The Manny Cussins Foundation has been instrumental in funding The Zone to create a resilient youth support network.
In the 1970s, visionary philanthropist Manny Cussins identified a critical need within the Leeds Jewish community: who was looking out for the vulnerable children at risk of being removed from their homes and the community? His answer was The Manny Cussins House – a children’s home from home dedicated to giving young lives a chance to thrive within their own community.
The 2004 amendments to The Children Act reshaped social care in the UK. As a result, many children’s homes, including Manny Cussins House had to close. This reflected a move away from institutional care, in favour of supporting children within their families. It was crucial that this was not the end of Manny’s legacy, and the vision continued through the Manny Cussins Family Project (MCFP) at Leeds Jewish Welfare Board (LJWB), where welfare services continue to this day.
The Manny Cussins Foundation – a charitable trust set up by Manny’s family – also ensured that Manny’s legacy remains steadfast through its ongoing partnership with The Zone, which supports young people and their families. The MCFP is now transitioning fully to The Zone, creating a dynamic synergy that ensures comprehensive, community- based support for young people across Leeds, Yorkshire, and beyond.
New projects will include a buddying initiative that will connect mentors and young people who are lonely, living in social isolation, or might be child carers. This will give them the chance to enjoy experiences such as going for a game of bowling, to the cinema, to the seaside, or on a holiday trip. There’ll also be more respite options for families to bring their children to The Zone who require one-on-one supervision. While parents have some much- needed time to re-energise, children will be engaged and supported socially, as well as have access to other Zone related opportunities.
Chair of The Zone, Paul Shafar, and CEO, Raina Sheaf, said: “We are honoured to be continuing Manny Cussins’ legacy and to see this essential project become part of The Zone’s wider efforts to support young people throughout their journey from child to young adult. This transition marks a new chapter in our commitment to creating a welcoming and empowering space for the next generation.”
