Leeds City Forum

01/07/2025

11/06/2025

Launches Urgent Appeal to Open Doors to New Centre. is a vital community charity dedicated to supporting families with young children across who are experiencing poverty. Operating on a referral-only basis, collaborates with professionals such as midwives, health visitors, and social workers to provide families with children aged 0–5 years the essentials they need. These essentials include nappies, formula milk, clothing, toys, prams, cots, and highchairs. The charity also conducts outreach sessions at community centres in some of ’ most deprived areas, offering immediate assistance and connecting families to additional support services. has launched an urgent appeal to raise the final £60,000 needed to open the doors to its new, much larger premises this July and resume its vital support for families living in poverty. is calling for donations to help make its new centre in Armley safe, fully furnished, and ready to support local families. A campaign has been launched with a £60,000 target to cover essential costs, including warehouse racking for pre-loved items, large tables for sorting donations, and clear signage to help families easily locate the centre.

With enough support, the charity aims to reopen its doors to families in need by mid-July. The new space will also enable to expand its services. For the first time, families will be able to visit in person to choose the new and pre-loved essentials they need to care for their children https://www.leedsstar.app/t/leeds-baby-bank-launches-urgent-appeal-to-open-doors-to-new-centre/124

11/06/2025

celebrates dedicated volunteers during . , situated in the heart of , , is a cornerstone of compassionate care for individuals facing life-limiting conditions. recently celebrated by hosting a special event to thank the dedicated individuals who generously give their time to support the hospice’s essential services. from both the hospice and the local gathered for an enjoyable afternoon tea, complemented by some fun, relaxed games. The gathering provided a wonderful chance to recognize and appreciate the remarkable contributions volunteers make to . is currently looking for volunteers to support several key areas: Gardening; Maintenance; Complementary therapies, with a particular need for massage therapy and Reiki; Collecting patient experience feedback; Reception support; Fundraising roles, including helping with events and general activities https://www.leedsstar.app/t/sue-ryder-wheatfields-hospice-celebrates-dedicated-volunteers-during-national-volunteers-week/123

11/06/2025

Lord Mayor Supports Launch of New Development. The , , has officially broken ground on a much-anticipated ( ) project to build 28 affordable homes on the estate in north Leeds. This new development marks the second phase of a two-part scheme by , partially funded by . The properties will include a mix of 14 two-bedroom homes, 12 three-bedroom homes, a two-bedroom apartment, and a one-bedroom adapted ground floor apartment, designed to meet the diverse needs of the local community. The first phase of the development, completed in 2022, includes 85 new homes — 51 of which are sheltered housing apartments for residents aged 55 and over, alongside 34 general needs apartments. The project earned recognition as at the in 2023. Phase two, known as , is scheduled for completion in spring 2026. At the recent groundbreaking ceremony, was joined by the , Mrs , local ward councillors, community leaders, project partners, Board members, and residents. hailed the development as ‘a landmark moment’ that will deliver ‘much-needed affordable family homes’ for the area https://www.leedsstar.app/t/lord-mayor-supports-launch-of-new-leeds-jewish-housing-association-development/122

11/06/2025

Shares the Human Stories Behind Groundbreaking . : The is a compelling new podcast from ( ), shining a light on the powerful, often emotional stories behind some of the ’s most significant medical advances. Launching on Wednesday 11 June 2025, the series explores how research transforms lives — told through the voices of the patients and researchers at the heart of it. Each episode offers an intimate glimpse into the human side of medical innovation. Listeners will meet people like Michael Wright, a 64-year-old from York whose life was saved through a pioneering kidney trial led by Professor , and Susan, 67, from , who was diagnosed with lung cancer after joining the Leeds programme, an early detection initiative that helped her become cancer-free. Through powerful, human-centred storytelling, : The captures the emotion, courage, and perseverance behind scientific progress. The podcast makes one thing clear: research isn’t just about numbers and breakthroughs — it’s about people, and the profound ways innovation can change lives https://www.leedsstar.app/t/leeds-podcast-shares-the-human-stories-behind-groundbreaking-medical-research/121

