New ‘Dayhab’ scheme will support people who want to maintain their sobriety

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May 7, 2024

Matt-Whitton-outside-5-WAYS-lscape — 5 WAYS Lead Practitioner Matt Whitton

By Mark Hindwell

Burley-based 5 WAYS, the Leeds hub for people in recovery from issues with alcohol and drugs, are launching a DayHab programme. The only one of its kind in the city, the DayHab will provide a structured programme of support for people who want to maintain their sobriety.

Designed as an extension of 5 WAYS’ existing range of groups and activities, the DayHab represents a significant step in providing comprehensive support for individuals striving to remain abstinent from alcohol and drugs in Leeds. The DayHab will offer a time-tabled daily programme, tailored to the needs of the participants, to ensure continuous guidance and encouragement throughout their recovery journey.

5 WAYS Lead Practitioner Matt Whitton said: “At 5 WAYS, our mission has always been to empower individuals in their journey towards sustained recovery. With the introduction of our DayHab programme, we are providing even greater support and resources to people committed to maintaining their abstinence from alcohol and drugs.”

By offering a structured programme that operates daily, 5 WAYS aims to fill a crucial gap in continuity of care to help more individuals achieve long-term sobriety.

The DayHab program will feature a diverse range of therapeutic activities, educational workshops, and peer-support groups, all facilitated by experienced professionals in the field of addiction recovery.

Participants will have the opportunity to develop essential life skills and build a supportive community of peers who share similar goals.

Executive Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Active Lifestyles at Leeds City Council, Cllr Salma Arif said: “We’re delighted to be funding this vital initiative at 5 WAYS. I have visited the centre and know what great work they do to support people who have experienced issues with alcohol and drugs. I’m proud that Leeds City Council, as part of our ongoing initiative to support the Leeds recovery community, is able to back this new structured day programme. I am confident this will allow even more people the opportunity to rebuild their lives.”

Matt Whitton continued: “We believe that sustained recovery is not just about abstinence but also about rebuilding lives and creating meaningful connections. With the DayHab programme, we are creating a safe and nurturing environment where individuals can heal, grow, and thrive.

“The launch of the DayHab programme underscores our commitment to addressing the multiple needs of individuals in recovery and providing them with the tools and support necessary to lead fulfilling, substance-free lives.”

The DayHab is being supported through Leeds City Council using funding provided by the Office of Health Improvement and Disparities as part of the government’s 10 year drugs plan, From Harm to Hope.

5 WAYS is located at 43 Westfield Road, Burley, Leeds, LS3 1DG.

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Pudsey company nets major design and build contract

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May 7, 2024

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G&H group CompaniesCrown Trading Centre,Hayes.Pictured: (L-R) Apprentice Jake Siddle, Mick Coyle and Jordan Mathieson — Apprentice Jake Siddle, Mick Coyle and Jordan Mathieson in Hayes.

A Pudsey based company has secured an eight-figure mechanical, electrical, and public health (MEP) design and build contract in London.

eading building contractor JJ Rhatigan has selected G&H Group to deliver an eight-figure mechanical, electrical, and public health (MEP) design and build contract for the Crown Trading Centre in Hayes.

Located in West London on the Grand Union Canal, property manager Greystar’s £109m scheme will consist of 407 build to rent, affordable rent and shared ownership apartments, commercial spaces, amenity areas, car and cycle parking, and landscaped areas.

G&H Group’s 100-strong team will deliver a complete MEP design and build, installing energy saving air source heat pump technology to fulfil heating and hot water demands across all six blocks.

As part of the contract G&H Group will provide domestic water distribution, mechanical ventilation, above ground drainage, low voltage distribution, internal and external lighting, access control and fire safety services, residential and commercial sprinklers and car park and residential smoke control ventilation.

David Davis, director, G&H Group said: “The Crown Trading Centre scheme really plays to our strengths as we have extensive experience delivering MEP schemes for mixed use developments. We’re proud to be working in partnership with JJ Rhatigan and look forward to designing and installing the MEP elements of Greystar’s latest quality development to support its environmental, economic and social targets.”

Established in 1998, G&H Group is based off South Parade in Pudsey and is a market leading MEP provider. Its 180-strong experienced team design, manage, deliver and maintain every aspect of MEP schemes.

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Tributes paid to ‘local hero’ killed in Butterbowl pub attack

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May 7, 2024

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Tributes have been paid to ‘popular character’ Robert Hiscoe, who died following an incident at The Butterbowl Pub at the weekend.

Mr Hiscoe, 37, was rushed to hospital after being seriously assaulted at the Farnley pub in the early hours of Sunday morning (May 5). Despite the best efforts of medics to save him, he died as a result of his injuries. This morning a tribute to him was posted on New Farnley Cricket Club’s Facebook page.

