what regeneration should be about”

Lesley and Paul work with real communities encouraging them to believe in their own abilities. It’s about strengthening relationships and people who already know what the needs of their area are. They don’t need a ‘professional’ to come in and tell them what to do, but support in how to do it.Portia Popham Roberts Regeneration Manager, Huddersfield Pride

Want to know more about how we work?

We’d love to hear your ideas and have a chat.

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