Representatives from community organisations and charities in Leeds West and Pudsey constituency enjoyed a civil reception in Downing Street.
They were invited to number 11 by Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, in recognition of their work and contributions to society.
Attendees included local church leaders, Leeds Women’s Aid and Leeds Baby Bank. Organisations represented also included Armley Helping Hands, Barca, Bramley Baths, Bramley Elderly Action, Pudsey Community Project, MHA Farsley, Swinnow Community Centre, Interplay, Friends of Armley and Gotts Park, Sunny Bank Mills, Pudsey-based Building Futures, Armley Common Right Trust, New Wortley Community Centre, Hookers and Clickers, Seagulls, Armley Action Team, West Leeds Dispatch and many others.
Leeds South West and Morley MP Mark Sewards and Leeds North West MP Katie White were also in attendance, along with councillors Adele Rae, Tom Hinchcliffe (both Bramley & Stanningley), Andy Parnham and Alice Smart (both Armley).
Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, opened the reception by paying tribute to the inspirational work of everyone present. Stephanie Peacock, Minister for Civil Society, also thanked everyone present for the contributions they make to the community in Leeds West and Pudsey.
“It was a great opportunity to network with some amazing people and organisations, who foster community engagement and leadership,” Armley Helping Hands CEO Dawn Newsome said on social media afterwards.
Barca Leeds added: “It was inspiring to hear about the outstanding work happening across West Leeds and Pudsey, and to share ideas on how we can continue building thriving, resilient communities together.
“Partnerships like these remind us that real change happens when we work collectively. Here’s to building even stronger connections for the year ahead!”
Pudsey Community Project added: “Richard and Naomi were grateful to be invited to be part of a reception in Downing Street to recognise the charity sector in West Leeds along with many fantastic partner organisations. As well as this event we were also pleased to have a special tour of the Houses of Parliament.
“We were grateful to be able to promote the fantastic work of the charity and our amazing staff and volunteers – and we really appreciate the support of LNER, who provided tickets for us both so there was no cost to the charity.”
Oli Craven, communities manager at MHA Farsley, is pictured above with communities manager Michelle Williamson. He said: “It was a surreal experience and definitely a once in a lifetime experience to visit Downing Street.
“It was great to see MHA Communities Pudsey and Farsley be recognised alongside some exceptional service providers in the Leeds area.
“I saw plenty of familiar faces, and it’s something that I think can help all of us going forward in the bid to raise awareness for the third sector.
“There was a huge sense of pride attached to the visit, and I am very grateful for the opportunity. To represent MHA on such a stage was incredible and we received some great support.
“We hope to follow up and capitalise from the event and work as one to promote the good work we all do, but at the same time highlight the support we need to continue to do the great work we all do.”
WLD editor John Baron added: “It was a joy and a privilege to be in the same room as so many inspirational West Leeds organisations and individuals. Downing Street was a grand setting for a grand occasion!
“Perhaps we should continue the conversations and partnerships by holding a networking event in West Leeds next time?”
The event was part of the Civil Society Covenant, a new agreement to improve and reset the relationship between civil society and government, aiming to foster a vital foundation for a stronger relationship at all levels and greater understanding of the services charities provide amongst Government Departments.
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