It said: “Everyone at New Farnley Cricket Club are deeply saddened and devastated to hear of the tragic news about Robert Hiscoe.

“Rob was a local hero and very popular character around New Farnley and the wider Leeds community, fondly remembered during lockdown for entertaining everyone “Vera Lynn” style with his nightly singing shows that lasted well into the early hours of the morning until the bottle of gin was no more, raising thousands of pounds for the nhs.uk.

“Rob sung many times at the club, brightening up parties and celebrations with his wonderful voice making the events special and memorable, he also brightened up many living and dining rooms, hallway, stairs, landings, bedrooms and kitchens with his wonderful decorating skills.”

Tributes have also been paid to the Leeds United fan on Leeds United Facebook groups.

One post said: “29,000 members, but lost one, today we lost a friend, one of the biggest Leeds fans I’ve ever known. Raised thousands for the NHS in lockdown and sang his heart out wherever he went.”

Nathaniel Philip, 35, of no fixed abode, has been charged with murder after the assault at The Butterbowl in the early hours of Sunday morning. He appeared at Leeds Magistrates Court this morning where he was remanded back into custody and will make another appearance at Crown Court on Thursday, May 9.

Murder charge after Farnley pub assault death

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May 7, 2024

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butterbowl pub Farnley — The Butterbowl Pub in Farnley. Photo: John Baron/westleedsdispatch.com

Detectives investigating a serious assault at The Butterbowl Pub in Farnley on 5 May have charged a man with murder.

Nathaniel Philip, 35, of no fixed abode, has been charged with murder after the assault at the pub in Butterbowl Drive in the early hours of Sunday morning.

He is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates Court this morning (7 May.)

Game of Thrones actor cheers on Wortley youngsters at TV Harrison ground

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May 6, 2024

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Wortley U13 colts — Going upon: Wortley U13 Colts with GoT actor Staz Nair (front)

Game of Thrones actor Staz Nair cheered on Wortley FC U13 Colts as they secured promotion this weekend.

The Colts are enjoying their first season at the TV Harrison ground in Oldfield Lane, which has been newly restored by a group of campaigners fighting to prevent local authority housing being built on the site.

Lea Westerman, from Wortley FC and a TV Harrison campaigner, said: “We have been playing at TV Harrison this season and we’re first kids’ team to be back on there since we started our campaign. The land had been neglected for so long and it’s fitting young people should be back playing on it and we should win promotion.

“There’s a massive need for the pitch in the community, and the original aim of the pitch founder, Thomas Vernon Harrison, was for young people to use the facility. It’s great to see it back in use, just as it should be.”

Mr Nair appeared in Games of Thrones from its sixth season as Qhono, a Dothraki army chief. He is also known for his role in TV’s Supergirl and his band Times Red appeared as contestants on The X-Factor back in 2012.

Lea added: “One of the coaches is chauffeuring Staz around as he’s filming in Bradford. They were talking and he said he wanted to come and watch them and support them. He said he likes to support small communities.”

Wortley U13s Colts striker Caleb Westerman is also the league’s top goal scorer with 43.

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Photos capture John Robb, Newton Faulkner, Dean Friedman and comedy night at Farsley’s Old Woollen

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May 6, 2024

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53695809988_3dc8eb46bc_c — Dean Friedman at the Old Woollen. Photo: John McEvoy

It’s been a busy week of events at The Old Woollen in Farsley – and Rodley-based photographer John McEvoy was in hand to capture some of the visitors to the venue.

John Robb

John Robb is the best-selling author, musician, journalist, presenter and pundit, music website boss, publisher, festival boss, eco warrior and talking head singer from post-punk mainstays The Membranes.

Newton Faulkner

Newton Faulkner was on the latest leg of his Feels Like Home Tour 2. He describes himself as: “Just a man with his voice and guitar doing some old fashioned diddly-diddly-diddly-bap-bap.”

Dean Friedman

Hailed by critics and fans alike as a one of the finest songwriters of his generation, Dean Friedman performed his intimate solo show on guitar and keyboard, featuring songs from throughout his four-decade career.

Comedy night

And the comedy night at The Old Woollen also managed to raise more than a few laughs…

Stand up at the Old Woollen. Photo: John McEvoy

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Farm life: Feeling the effects of recent wet weather in Kirkstall Valley

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May 6, 2024

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By Rhian Williams

Down at Kirkstall Valley Farm, we’ve been feeling the effects of recent wet weather.

It’s been the wettest 18 months on record, and the land has been sodden. This means we are about six weeks late planting big crops like potatoes, onions and summer broccoli and cabbages – this could have an effect on how much we’re able to grow.

For us, these recent unpredictable weather patterns are a reminder of the effects that climate change is having right here in Leeds.

