Giroscope set up in 1985 when a group of like minded people inspired by the writings of Colin Ward and Ivan Illich decided to take action to house themselves. The following year we set up as a workers co-operative and launched ourselves into house buying, house renovating and communal living.
At the start of this year 2007, we were down to one founding member so the decision was taken to cease being a co-operative and register as a charity. We now have 25 houses providing accommodation for people in housing need in West Hull. We also own a solar powered building which is home to several community businesses including an organic veg delivery service, a real nappy company and an ethnic minority community centre teaching English. We also own a community shop.
Although we would not categorise ourselves anymore as ‘an intentional community’ we feel our organisation has a special place here in West Hull and is much more than just a housing provider. We welcome visits but cannot always guarantee accommodation.
