The Forum for Race Equality in Social Care & Health (FRESH) is a vibrant and inclusive platform that brings together members of Leeds’ richly diverse communities. It aims to amplify the voices of those who are often underrepresented in health and social care decision-making, ensuring services are more equitable, accessible, and culturally appropriate.

The Forum is supported by Leeds Involving People (LIP), which provides dedicated staff and administrative support. LIP also plays an active role in promoting the Forum, welcoming new members and reaching out to communities across Leeds to ensure broad representation and engagement.

FRESH meets every two months at the Community Wellbeing Hub, Reginald Terrace, LS7. Each session provides a space for dialogue, learning, and collaboration. Previous meetings have explored topics such as Carers Assessments, Mental Health, Direct Payments and an engagement project delivered in partnership between St Gemma’s Hospice and LIP to investigate why diverse communities were not accessing St Gemma’s.

This is not just a discussion group – it is a space for action. Members work in close partnership with Leeds City Council’s Adults and Health Directorate and the NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board as well as the third sector to influence policy and service development. The group is co-chaired by Carmel Langstaff, Chief Officer for Transformation and Innovation (Adults and Health), and Councillor Sharon Hamilton, Community Chair, ensuring a strong link between community voices and senior decision-makers.

FRESH has a proud history of making a difference. The group has directly influenced and guided work on important issues including:

-Windrush awareness and justice

-The “Your Health, Your Say” Conference

-The redesign of BME Day Services

Forum members are often described as “Involvement Ready” – equipped with the lived experience, insight, and confidence to act as critical friends, shaping and challenging service development for the better.

The impact of this group is far-reaching, feeding into the Better Lives Board (Adults and Health) and numerous other community networks. FRESH continues to be a driving force for race equality in Leeds, fostering lasting change through meaningful partnership.

You can view our impact report here, showing the impact of the Forum over recent years! Click here: FRESH Impact Report