Health For All

Two years ago, my life changed in a way I never imagined. I left my family home in Leeds and moved into supported living. At first, it felt strange, a little scary. I had to find a new way to live my life, taking more responsibility for myself. About eighteen months ago, I joined the Watsonia Café. At first, I worked just one day a week, but I enjoyed it so much that I’ve now built up to three days. I love being in the kitchen, cooking, and learning new independent living skills. Every task I do at the café, whether preparing food, serving customers, or cleaning up, feels like it matters. I know it all contributes to the community, and I’m proud to be part of a team that works together. But I also wanted to have fun and make friends. That’s when I joined the Bridge day service. It gave me the chance to meet new people. Now I’ve made so many friends I look forward to seeing each week. One highlight is going to Xscape for ten pin bowling. Laughing and cheering with my friends has made life feel fuller and more exciting.”

My name is Sara. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I felt isolated, losing my confidence and motivation. I occupied myself by learning to crochet but even after restrictions lifted, I struggled to regain my normal routine, feeling isolated and cut off. My mum was diagnosed with dementia, so I became her carer. Then I discovered the Knit and Natter group at Cranmore and Raylands Community centre. Joining the group was a turning point. I found connection, built friendships, slowly regaining my confidence. I and my friend Christine rebranded the group Mindful Makes, securing funding for extra sewing machines. The crochet and sewing sessions have attracted many newcomers experiencing similar isolation. We adapt the group to members’ needs, running Mini Makers sessions during school holidays so parents can attend. I have grown in confidence, completing a leadership course, able to inspire others by showing how community, creativity, and support can transform lives.”

Hi. I’m Lynne and I have been a Leeds Bosom Buddy breastfeeding volunteer for over 17 years. I have supported at various groups in south Leeds, helping on our ever changing journey. Venues may change but the Bosom Buddy ethos and compassion never waivers. Nothing is more rewarding then welcoming a new mum into the group, a mum often on the brink of tears, tempted to give up breastfeeding though she wants desperately to continue. After a cuppa, a good chat and sound advice, she leaves with a smile on her face and new confidence in her feeding. That’s what keeps me volunteering.”

Eliza, aged 10, has been attending Healthy Holidays sessions throughout the school holidays, helping her family with childcare while enabling Eliza to access fun activities, a hot nutritious meal and a safe environment. Eliza has formed new friendships, built confidence and learned teamwork through sports and creative workshops, helping build resilience, social and communication skills. A highlight of Eliza’s summer was the Healthy Holidays trips which her family would not normally be able to afford, for example Diggerland, exploring new places and creating lasting memories.

My name is Brody. I am 14 years old. I had a group of friends which led to me getting involved in anti-social behaviour. That resulted in me being excluded from school so I missed my education for several months. Joining the youth group helped me realise how I had a short temper and quickly reacted to situations and others in the group, finding it hard to control my anger. The workers helped me find a positive outlet to manage it. I was encouraged to channel my energy into physical exercise, particularly boxing, which really helped. I now attend training sessions several times a week. I direct my energy into that and feel calmer and more in control afterwards.

My name is Tina Nawroly, and I’m 15. When I first joined Green Futures, I was looking for something fun and meaningful to do in my free time, something new to try. I never imagined it would completely change my life. From day one, I jumped into all sorts of environmental activities: litter picking, tree planting, climate change campaigns, recycling workshops, I’ve given them all a go! Along the way, I discovered my voice, my confidence, and my ability to lead. I started out as just a member. Now I’m proud to be the Chairperson of Green Futures, a youth-led community group. It’s given me the chance to give back, make a difference, and prove that age doesn’t limit what you can achieve. We all have a role to play in keeping our planet clean and green. The sooner we start, the better the future will be for everyone. From running workshops and helping at stalls to leading projects that improve our local area, I’ve learned that small actions really can create big changes. Being part of Green Futures has connected me with amazing, inspiring people and shown me that together, we can create a world where every generation shares the same clean, safe sky.”

My name is Shanara. I am 54 years old and have four children. I have lived in Beeston since 1985. I come
from Sylhet in Bangladesh. My first job after school was in a sewing factory making swimming costumes.
I joined Kushy Dil womens group in 2007, so have attended for nearly 20 years. I receive great support
from other women, relieving stress and helping me relax, learning new things, the highlight of my week.
We’ve even travelled to London to see a British Bangladeshi exhibition we helped with ‘Our Stories, Our Lives’ in the British Library! Eight years ago I started helping support our older women’s group Kushy Nanas, with two lovely volunteers, Marsheda and Shahina. The older ladies don’t go anywhere else. It’s their only social outlet. They confide in me, I listen and respond in their own language. The group helps them take better care of themselves, have their flu jabs, eat healthily, take gentle exercise together. The group means so much to them, makes them feel happy and independent. Beeston is an area of poverty and low income, we see every day effects of the cost of living crisis on people. I am happy and proud to be serving my community.”

