Leicester Diocese

The David Ross Foundation supported the Diocese of Leicester redevelopment of St Martins House.

The £7m refurbishment of an old school next to Leicester Cathedral has enabled the Diocese and Cathedral to create an outreach centre for vulnerable groups in the city, especially young people who are at risk of not being in education, employment or training (NEETS).

The Diocese of Leicester works in partnership with organisations such as the Prince's Trust to provide courses which result in young people acquiring skills to help them on the road to employment.

One of the Prince's Trust courses is run three times a year by the Fire and Rescue Service from St Martins House. Each course takes up to 15 young people giving them a range of skills to equip them back onto a firmer path in life, and ends with a presentation to the city leaders, which now takes place in the Grand Hall of the House.

St Martins House is also a conference centre and venue, and we make a point of employing young apprentices as part of the core events team who service this function.

The catering is provided by a local firm, Hotel Maiyango, who also offer opportunities in their kitchens for young people who need a second chance. In the words of their Head chef, Phillip Sharpe "It was because of people who gave me a chance that life was put back together when it was at risk of falling apart. We want to offer the same opportunities to people in Leicester today."