It strengthens our belief in growing food locally, to make sure that we all have secure access to it and are not dependent on long supply chains. It also reminds us that we need to farm in a way that looks after the environment – soil, water, wildlife, air – and doesn’t contribute to climate change, so that we can continue to grow food in the future.

Of course, Kirkstall Valley Farm is a small example of that! But, every little helps as they say, and we hope that our small project and what we’re learning from it can contribute to bigger changes and mean that more of the food in our shops, schools, hospitals and prisons comes from local farmers.

We currently have some spaces on our Community Supported Agriculture scheme – sign up now and you’ll be just in time for all the summer veg, including delicious tomatoes which are way tastier than supermarket ones!

Being part of the CSA means that you pay a regular contribution to support the farm – people who can afford to, pay a bit more, and people with lower incomes pay a bit less, creating solidarity across everyone.

Every week, you come to the farm and collect your “share” of what we’ve harvested from the fields that day – it will be fresh, delicious and changes with the seasons. Your support means we can run lots of volunteer sessions, look after the land and wildlife in environmentally friendly ways, and develop powerful, caring community in Kirkstall.

It’s been great to see so many people volunteering at the farm in all sorts of ways. Some people have been coming every week since spring 2020, others have joined us recently, and lots of people pop down to session every now and then when they can make it.

Over the last few weeks, teams of volunteers have moved lots of compost to where it’s needed, learnt to graft fruit trees, built a kitchen area, and harvested veg (amongst other things!).

We always welcome new volunteers, to find out more, email Jen (kvf.admin@kvdt.org.uk) or visit our website.

Dementia support available in West Leeds

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May 6, 2024

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Robin Lane Health and Wellbeing Centre Pudsey — Pudsey Wellbeing Centre. Copyright Stephen Craven and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

By Win Roddy

The recent interactive workshop hosted by Linda Craven, dementia friend ambassador, at Bramley Community Centre, gave a brief but very worthwhile insight into the effects of Dementia.

Discussion took place regarding the advantages of receiving an early diagnosis and useful example using bookcase imagery demonstrated the different stages of memory loss. Information sheets outlining relevant types of support, including benefits, support groups and advisers, were made available.

Reminder was given of what dementia is and is not:

is not a natural part of ageing
is caused by diseases of the brain
is not just about losing your memory – it can affect thinking, communicating and doing everyday tasks
it is possible to live well with Dementia
there’s more to a person than the Dementia

NHS and Alzheimers Society encourage people living with Dementia to maintain social interaction and involvement in activities – physical, mental, social and creative – thereby supporting wellbeing, keeping a sense of purpose and routine, and boosting self esteem.

Across West Leeds there are a number of community groups supporting people living with dementia and their carers, some of which are included in Dispatch’s online what’s on section.

Leeds Older Peoples Forum during Dementia Awareness Week (13-19 May) are holding a Dementia Action event at Headingley Stadium on 16 May 11am – 3.30pm as well as other events throughout Leeds – Dementia Action Week 2024 Events – Leeds Older People’s Forum (opforum.org.uk).
Starting 14 May, Pudsey and Farsley MHA is resuming the Penny Lane sessions every Thursday at Pudsey Congs Cricket Club 2pm-4pm, suitable for people living with Dementia and their Carers. Weekly Singing Groups, covering various decades of pop music and songs from shows, take place weekly on Thursdays at Farsley St John’s Hall from 1.15pm-3pm. Mind Matters, sessions involving exercises and games for memory improvement, are held weekly on Fridays at St Wilfred’s Cricket Club, Calverley, from 2pm-3.30pm. For enquiries regarding any MHA events Telephone: either 0113 256 2717 or 0113 290 9340.
Armley Helping Hands has recently introduced the ‘Time for Tea’ session; a community support group with dedicated nurses, for people with memory loss and Dementia and their Carers, on the first Thursday of every month at their Strawberry Lane Community Centre from 1pm–2.30pm. Contact Karen Tel: 0113 2799292.
Bramley Elderly Action holds Remember Thursday sessions for their members with memory impairment at their Bramley Lawn Community Centre; on Thursdays from 1.30pm-3.30pm. Gentle exercise sessions are held at Bramley Community Centre on Mondays and Tuesdays, and at Rossefield Manor on Friday mornings. You are advised to ring a member of staff for further information regarding these Tel: 0113 236 1644.
Pudsey Wellbeing Centre holds monthly ‘Singing for the Brain’ sessions for people with Dementia and their Carers run by a trained facilitator in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Society. Contact: John or Heather Slack on 0113 255 6252.

These are just a few examples of Dementia friendly activities across West Leeds – choirs seem to be growing in popularity, as well as gardening and litter picking sessions, some arts sessions, Tai Chi, chair based Yoga, welcome spaces and drop in cafes, to name a few.

