West Leeds communities net £40m regeneration funding

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September 25, 2025

Armley town street — Armley Town Street. Photo: Google

By John Baron

Communities including Armley and Farnley will be boosted by a multi-million fund over the next ten years, the government has announced today.

The Armley and New Wortley area is one of 146 across the UK which will be part of the Plan for Neighbourhoods fund, which the government hopes will pioneer a new way of deciding how to spend public money on local projects. It will receive £20 million over ten years.

Farnley will also receive £20 million over ten years.

The money can be spent on anything from local park improvements to fixing up empty
buildings and high streets – but it is up to the residents to decide what they want doing.

The fund relies on local residents coming together to submit ideas for how to spend the £20 million and a call has gone out for people to volunteer to sit on a local board that helps coordinate the project.

Leeds West and Pudsey MP, Rachel Reeves, who campaigned for the funding in Armley and New Wortley, said: “Getting an extra £2 million a year, for ten years, is a massive investment in Armley and New Wortley.

“For too long communities like ours were left behind, but this government is doing
things differently. We’re investing in the area and giving local people the power to choose
what this money is spent on – because they know the community best.”

Councillor Andy Parnham (Lab, Armley) welcomed the funding, labelling it ‘transformational’ for Armley and New Wortley.

Cllr Kate Haigh, Mark Sewards MP and Cllr Adrian McCluskey at Farnley Fish Pond.

Farnley funding

Farnley’s £20 million will see investment in an area which includes the Bawns, the Whincovers, the Butterbowls and the Heights in Armley.

Leeds South West and Morley MP Mark Sewards said in a statement: “Ever since my election I have been determined to make sure Farnley gets the investment it needs.

“I’m extremely pleased to be able to deliver this money for our community. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring lasting improvements, but the allocation of this investment must be determined by the people who live here.”

Cllr Adrian McCluskey (Lab, Farnley & Wortley) added: “We are absolutely delighted to see this investment being made in our community. We are very excited to work with local residents to identify their priorities on how it should be spent.”

And Cllr Kate Haigh (Lab, Farnley & Wortley) said: “This is an incredible opportunity for our community. Investment on this scale is unprecedented in Farnley and the small parts of Armley that fall within the designated area.

“It is going to make a huge difference to the lives of people I represent. Now that we have the money, let’s get on and spend it on the things that matter most to residents.”

People can take part in the Farnley survey here.

Neighbourhood boards

Each area receiving funding will be asked to set up a ‘Neighbourhood Board’ which reflects the community the fund is supposed to help.

The council and a representative from the local MP’s office will be on the board, but the chair should be an ‘independent person’.

The first tranche of cash from the Plan for Neighbourhoods fund was announced by government earlier this year.

Police appeal over man last seen in Bramley

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September 25, 2025

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Police are appealing for information over a missing man last seen in Bramley on Tuesday.

Police are becoming increasingly concerned about the welfare of Jason Newell, 54.

He is about 6ft 1ins tall and of slim build. Jason drives a blue, 67-plate VW Passat estate and is believed to be travelling around in this vehicle.

A police spokesperson said: “There are significant concerns for his welfare and officers are making enquiries to locate him.”

Contact police on 101, or by using the livechat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website, quoting log 1886 of 24 September.

Bramley Community Arts Festival draws the crowds

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September 25, 2025

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By Noelle Williamson

Chair of Bramley Parish Theatre Players Edward Turner “is on a mission to prove that recorders can sound good!”

On Sunday evening, the players from Bramley’s Class Act did Edward proud, opening the Bramley Community Arts Festival variety show at The Villagers.

Firstly, the Beginners/Juniors reprised excerpts from their terrific July show, Chicken Licken. They were delightful – full of confidence, even at just-turned-four – and having so much fun.

Directors of Bramley Community Arts CIC Kevin Ritchie, Emma Smith and Dean Patrick.

The Seniors/Advanced kids followed with excerpts from What Crime Is It, Mr Wolf? This courtroom drama with a twist was also terrific in July, with a wonderfully committed ensemble, and individual performances full of character, pathos and sass.

On Sunday night, the soloists were in fine voice and every single performer on the packed stage gave their all. The audience loved it.

Next up, the Daytime Choir gave us a programme of classic pop ballads and foot-tappers from the 60s and 70s. They pulled the audience in with the lovely blend and balance of their four-part harmonies, and set feet tapping at peppy numbers. The final singalong ABBA medleyfinished the set nicely..

Leeds Youth Opera, in tie-dye rainbow t-shirts, performed songs from their recent Seussical the Musical and gave us a preview of their next production – Matilda.

