Culturally Diverse Hub

Tackling race inequalities and ensuring the voices of culturally diverse communities are heard by decision makers in Leeds.

Mission

To become a trusted advocate of change within the Leeds district by championing direct action to eradicate racial inequalities in Leeds.
We collaborate with decision makers and allies to amplify and platform the voices of culturally diverse communities, ensuring their perspectives inform key decisions and initiatives that impact the equitable development of Leeds.
Culturally Diverse Hub logo with colourful flower shapes and tagline: Tackling racial inequalities in Leeds, Doing Good Leeds.

Vision

A city-wide effort to empower culturally diverse communities to influence and improve services and policy that makes Leeds a beacon of social equity, done properly.

Values

Our values define who we are and what we need to live by to successfully achieve our mission.
  • Community-centred: a focused yet enjoyable space where all community voices are welcomed. Amplifying community voices and sharing relevant information and funding opportunities with the wider membership 
  • We only win together in partnership: we work collaboratively with organisations that align with our mission and vision and who have the passion to redesign services and develop policy within Leeds. We always share success together, recognising we all have a key part to play 
  • Respect: a respectful environment that provides a safe place for all to express opinions on challenging issues and feel heard/seen.   
  • Solutions-minded: a collaborative environment that supports problem-solving. Identifying challenges and creating positive frameworks to address this 
  • We make a difference every day: we have a real passion for identifying and addressing issues in culturally diverse communities. We also have a can-do attitude when overcoming potential obstacles.
Developing community and organisational leadership: when our members grow, we grow, so we make sure to nurture leadership in communities and grassroots organisations by identifying gaps in knowledge and providing resources or training to address it.
Win – Wyn Hub’s model slide by Culturally Diverse Hub shows three stars for stakeholders, co-design, and tailored solutions.

Who we are and what we do

At the Culturally Diverse Hub, our membership is open to individuals from, and organisations led by, culturally diverse communities, as well as allies committed to tackling racial inequalities and inequities in Leeds. For more information on how you can become a member, sign up for our bulletin below.

The work of the Hub is shaped by the input of people from culturally diverse communities. We have a group of dedicated individuals known as ‘Hub Reps’ who help decide our priorities for action and set out the work we will undertake. These Hub Reps meet regularly to discuss progress and determine the next steps.

Interested in becoming a Hub Rep? Click here.

Our Hub is a partnership between Leeds City Council and all local culturally diverse communities. We are also supported by Voluntary Action Leeds (VAL). We are committed to addressing the issues of racial inequities and actively work to challenge racism, prejudice and discrimination at all levels.

How we work

We work across 3 priority areas identified by hub members; our projects fall under these areas; however, we are adaptable to handle any challenges that may come up.
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Arts and Culture
  • Education, Training and Employment

Leeds Mental Health Strategy 2020-2025

Senior Responsible Officers (SRO’s) have been identified for each of the priority groups, which are now forming and detailing project initiation documentation, workstreams and identifying key representatives and outcome/person-centred measures for each. This diagram shows the delivery plan in summary and SRO’s aligned to each Priority as of Nov 2020 (subject to change).

An SRO’s group meets regularly to oversee progress and reports directly to the Mental Health Partnership Board for Strategic governance and steering.

As each workstream develops, third sector representation will be key. If you are interested in finding out more about how to get involved and become a rep for the sector with support from Forum Central, please contact sarah.wilson@forumcentral.org.uk

Background: Prior to Oct 2019, the draft document for the strategy was presented at a variety of stakeholder engagement events, including the MH info & Strategy session in Sept 2019.

Synergi-Leeds

Synergi is a network of organisations – both statutory and voluntary – that share a commitment to reducing ethnic inequalities in mental health and mental health detentions. They aim to create a culture of change throughout the entire system and life course. Synergi empowers people to make changes within their services by fostering collaboration and building trust between communities and services.

This network supports the delivery of priority 2. If you need more information, please send an email to Gabriella.obengnyarko@forumcentral.org.uk.

Mindful Employer Steering Group

Developed by employers, for employers, Mindful Employer® is a national initiative which promotes positive practice around mental health in the workplace. Mindful Employer in Leeds is funded by Leeds City Council Public Health and delivered by Leeds Mind.

The Mindful Employer Leeds service offers support and guidance to employers around mental health in the workplace, encouraging best practice and the reduction of mental ill-health at work. Employers can also join the Mindful Employer network, which meets regularly to share good ideas, tips and support.

The Steering Group consists of cross-sector representatives and meets quarterly to drive the initiative forward in Leeds.
Third Sector representatives:
  • Sophie Hailwood, Operations Director, Touchstone
  • Jenn Bravo, Turning Lives Around
  • Gabriella Obeng Nyarko, Mental Health Development Worker
In line with the hub’s principles, the Hub regards communities as valued stakeholders and operates with a co-design/production approach, focusing on creating measurable and sustainable tailored solutions. We collaborate with organisations that are fully committed to the long-term task of tackling systemic racism.

The Culturally Diverse Hub also supports Leeds City Council and other public sector organisations to find out what culturally diverse communities think before decisions are made for the city.

Join the network

Join us at the Culturally Diverse Hub as we collaborate with organisations and communities to challenge racism, amplify voices, and drive meaningful change in Leeds.

To find out more please contact Abigail Olaleye, Project Worker.

Recent Projects

Check out what we’ve been up to!

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