Leeds Neighbourhood Network Scheme – Leeds Older People’s Forum are great sources of information regarding local groups, support and events,

Leeds Adult Social Care, Memory Support Worker Service offer advice about living with Dementia and support available locally, Tel: 0113 231 1727; or email or memorysupport.lypft@nhs.net.

You can also call the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456. They’re open for longer hours and can put you in touch with local services.

Carers Leeds offer a wide range of advice and services via their advice helpline – 0113 380 4300: Monday to Thursday – 9am to 5pm | Friday – 9am to 4.30pm. They run Carer Support Groups and courses from their offices in the centre of Leeds as well as throughout the surrounding Leeds area, including Pudsey Wellbeing Centre. For further information see their website.

If there are any community centres or individuals in the West Leeds area who would like their Dementia friendly events or activities included on WLD’s online ‘Whats On’ section please do send them in to news@westleedsdisopatch.com.

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In photos: Blooming Bramley – enjoy raised temperatures but bring a brolly!

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May 6, 2024

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20240430_113009-01 — Bramley Park, by Susan Tellum. You can see Bramley Baths' chimney in the background.

Bramley is looking distinctly spring-like this weekend, as photographer Susan Tellum has captured with her camera.

Here’s a slideshow of there photos as she continues to capture West Leeds through the seasons:

Share your photos of West Leeds with our readers by emailing news@westleedsdispatch.com.

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Last chance to join West Leeds Dispatch community reporters’ course

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May 5, 2024

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west leeds dispatch community reporters — Our first batch of community reporters at Bramley Lawn in May 2019.

Our next community reporters’ course starts on Thursday – and there are just a handful of places remaining!

The friendly and informal course runs over four sessions and offers a friendly and fun introduction to writing articles, taking photos, interviewing and writing headlines – as well as offering wider help and guidance on everything you need to know to be a community reporter. We can even help with spelling and grammar!

Our free course is aimed at beginners interested in telling the story of their community and runs over four, two-hour sessions. There will be refreshments, cake and biscuits – and it looks great on your CV as you will learn transferable skills you can take into employment or studying. We hope you’ll go on to contribute many articles for us.

West Leeds Dispatch community newsroom — Venue: Bramley Lawn. Photo: John Baron/westleedsdispatch.com

Our latest course starts from Thursday, May 9 for four sessions finishing on Thursday 30 May. Sessions run at our community newsroom at Bramley Lawn Social Centre, Rossefield Lawn, off Rossefield Approach, Bramley Leeds LS13 3TG from 7pm-9pm.

Free tickets can be booked here.

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Photos reveal The Woodcock’s new look following refurbishment

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May 5, 2024

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The Woodcock at Gildersome Leeds — Open: The Woodcock

The Woodcock in New Farnley is welcoming pub-goers back following an extensive refurbishment lasting almost three weeks.

Boasting a brighter, new modern look, the renovation has seen the pub undergo a complete transformation, including a refreshed bar, new soft furnishings and an enhanced dining area.

Commenting on the pub’s new look, holding general manager, Katie Marchant, said: “We’re thrilled to reveal The Woodcock’s new look to our guests. Whether you’re looking for a family meal out or somewhere to enjoy the sport with a pint, our pub is ready to welcome guests, both new and old, to enjoy our brand-new look — but with the same sizzle we’ve always had.”

The Woodcock’s relaunch includes a revamped food menu and a brand-new drinks menu with classic cocktails and craft beers for guests to enjoy.

The family-friendly The Woodcock shows the best of live sport, and you can pre-book your table to get the comfiest seats in the house. The pub also hosts a popular quiz every Monday night from 8pm. There will also be a fancy dress themed Grease night on Friday, 10 May at 7,30pm.

More details on The Woodcock website.

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Wortley: Five Lanes licensing application deferred

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May 5, 2024

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An application to sell alcohol off premises in Wortley won’t be decided until June, it has emerged.

Loghman Ahmadi has applied for an off licence to sell alcohol daily between 7am and 11pm at a convenience store off the Five Lane Ends roundabout. The premises was recently an ice cream parlour.

The application was due to be heard by councillors on the licensing sub committee on Tuesday, but the application has been deferred until 18 June 2024.

There have been 21 objections from local residents, as well as Farnley & Wortley councillor Adrian McCluskey. Concerns include an already high number of shops selling alcohol in the area, its proximity to nearby Five Lanes Primary School and the impact on an already busy roundabout.

But West Yorkshire Police have expressed no objection to the proposals as the applicant has agreed to a number of licensing conditions, including running and maintaining a CCTV system, maintaining staff training records which would be open to inspection and carrying out regular checks outside the premises after dark to deter any loitering groups.