11/06/2025

Mayor launches £37 million initiative to boost employment and health in . A new £37 million plan has been launched to ensure everyone in can enjoy a healthy working life, providing tailored support to individuals currently out of work due to disability or health conditions. Developed collaboratively with the , and shaped by consultations with local residents and businesses, the initiative seeks to boost the regional economy and increase individual incomes by helping those facing health challenges or disabilities secure stable, well-paid employment. The and leaders have pledged to achieve the ‘healthiest residents and workforce in by 2040’ by uniting health services with employment support providers, including job centres, charities, local councils, and the . This innovative approach seeks to replace isolated working practices among public services, which often overlook the broader needs of individuals affected by health conditions. Through a coordinated, integrated system enabled by devolution, individuals will benefit from comprehensive support. For instance, someone receiving care could also access professional employment guidance as a core component of their treatment pathway https://www.leedsstar.app/t/mayor-launches-37-million-initiative-to-boost-employment-and-health-in-west-yorkshire/120

11/06/2025

Former Secures Slot. A singer-songwriter who studied in has earned a coveted performance slot at this year’s after impressing in the prestigious . The annual contest, which is free to enter, draws thousands of online submissions from across the . These are carefully reviewed by an expert panel, with just eight artists selected to perform at the live final, held at . Among them was 27-year-old from , who captivated judges — including festival organisers Michael and Emily Eavis, stage bookers, and key figures from the music industry, with her distinctive sound. Influenced by artists such as , and , was named one of the runners-up and awarded a £2,500 Talent Development prize by the , alongside her slot. is a leading specialist institution in the , renowned for its expert education in music and the performing arts. Its wide-ranging provision includes undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, as well as the , which supports the development of young musicians and performers https://www.leedsstar.app/t/former-leeds-student-secures-glastonbury-slot/119

11/06/2025

Mum Brings Families Together Through New Intergenerational . As new research highlights a growing trend of grandparents supporting their grandchildren’s extracurricular pursuits, one mum is creating a unique space for families to bond through language. , a Rothwell local with heritage and a deep love for cultural exchange, has launched a series of intergenerational French classes aimed at parents, grandparents, and children under five. The sessions are designed to be playful and relaxed, encouraging families to learn together without pressure — building not just vocabulary, but shared memories across generations. Blending songs, stories, and structured play, the approach offers a gentle, joyful way for young children to absorb French naturally. With the support of parents and grandparents learning alongside them, little ones gain confidence, and families share in the experience of discovery together https://www.leedsstar.app/t/rothwell-mum-brings-families-together-through-new-intergenerational-french-classes/118

11/06/2025

Immersive Audiovisual Experience Enlightenment Arrives at . art collective is set to debut its spectacular light and sound show by in this summer. Following praised performances in and , the immersive experience will arrive at on 3 July. Audiences will be transported on a mesmerizing #360º journey through vivid visuals and rich soundscapes, all inspired by ’s . Tickets for this unique event are now available via . The 30-minute immersive installation unfolds in a series of scenes, each designed for relaxation and reflection. Guests are invited to sit back on plush cushioned chairs or bean bags as they gaze up at breathtaking projections that illuminate the ceiling and walls. The journey offers a fresh, awe-inspiring perspective on the four seasons — spring, summer, autumn, and winter. It then ventures beyond Earthly rhythms into two final cosmic chapters: ‘ ’, drawn from , , and traditions, representing the endless cycle of rebirth and suffering; and ‘ ’, symbolising the ultimate liberation and enlightenment beyond that cycle. This thought-provoking experience is perfect for visitors of all ages — children, adults, families, and friends alike
https://www.leedsstar.app/t/immersive-audiovisual-experience-enlightenment-arrives-at-leeds-city-museum/117