Lychee Red Mr Ton Ky Ha and his wife, Mrs. Tu Mai Hoang, both in their 70s, came to the UK in 1981. Of  Vietnamese Chinese heritage, they arrived during a difficult wartime period and worked hard to rebuild their lives, raising six children with dedication and perseverance. Now retired, proud grandparents of eight, they have devoted the past 10 years to volunteering at the Lychee Red Lunch Club – a decade of dedication! Every Monday, travelling from Bradford early in the morning, rain or shine, they arrive together at Beeston Village Centre. At the Lunch Club, Mrs. Hoang helps in the kitchen, serving meals with warmth and care, while Mr. Ha sets up tables and chairs and greets members as they arrive. Their dedication and friendly smiles makes the club feel like a family for many older people. “Coming to Lychee Red makes us happy. It’s like a second family. I love seeing people enjoy the food, just like with my own family,” says Mrs. Hoang. Their commitment shows that community is built not only through grand gestures, but through steady acts of service. They are testament to how giving one’s time and heart can create lasting bonds and enrich the lives of many.

My name is Shirley Chan. After relocating from Hong Kong to Leeds, UK, I was eager to connect with others and settle into my new environment. Joining an ESOL class in Beeston, another member from Hong Kong introduced me to the Next Stop Café at Beeston Village Community Centre, a group established by Health for All to support Hongkongers. I began volunteering with the group as a kitchen helper, enjoying giving time and support, quickly discovering I loved meeting people, helping and being part of a welcoming environment. Two years later, the Hongkongers group was supported to independence. I joined the committee as Secretary, playing a more active role in organising activities, ensuring smooth running of the group, which led to a part time role as an Assistant Project Worker. My passion is helping people, building connections, making a positive difference in my community. Being part of the Next Stop Café has allowed me to gain skills, confidence, friendships, a real sense of
belonging. This journey has been one of personal growth and giving back. I feel proud to contribute to something that benefits so many people and look forward to continuing to support and strengthen our community in the years ahead.”

My name is Aaron. In March 2019 I had an accident at work, which resulted in me having my lower right leg amputated in March 2024. Since the accident I’ve struggled to find work or hold down a job. My mental health wasn’t good either. In February 2025, I applied to volunteer at Health for All. I volunteer at Cottingley Food Pantry. Through volunteering, I rebuilt my confidence and self-worth through helping others. Then I found out about a vacancy for a sessional caretaker/cleaner. I applied and got the job! I now work at Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre and still volunteer at Cottingley Food Pantry. Health for All has helped change everything for me, giving me chances others wouldn’t. I now look forward to what the future has to offer.

My name is Iris. I am 90 years old. I was referred to Enhance by my physiotherapist after a fall at home which left me with a broken leg and hip. After spending 3 months in the hospital/rehabilitation centre, I am now back at home, trying my best to regain my mobility and independence. I had always kept busy before the fall, usually out shopping with my friend but the fall made me lose my confidence to go outside. My lovely Enhance worker Claire started to spend some time with me walking outdoors. She comes every fortnight. We go for short walks together down the street. I really enjoy Claire’s visits. Both my walking and confidence is improving and our conversations are so lively, I often tell her she leaves me feeling positive and encouraged to walk more. It’s changed my life.” Enhance, funded by Leeds Community Healthcare Trust via Leeds Older Peoples Forum, provides practical support to older and frail people ensuring they stay well at home and avoid hospital readmissions. We provide person-centred, holistic support alongside community healthcare, and help people attend a Health HUB each week at Beeston Village Community Centre, boosting social connections, health, quality of life, and wellbeing. The self management Hub provides access to treatment from nurses followed by socialising, refreshments, games, support with benefits and housing, mobility aids.

My name is Mohammed. I have been coming to the Men’s Be Yourself Group at Middleton Family centre since May this year. I was an award-winning chef until 2019, when I had the first of five heart attacks, despite having previously been fit and healthy. In 2023, I had a heart transplant in the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle. It was a very worrying time. My health is nowhere near what it was prior to my heart attacks. Although I am grateful for life every day, it is so hard to accept the loss of so much that I once had. Being part of the Men’s Group has given me the opportunity to share my feelings of joy as well as of loss in a supportive, non-judgemental environment. It has been so helpful to talk to others and hear their stories. This is a place where you can share how you really feel.”