News
4th August 2026 - Share Your Experience – Rape Crisis England & Wales Survey
Rape Crisis England & Wales is inviting anyone who has taken part in a sexual offence trial as a victim or survivor in England or Wales to complete a survey about their experiences of barristers during the trial.
The research aims to better understand survivors’ experiences of both prosecution and defence barristers, helping to inform future policy and improve the criminal justice system for victims of sexual violence. Participation is entirely voluntary, and you can answer as many or as few questions as you wish. The survey can also be completed anonymously if you prefer.
The survey is open until 10 August 2026. If you have relevant lived experience, we’d encourage you to consider taking part and sharing your views to help shape future improvements.
Survey: Sexual violence survivors’ experiences of barristers at trial
31st July 2026 - Sharon Burke Shortlisted for Inaugural Hope Award
We are incredibly proud to share that our CEO, Sharon Burke, has been shortlisted for the Unsung Hero Award at the inaugural HelloHope Hope Awards.
The awards celebrate individuals and organisations from across the North of England who are making a real difference to mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention in their communities.
Although Sharon never seeks recognition for what she does, this nomination is a wonderful acknowledgement of the passion, compassion and determination she brings to everything she does.
The winners will be announced at the Hope Awards ceremony on 8 October 2026.
Congratulations, Sharon, from everyone at Leeds Involving People. We are all incredibly proud of you and wish you the very best of luck.
31st July 2026 - Join The National Conversation
People across Leeds are being invited to take part in the Leeds National Conversation – a UK-wide listening exercise exploring what community life is like, what matters most to people and how we can build stronger, more connected communities. The feedback will help shape recommendations from the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion and ensure that the voices of people in Leeds are heard. The survey is open until the end of August 2026, and we’d encourage as many people as possible to get involved. You can find out more and complete the survey here: Leeds National Conversation. Every response helps build a clearer picture of life in Leeds and the communities we want for the future.
29th July 2026 - Forum for Race Equality in Social Care & Health Meeting
At yesterday’s FRESH meeting, members explored Leeds City Council’s draft Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) outcomes-based approach for Adult Social Care. The discussion focused on how services can improve access, experiences and outcomes for people from diverse communities, ensuring that equality is measured by the difference it makes rather than just the processes in place. Members welcomed the strong emphasis on co-production, accessible services, lived experience and removing barriers to participation, while also sharing their own views and experiences to help shape the work as it develops. FRESH will continue to work alongside partners to ensure that the voices of racially minoritised communities influence the future of health and social care services across Leeds.
29th July 2026 - Cancer Community Connector Information Session
We recently held a Cancer Community Connector Information Session, bringing together people who are interested in supporting their communities by raising awareness of cancer and encouraging earlier conversations about prevention, screening and support.
Keep your eyes peeled for our Community Connector training, which will be taking place throughout August and September. We look forward to welcoming our first cohort and working together to improve cancer awareness and reduce health inequalities across Leeds.
27th July 2026 - Together We Can Steering Group
At our July Together We Can meeting, members took part in an important discussion about the Leeds Suicide Prevention Action Plan. People shared their experiences, talked about what is working well, where improvements are needed, and highlighted the importance of ensuring that people can access timely, compassionate support when they need it most. The feedback from our members will help shape LIP’s response and contribute to the development of the city’s future suicide prevention work. If you would like to have your say too, you can complete the Leeds Suicide Prevention Action Plan questionnaire here: Leeds Suicide Prevention 2024-2027 Action Plan Refresh – Questionnaire. Every response will help ensure the voices of people with lived experience are at the heart of the action plan.
25th July 2026 - Mindful Chinese Art / Calligraphy Workshop
The first workshop of the Lazy Cover Art Studio project was a fantastic success, with a full room and lots of happy faces throughout the session.
Participants enjoyed a creative morning making beautiful handmade roses before coming together to create a collaborative piece of artwork, with the opportunity to try a little Chinese calligraphy along the way. It was wonderful to see people chatting, getting creative and working together in such a welcoming atmosphere.
A huge thank you to Vivien and the Lazy Cover Art Studio team for delivering such an enjoyable workshop, and to the Leeds Black Elders Association and Sharon Burke for helping to organise the venue and promote the event. We’re already looking forward to the next workshop!
21st July 2026 - Sharon Successfully Renews Mental Health Instructor Certification
We’re pleased to share that our CEO, Sharon Burke, has successfully renewed her instructor certification to continue delivering NUCO First Aid for Mental Health training.
Recertification ensures that Sharon’s knowledge and skills remain up to date, enabling LIP to continue providing high-quality mental health training to communities, volunteers and organisations across Leeds. Through this training, we help people build the confidence to recognise when someone may be struggling, start supportive conversations, and signpost them to appropriate help.
As demand for mental health awareness continues to grow, we’re proud to have a qualified instructor who is committed to helping more people gain the knowledge and confidence to support others.
9th July 2026 - Leeds DEAForum Meeting
At our latest Leeds DEAForum meeting, members welcomed representatives from Leeds 100% Digital, who shared information about the support and digital inclusion opportunities available for the Deaf community. The meeting also included updates on the upcoming Disability Hub event at Scope, progress with improving access at GP surgeries, and recognition of David Eyers’ West Yorkshire Police award. As always, members had the opportunity to raise their own questions and share the issues that matter most to them, helping ensure the voices of Deaf people continue to influence local services and improve accessibility across Leeds.
22nd June 2026 - Together We Can Meeting
Our TWC meeting was another positive and productive session, with members sharing ideas on how we can make co-production more accessible and welcoming for everyone. We discussed our new co-production booklet, including member stories and quotes, plans to produce an Easy Read version, and ways to better support people attending TWC for the first time. Members also received updates on our Violence Against Women and Girls of Black Heritage report, our new Cancer Awareness project, and the Government’s Mental Health Strategy consultation, which LIP will respond to using the views shared through the group. Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to help shape our work and improve mental health services across Leeds.
19th June 2026 - Our CEO Wins Diversity Champion Award
We are incredibly proud to announce that our Chief Executive Officer, Sharon Burke, has been named Diversity Champion at the Pride in Diversity Awards 2026.
For over 30 years, Sharon has dedicated her career to making sure people’s voices are heard and that everyone has the opportunity to influence the services and support that affect their lives. She has always been passionate about challenging inequalities, improving access to health and social care, and creating opportunities for communities to come together and make a difference.
Through her work at Leeds Involving People, Sharon has supported countless people and organisations across Leeds. Whether she’s delivering free mental health training, working alongside communities to improve services, or encouraging people to have their say, she always puts people at the heart of everything she does.
Winning the Diversity Champion Award is a fantastic recognition of Sharon’s commitment to equality, inclusion and creating positive change. We see the impact of her work every day, and we’re so pleased to see that recognised through this award.
Congratulations, Sharon!
