Forum Central

Join us at the International Day of Disabled People Marketplace Event 2024 | Tuesday 3 December 2024, 11 - 3pm, Leeds City Museum.

Stall holders can apply now and spaces are booking up fast! Deadline 24 September 2024

Stalls allocated based on this year's theme 'Advocating for Accessibility'. Limited availability. Get in touch with any questions. Apply via this short form: https://bit.ly/StallHolderApplicationForm

Did you know you can find sexual health support in your local area?
Visit Leeds Sexual Health and keep an eye on their page over the next week for more information and videos relating to the theme "Are you feeling it?"

9-15 September is Sexual Health Week and the theme is Are You Feeling It?
Look out for some videos from our colleagues recognising that physical and emotional wellbeing are inseparable.

You can share your experience of young people's health and care services with the West Yorkshire NHS NHS in Leeds.

Please complete this short survey from your perspective if you are:
- a professional supporting children or young people
- a parent, guardian or carer of a child or young person
- a child or young person (up to the age of 25)

Closes: Tuesday 3 September 2024

https://engage360.tractivity.co.uk/67bbe7cc-107a-471e-93d1-44029813f17b/survey?q=2022%7crolyjjrCb8kXBYweOPGyHdDX47HKR61UDKs%2bW9AnIMCxGso5kTUIBlepht657IhMb0je6XRq7Hp2JZWxfMYrSw%3d%3d

West Yorkshire Voice want to hear about the experiences of children and young people, up to 25 years old, about their health and using health and care services. Responses will be included in a report to key decision-makers in West Yorkshire at their next meeting. This survey closes on 3 September.
Take part here https://bit.ly/47bYHFD.

The Kindness Festival 2024 is taking place as a 'family fun day' at Left Bank Leeds. It's FREE and there will be free food, and lots of games, crafts and kindness being shared. There will be many charitable organisations to talk to as well who offer lots of different kinds of support. Everyone will be welcomed.

⭐️ Saturday 7 September 2024
⭐️ 11 am to 3pm
at Left Bank Leeds, LS6 1LJ

Not long until the next Kindness Festival 😊👇👇
Come along and join in the fun, creative activities, music and food.

🎭Join the Brave Words Drama Group – an inclusive space designed for people with a learning disability and/or autism.🎭

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just curious about the stage, this is your chance to explore your creativity, make new friends, and have fun!

📅 When? Every Friday from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, starting October 4th, 2024.
📍 Where? Monkbridge Room, Heart Community Centre, Headingley.

Find out more and sign up here: www.bravewords.co.uk/drama

We're going to start sharing some of the amazing testimonials and feedback we've received from members and organisations we work with - to finish the week on a positive note!

Whether it's a shout out to our team, a story of how we've made a difference, or just a kind word - Got feedback to share? Drop us a message at [email protected]

Join us at the International Day of Disabled People Marketplace Event 2024 | Tuesday 3 December 2024, 11 - 3pm, Leeds City Museum.

Stall holders can apply now! Deadline 24 September 2024.

Stalls allocated based on this year’s theme ‘Advocating for Accessibility’. Limited availability. Get in touch with any questions. Apply via this short form https://bit.ly/StallHolderApplicationForm

🎉 We’re inviting YOU to take over Forum Centrals social media!🎉

We want to spotlight your mission, your story, and your impact! Every month, we’re offering organisations the opportunity to take over for a full day, to post about your organisation.

Get in touch with us at [email protected]

The new annual report from the WY Mental and Wellbeing Hub shows that the hub received 683 referrals this past year. Read their report and access more information or support via our website:

Support for VCSE Organisations in Leeds - Forum Central We want to encourage VCSE organisations to take advantage of the wide range of support available to you through the Leeds Health and Care Academy and the West Yorkshire Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub. This support includes

Are you involved in the VCSE Sector?

Through the Leeds Health and Care Academy, you can access FREE training, benefits, recruitment support, and health and wellbeing offers.

For more info, email [email protected] or check out the Leeds Health and Care Academy website:

Home - Leeds Health and Care Academy A groundbreaking collaboration across Leeds for innovative learning and development for all staff in health and care in the city.