Bramley Parish Theatre Players closed the show with songs from musicals and a selection from last year’s Red Riding Hood and next year’s Puss in Boots.

This included a tongue-in-cheek D.I.S.C.O (number two in the charts in 1980, pop pickers!) with real life husband and wife Richard and Shelley Everson duetting; another duet – the Phantom of the Opera – in which Emma Smith’s vulnerability and Dean Patrick’s shameless menace were captivating and disquieting; and Yasmine Stevenson leading the ensemble and the audience in a stomping 500 Miles.

The evening had its ‘The show must go on!’ moment when aRed Riding Hood dancer had to drop out at the last minute, and choreographer Dean Patrick was the only one who could take her place. (Check the photos. He’s the one in the cap!) Consequently, he began his closing remarks with, “I’m jiggered!”

He thanked both performers and audience for being part of Bramley’s second Community Arts Festival, and appealed to us all to support and stay involved with community arts.

He also talked about the timing of next year’s festival. There are pros and cons to any date: last year it was held in July, when some people were on holiday. This year it was in September, when schools had only just gone back.

Once a weekend has been agreed, to suit most people, schools and groups, Bramley Community Arts Festival can become an annual fixture which people can plan for and commit to. And it will grow, and become established as a great Bramley tradition.

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Meet the pioneers behind West Leeds’ memory cafes

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September 25, 2025

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By Noelle Williamson

The first memory café opened in the Netherlands in 1997, as “a place to just be. This way
the patient and their family don’t have to deny or avoid the illness.”

Now there are thousands, all over the world. Of course, in West Leeds, Bramley Elderly Action have been supporting older people since the nineties, and MHA (the Methodist Housing Association) has provided community services for people living with dementia for nearly 20 years.

Often, though, it has come down to one person – usually after years as the full-time carer
for their partner or parent – to drive the creation of the sort of safe social space they never
had.

Squeezing in extra tables for the Sunflower Café Beetle Drive. Photo: Noelle Williamson

After Peter Smith’s mother got her diagnosis, in 2002, their shared experience led Peter to
learn more about dementia; to educate people working in local shops, pubs and cafes in
Rothwell about dementia; and ultimately open the Tea Cosy Café, the first memory café in
Leeds. That was in 2011.

Since then, a most heartwarming chain has been forged in West Leeds: of pioneers like
Peter helping other would-be pioneers to start memory cafés in their own communities.

In 2016, Jean, a parishioner at Drighlington’s Methodist Church described how isolated she
and her late husband had felt during the decade she had nursed him through his illness.

She became part of the church’s response, as a founding member of The Coffee Pot memory café, which now attracts over 50 people every Friday, including the monthly lunch date.

Also in 2016, when parish councillors at Farsley’s St John the Evangelist determined to do
more to meet the needs of older parishioners, Lorna and Shirley reached out to Peter Smith
in Rothwell for guidance on setting up a memory café.

Peter, who by then was working for the Alzheimer’s Society, came through, and the Sunflower Café has now run for nine years.

Kim, a trainee lay minister at St Wilfrid’s, remembers: “My sister lives in Farsley and she
used to take Mum to Sunflower Café. Other than that, from the dementia point of view, we
were flying solo in Calverley.”

An active outgoing woman, Kim’s mum still needed an outlet for her personality and energy, to “just be”…herself, when dementia first entered her life.

“When Mum was going to Sunflower, her dementia wasn’t advanced, so she almost perceived that she was going to help.

“She would get some of ‘the old dears’ up singing and dancing, and things like that. So
that was the role that she adopted.”

Meanwhile, Kim’s sister could also “just be”, knowing that the Sunflower team knew what they were about: would allow her mum space to be herself, but not let her come to any harm.

“For some people, I think Sunflower is probably the only time they come out and feel safe
being out. Sometimes, it’s the carer that brings them, and they just want some respite. And even if that is only for 20 minutes, that’s fine.”

Kim felt strongly for a long time that Calverley needed its own memory café.

“But I just didn’t really know how. I knew I couldn’t do it on my own.”

She had to contain her frustration through Covid, Lockdown, the ‘return to normal life’ and her mum’s move to a care home, until, one morning in February 2024, she heard Rachael, parishioner and dementia researcher, talking with a curate about doing more for people living with dementia – and seized her moment.

She and Rachael met up to discuss what a memory café at St Wilfrid’s might look like. Rachael had specialist knowledge and Leeds connections.

Kim reached out to Lorna and Shirley, the leaders of the Sunflower Café, which her mother and sister had appreciated so much, and they helped her, just as Peter had helped them; and so did those “lovely, lovely people” at the Coffee Pot, in Drighlington.

Rob, the Vicar, offered the church itself as a venue, so that they would not have to budget, or compete, for a hired space.

