People Matters supports people with learning disabilities, autistic people and people with other hidden disabilities to build independence, confidence, and access meaningful opportunities, so they can enjoy life in the same way as anyone else Established in May 2002, People Matters (West Yorkshire CIO, is a Leeds based charitable organisation that develops inclusive communities by bringing people
together to enjoy leisure, learning and employment. The focus of our work are people who experience disadvantage, particularly through learning and other disabilities or health issues, and who live within Leeds and the surrounding area. We create opportunities for people who are disadvantaged in the workplace to gain experience, to develop their skills and confidence, to explore their potential and to progress within the organisation. We are committed to sustaining the activities that people value by developing income streams from contracts and trading, and so lessen our dependence on grants. We are a social firm, as defined by Social Firms England. We are currently supporting approximately 250 people each year, both adults and young people from 11 years, to enjoy activities and experiences. This includes supporting individuals to enjoy activities of their choice; bringing people together in groups to make friends, go out socially, and learn new skills, and involving people in the running of the organisation through voluntary or paid work.