New Poet in Residence opportunity centres mental health and racial justice in Leeds. Please share this great opportunity to help it reach all those who may want to apply!

The Remembering What's Forgotten poet in residence is a creative response to the over-representation of black and South Asian men detained under the Mental Health Act and as inpatients in psychiatric wards, in Leeds - and nationally.

This is for a person of Black or South Asian Heritage, based in Leeds. It is supported by poet and 2024 Royal Society of Literature Fellow Khadijah Ibrahiim.

𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: Tuesday 30 July 2024, 1 to 2 PM.
This is an informal space for you to ask any questions. Please register via Ticket Tailor to attend the session: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/wordsofcolourproductions/1319707

𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 5 PM Monday 12 August 2024

For all the details about the poetry residency visit the '𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻' 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://rememberingwhatsforgotten.co.uk/poet-in-residence/

(There is an audio recording so you can listen to the information on their website too!)

As part of the residency, the poet will receive:
• a £2,500 bursary as funded time, space and travel to develop their work
• a creative entrepreneurship masterclass with Words of Colour
• access to studio space and mentoring, courtesy of Khadijah Ibrahiim
• career signposting and advice from New Writing North
• workshops and talks at Manchester Poetry Library

Forum Central is proud to be a partner of Synergi-Leeds, who have coproduced this project alongside Words of Colour, and Khadijah Ibrahiim, Heritage Corner, as part of the city-wide Remembering What's Forgotten programme.

Thanks to all the organisations who have made this opportunity possible; Synergi-Leeds, Words of Colour, New Writing North, Manchester Poetry Library, Khadijah Ibrahiim

And for highlighting the ongoing issue relating to the care and treatment of mental health issues for black and South Asian men.

The Remembering What's Forgotten digital hybrid exhibition will feature the creative outputs from the programme, launching at the end of October 2024.

HAPPY PRIDE WEEKEND Leeds folk 💙💜❤️💛💚 Celebrating what makes us unique as well as what unites us!

There will be lots of community groups and charitable organisations at the Leeds Pride Village Fete happening today in Leeds City Square along with q***r friendly traders ready to share their wares, information and offers of support.

And remember to - this is the Leeds campaign running now which encourages everyone to check in with a friend - our mental health matters and talking can help.

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

All health and safety guidance was adhered to in the raising of this flag 😂

Alt text: Photos are of the rainbow coloured LGBTQ+ flag hanging outside the Forum Central office window, and Volition Director Pip putting it up.

Fantastic day at our quarterly Health and Care Leaders network meeting. Really valuable discussions had, connections made, and very well attended - thanks to all who joined for making this such a rich and useful network.

Huge thanks to Councillor Venner for giving us a whistle stop tour of the new government's manifesto. She highlighted the "very ambitious pledge to create the healthiest generation ever" with many more detailed areas of work which champion three shifts: from hospitals to community, treatment to prevention, analogue to digital. She also spoke of the positive action being taken towards devolution of power to localities. As well as the importance of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and the need for this to be a cross cutting priority.

Thanks also to Kim Shutler, Arfan Hussain and Ali Bishop from the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) for joining us and joining 𝘪𝘯 with discussions. They really listened to the challenges being raised (and already know them well!). They reaffirmed the ongoing commitment from the NHS to the Third Sector as an equal partner, and instrumental in keeping our people healthy and well.

Jo Howard and Helena Kirkham lead a discussion on Goal 2 of the Healthy Leeds Plan and gained lots of feedback and food for thought. Including making links with other work which was discussed - the process surrounding 'Risks and Issues' to population health and third sector sustainability, and how this data influences decision making. Rosie Armitage lead a discussion on the Joint Strategic Assessment which will be published soon; how that insight can be best used, and what the gaps in data are.

It was lovely to see new faces from our Communities of Interest Network attending and (hopefully!) getting a lot from the session.

A point which was made again is the benefit of face to face meetings with the 'right' people in the room.

Lastly, thanks to Jo Volpe for chairing, and to CATCH, Leeds for hosting us - always a warm welcome and truly inspiring space. 🙌

Be kind to yourself this summer. MindWell-Leeds has put together its top ten tips for self-care, including how to beat the heat and lots of information on how to look after your health and wellbeing during the summer months.