“Café Revive was born. We felt strongly we didn’t want to call it a dementia cafe, because
it’s not about that.

“It’s about people who are living with memory issues, be they the person with memory issues or their carers or families or loved ones.

“We wanted it to be a safe place where people could gather. And we called it Café Revive because it’s a place to refuel, reflect, and remember.

“And this just feels right. This is the church. As a parish church, we have a responsibility for
people within the parish, whether they come to the church or not. I really believe that there was a gap in the market, so to speak, and we’ve been able to step into that gap.”

To anyone considering opening a memory café in their own community, be assured that you
don’t have to reinvent the wheel.

If you’re in Leeds, or any UK city, you can visit and observe, and reach out to the leaders, as Shirley, Lauren and Kim did, joining a link in your local chain.

All power to your elbow, and let us know all about it at West Leeds Dispatch!

It’s almost 30 years since Bère Meisen opened the first memory café in the Netherlands,
and 25 years since the first British memory café opened.

There are hundreds in the US and thousands across the world so, wherever you are, if there’s no memory café close enough to visit, you should at least be able to find others online.

The links in this series of articles, e.g. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ are all for UK organisations or the UK arm of international organisations. However, you can search by country on the Alzheimer’s Disease International website https://www.alzint.org/ and if you belong to a church, you’re already part of a network of community engagement and experience.

Ring Road improvements completed – new bridge work set for 2026

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September 25, 2025

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Connecting West Leeds bike completion tour group 1_cropped — Highway improvements from Horsforth to Pudsey (Dawsons Corner) on the Leeds outer ring road (A6120) have completed.

By Harry Ward

Highway improvements have been completed between Horsforth and Pudsey as part of a £23m scheme to upgrade the Leeds outer ring road.

The Connecting West Leeds project has delivered new footpaths and cycleways, junction upgrades and a reduced 50mph speed limit on the A6120 between Horsforth roundabout and Dawsons Corner.

Leeds City Council said the changes were designed to make the route safer, cut congestion and encourage more people to walk or cycle.

The improvements, which took about a year, include upgraded cycle and walking routes, a longer merge lane at Horsforth roundabout to ease traffic, and restrictions on right turns out of Calverley Bridge and Calverley Lane.

Landscaping has been added along the route and speed cameras will enforce the new 50mph limit between Horsforth and the Stanningley bypass.

Work will begin early next year on the final part of the project – an accessible footbridge over the ring road near Calverley Lane. The bridge, due to take about 12 months to complete, is intended to link the communities of Calverley and Farsley.

The £23m programme has been supported by £20m from the government’s Levelling Up Fund, with the remainder from local sources.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader of Leeds City Council and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said:

“I hope more people will use the segregated cycle paths, that make the route much safer and more accessible for active travel.

“The new accessible footbridge over the A6120 Ring Road Farsley near Calverley Lane, when constructed next year, will provide vital new connections between Calverley and Farsley.

“Although it’s great to see yet another project complete, we are conscious that there’s still a lot of other work taking place around the city. We are working hard to deliver these as swiftly as possible, while minimising disruption wherever we can.”

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Horsforth Green Festival brings community together to celebrate sustainability

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September 25, 2025

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Horsofrth green event — Bike repairs in Horsforth Hall Park. Photos: Horsforth Climate Action

By Sophie Wheeler

Horsforth Hall Park was filled with colour and community spirit on Sunday as residents gathered for the launch of the very first Green Festival.

The festival, held to celebrate three years of Horsforth Climate Action, combined sustainability with family fun. With sunshine for most of the day, the event drew strong crowds and was widely praised for its friendly atmosphere.

It was organised by Horsforth Climate Action (HCA), in conjunction with Friends of Horsforth Hall Park.

Families joined the Fruit & Veg Parade, with children donning handmade masks and headpieces. “It’s really lovely that there’s so much for the kids to do,” said Elinor, a local resident. Karen Bullough also praised the day: “The children have loved it and done loads of things. It’s all free as well.”

The Produce Show showcased Horsforth’s homegrown talent with entries ranging from fruit baskets to quirky vegetables. Repair stalls run by the Horsforth Repair Café proved popular. Leeds Urban Harvest offered hands-on apple pressing.

For new Leeds resident Mohammed Ali, volunteering at the stall was a highlight: “I got to see new people and meet new people – it has been very good and very nice.”

What stood out most was the sense of togetherness. “This is amazing – the best thing we have ever had in Horsforth,” said Jemma McDonald. “It has brought everyone together without spending an absolute fortune.”

Long-time resident Phil Maud, who has lived in Horsforth for 70 years, added: “This is Horsforth at its best. Real people with real climate concerns. Wonderful people, wonderful atmosphere.”

