Voluntary Action Leeds has its roots in the immediate pre-war years, when in 1938 the Yorkshire Ladies Council of Education (YLCE) founded the Personal Service Bureau to provide advice, information and limited financial assistance to individuals in need. The work grew and in 1939, under the auspices of the YLCE, the organisation became known as the Personal Service Bureau and Citizens Advice Bureau, indicating the two main strands of its work.

A Membership Organisation
In 1944 The Leeds Council of Social Services was established incorporating Family Services, Old People's Welfare and the Citizens Advice Bureau. This union came with with a membership of over 70 charitable organisations - many of whom remain members of VAL today - and forms the basis of the VAL that exists today.

Incorporation
During the next 30 years The Leeds Council of Social Services grew and developed. Incorporation came in 1955 and a change of name in 1974 to Leeds Council for Voluntary Service. This title reflected an emphasis away from personal services (following the creation of statutory social service departments) towards support for organisations. During these years a succession of premises were occupied on: Lower Briggate, Church Row and on Woodhouse Lane, in the building that is now The Library pub.

Support for the Third Sector
Over the years the organisation placed an increasing emphasis supporting the Third Sector. This support role led to a change of name in 1988 to Voluntary Action Leeds (VAL). Then in 1992 VAL acquired its current premises through the Stringer Bequest, on 34 Lupton Street, now known as Stringer House. The building houses the VAL offices and also provides space for tenants. In September 2011 Voluntary Action Leeds merged with Leeds Voice.

In his will, Mr Stringer left significant sums to a wide range of specified local charities including a specific bequest to Leeds Council for Social Services (as it was then). It is not known that Mr Stringer had close connections with the Council for Social Services or any other of these local organisations except that: ‘He took a particular interest in youth welfare and was a member of the YMCA.' (YEP 6 July 1967)

The residue of his estate, some £100,000 was also given to LCSS to hold in trust for ‘general charitable purposes in the City of Leeds'. This was the origin of the Stringer Bequest, to which has since been added bequests from the estates of Miss Mary Stratton, a former General Secretary of the LCSS and LCVS and Mrs G M Robinson of Leeds.

The residual sum was invested and distribution made from the income each year. When in 1992 VAL had the opportunity of buying premises, the Stringer Bequest was able to invest £370,000 of its capital which together with a grant of £50,000 from Leeds City Council (Urban Programme) funded the purchase and improvement of Stringer House.