Summer time self-care top 10 tips Summer can be tough on our mood and wellbeing, whether it’s the unpredictable weather, changes in routine, or feeling lonely. It’s important to take care of ourselves, even if the sun is shining. In this blog, we’ll explore some helpful tips to help you stay well during the summer. Tip 1: Beat...

Don't miss out on a night of fun at St Chad’s Parish Centre in Leeds on Friday and Saturday, July 19th and 20th! Join the Leeds Community Healthcare Charity for a musical production and enjoy live music, dancing, and entertainment with the NHS Trust staff. Dress in your best 1960’s outfit for a chance to win 'Best Dressed'! The bar opens at 6:30 pm with a pre-show raffle and tombola. Get your tickets now for a memorable night out!

Get your Friday tickets: https://bit.ly/3zHj40y
Get your Saturday tickets: https://bit.ly/3zHj54C

There is a new website for all thing healthy holidays! If you support parents and guardians of young people who get free school meals please let them know that they need to register for a free account on the new website.
https://healthyholidays.leeds.gov.uk/

Once your registration and children on the account have been 'approved' you'll be able to access a fantastic range of activities with meal included, for free. Use the website to browse and book onto events.
There is a language translate button on the site, and parents/carers can access support to register from digital drop-ins through the libraries: https://libraries.leeds.gov.uk/find-information/digital-support or your local community digital support hub: https://digitalinclusionleeds.com/support-for-individuals/leeds-community-support-directory

For any questions, please email: [email protected]

We are really glad to be supporting Healthy Holidays Leeds!

Over the summer holidays, children who are eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals can access a fantastic range of exciting activities, alongside a delicious meal, for free.

Healthy Holidays Leeds have a brand new site where parents/carers can find out about all the activities across the city! On this site there is a language translate button, and parents/carers can access support to register from their local community hub and/or library.

Check out the new site at healthyholidays.leeds.gov.uk



Leeds City Council Child Friendly Leeds

Leeds Health and Care Partnership is hosting a Lunch & Learn session on 16th July 2024, from 12-1 pm. This event will focus on Transforming Mental Health Grants, a programme designed to empower community and third-sector groups in supporting individuals with complex mental health needs.

✨ Attendees will have the opportunity to:

Meet the grant holders
Hear about their inspiring work
Engage in meaningful discussions

Don't miss this chance to learn and connect! For more details, scan the QR code in the image.

UPDATE: the household support fund is now closed to applications. We are working to allocate funds and will contact everyone who has applied in due course. Thanks to everyone for sharing news of the fund - it has been oversubscribed, as we know, need is high.

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Micro grants for organisations (esp. small, grassroots and faith orgs) to distribute to people in need for fuel or food.

Household Support Fund Leeds - Cost of Living Grants - Forum Central The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a Central Government fund to help people in need pay for food and fuel. Forum Central is administering grants for organisations to distribute to the people they support, particularly those in

If you're in . Get your pride on! Join in and celebrate the disabled q***r community. 🌈

Disability Pride at Scope's Community Hub in Leeds Celebrate Disability Pride at the new Scope’s Community Hub in Leeds! Expect food, drinks, comedy shows, board games, and much more!

The Household Support Fund is open! (But only for a short window so be quick). The application process is simple and easy.

Small grants for organisations to distribute to people who they support. The funding can be used to provide fuel costs, food or food vouchers.

We encourage applications from smaller and grassroots organisations including faith organisations.

You can apply for up to £5000 per organisation - and organisational overheads can be included but no more than 15% of what is being asked for in the application.

Funds must be spent by 30 September. Monitoring (which is minimal) must be returned before 4 October 2024.

You can contact us if you'd like help applying or for any questions. Find out more on our website:

Household Support Fund Leeds - Cost of Living Grants - Forum Central The Household Support Fund (HSF) is a Central Government fund to help people in need pay for food and fuel. Forum Central is administering grants for organisations to distribute to the people they support, particularly those in

Join us for our next Meeting of the Health and Care Leaders Network - all members and partners welcome! As usual, this is a great opportunity for networking and to continue our collective strategic conversations - to listen to one another's challenges and opportunities which shape and influence our fantastic city.

We have a full agenda with time for breakout groups to capture YOUR views, as well as a networking lunch (provided!).

We are pleased to be joined by:
- Cllr Fiona Venner
- Jo Howard - Healthy Leeds Plan
- Rosie Armitage - Joint Strategic Needs Assessment
- Members of the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board

𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟴 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰
𝟭𝟬:𝟯𝟬 - 𝟭𝟯:𝟬𝟬
𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛, 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀, 𝗟𝗦𝟴𝟯𝗤𝗬

To attend - please accept our calendar invite - get in touch if you'd like to come along and haven't yet received a calendar invite!

📢 Major Service Announcement: From 1 July Leeds Sexual Health is changing and will no longer be based at the Merrion Centre. services and advice will now be available more widely across the City in community based venues.

The main hub will be Beeston Hill Health Centre with access points at Armley Moor Health Centre, Chapeltown Health Centre and Seacroft Clinic, amongst other locations.

There will be a single telephone number to reach the service which is 0113 843 4495. When you ring you will speak to a care navigator who will direct you to the most appropriate support.

The broader service offer includes improved access to long acting reversible contraception (the coil, contraceptive injection and implant).

Find out more information by visiting the Leeds Sexual Health website: www.leedssexualhealth.com/latest-news/lsh-updates-2024

Please share this information widely - we all need access to good sexual health support.

It's hot out there! If you work with people, especially people who may be more vulnerable to the effects of heat exhaustion and associated risks - please remind and support them to take extra care and keep hydrated.

Leeds City Council Public Health Public Health colleagues have circulated posters and resources which you can display, and key messages to share to help spread awareness.

There are easy read documents and BSL videos and materials in 11 languages.

Get all the links to materials from our website post: https://forumcentral.org.uk/keeping-people-well-in-the-heat/

The Public Health Resource Centre can supply you with physical materials too - register with them for free to submit a request! https://www.leeds.gov.uk/phrc

*𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗬𝗣𝗙𝗧* 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 - Could you be the next driving force behind positive change and continuous improvement in community mental health services? Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is looking for a passionate and dedicated 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 to provider leadership to the community mental health transformation programme.

If you have the vision, commitment, and partnership working skills to make a difference - apply now! And help the programme reach its full potential.

Voltion (deliver partner of Forum Central) has been involved in the Community Mental Health Transformation since it's inception. This is a crucial role for the programme and we'd love for the right person to take it on and be champion for this incredible work which is making an impact on people's lives who have experience of Serious Mental Illness.

Click the link to find out more about this exciting opportunity and take the next step in your career: https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/jobadvert/C9173-24-0404

You can also view this job on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/3959733380

What a fantastic evening! The Learning Disability Awards event, part of celebrates organisations and their dedicated teams of staff and volunteers who support and enable people with learning disabilities to live life to its fullest.

We are delighted to announce the Winners of the
⭐️ Volunteer of Year - Susan Clayden
Sponsored by Balfour Beatty
⭐️ Making a Difference - People Matters: My Body My Choice
Sponsored by Hippo
⭐️ LD Network Member of the Year - Purple Patch Arts
Sponsored by Aspire CBS
⭐️ Outstanding Contribution - Sapphire Malcolm

With HUGE thanks to our generous award and event Sponsors - we couldn’t have done it without you! Especially Mencap: Positive Changes .mencap 🙏

Thanks also to our hosts for the evening Zoe Bawn, CEO Aspire CBS, and Nick Davis, actor musician and an organiser of who created a wonderful atmosphere and set the perfect tone for the evening.

A truly sensational event enjoyed by all!

Celebrating everyone who makes the learning disability sector in Leeds so great - you give so much and impact people’s lives for the better. Thank you, you’re all winners 🏆

Do you know an older person in Leeds who likes a cup of tea and a chat? Re-engage currently have vacancies in LS26+ and Woodlesford, Rothwell, Oulton, Robinhood, Rothwell Haigh areas for people 75+ to join the social tea party group that runs monthly on a Sunday afternoon - with transport!

For further information contact Debs Meynell who is the Activity and Engagement Officer for the North of England Re-engage

Lcp Development Lcht Leeds Older People's Forum South Leeds Life Leeds South and East Foodbank MHA Communities South Leeds