Penny Lewis, Chair of Horsforth Climate Action, said the team were “delighted with the turnout and amazed at our luck with the weather.”

She added: “We wanted to create a community event that was sustainable, inclusive and family-friendly and from the feedback we’ve heard, we think we achieved that.”

The Green Festival capped off three years of Horsforth Climate Action, leaving organisers and residents optimistic about the future of climate action in Horsforth and what can be achieved when the community comes together

Find out more about Horsforth Climate Action and future activities by visiting the website and following on Facebook and Instagram. If you’d like to help by volunteering, e-mail the team at info@horsforthclimateaction.org to sign up and get involved.

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Armley: Torrential rain fails to deter open afternoon visitors

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September 25, 2025

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By Andy Dalton

The weather was awful. But more than 50 people turned up to the Late Summer Open Afternoon at the Leeds City Mission Compassion Centre in Mistress Lane, Armley.

The deluge of rain on Saturday did not deter dozens of residents, supporters and friends attending this social and fund raising event.

They retreated into the shelter of the Compassion Centre to enjoy drinks, food and ice creams. They were also treated to a short talk about the various compassion projects of the City Mission amongst needy people in West Leeds.

Despite the lack of sunshine visitors were able to chat and as well as browse the displays of goods on sale inside the Centre.

Leeds City Mission Compassion Centre Manager Sinclair Martin thanked everyone for their attendance and support. He said: “Despite the inclement weather this was a successful Open Afternoon and Social Event. A good time was enjoyed by everyone. £170 was raised which will help to finance our ongong work and projects of Leeds City Mission.”

Leeds City Mission is a multi-church Christian agency which has worked with marginalised people since 1837 and seeks to meet the physical, social and spiritual needs of Leeds residents.

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Man arrested after Bramley PCSO attacked – police issue appeal

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September 24, 2025

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Farmfoods bramley — Farmfoods in Bramley. Photo: Google

A man has been arrested and enquiries remain ongoing today after a PSCO was stabbed at the Farmfoods store in Bramley.

Detectives from Leeds CID are investigating and appealing for witnesses following the incident at Farmfoods on Waterloo Terrace yesterday (Tuesday, 23 September).

It took place at about 5.25pm after a male Police Community Support Officer challenged a man suspected of shoplifting.

A man assaulted the officer with a bladed weapon, causing a hand injury, before fleeing the scene.

More officers attended and, following further enquiries, attended in the Bramley area in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

A 31-year-old male was arrested in the garden of a property and remains in custody on suspicion of section 18 assault and possession of a bladed article.

The officer was taken to hospital for treatment.

Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds of Leeds District Police, said: “Any incident in which a knife is used clearly has the potential to have very serious consequences.

“Fortunately, in this case the officer was not seriously injured and was discharged following hospital treatment.

“A man has been arrested and remains in custody and a full investigation into the incident is taking place.”

Anyone who saw the assault or has footage or information ishould contact Leeds CID on 101 or online here, referencing police crime number 13250547344. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police announce closure orders on Armley shops

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September 24, 2025

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Closure notices have been served on three shops in Armley as part of continued Safer Streets activity to make town centres safer.

The closure notices follow a joint operation with officers from the Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour Team and West Yorkshire Trading Standards in July when illicit goods worth more than £80,000 were seized.

On 15 September, closure notices were issued to Pet Food Shop on Branch Road, Blue Sky on Town Street and Tatra Sklep on Branch Road.

On 16 September, Kirklees Magistrates’ Court granted a full premises closure order for Pet Food Shop which renders the premises closed until 15 December.

A full premises closure order was also granted for Blue Sky at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court on 17 September which renders the premises closed until 22 October.

The owners of Tatra Sklep contested the closure order application, and a further hearing will be held at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court on 1 October.

Sergeant Steve Ellis from the Leeds West Neighbourhood Police team said: “We will continue to work with our partners to act on information about the sale of illicit items, such as tobacco products and vapes. Not only can these cheap, unregulated products cause harm to people’s health, but they also take trade away from legitimate local businesses and can be linked to wider organised criminality.

“The retail sector plays a big part in our Safer Streets work to make our town and city centres safer. I would urge anyone with information about the sale of unlicensed, unregulated products to please report it so that action can be taken.”

‘There are places I can go if I’m struggling with my memory’

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September 24, 2025

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Community Noelle Williamson’s third article looking at memory cafes and dementia support in West Leeds features an interview with Rachael Kelly about her intentions for Cafe Revive in Calverley.

Rachael Kelley began her career as a visiting nurse, supporting people with dementia who
lived at home.

Twenty years ago she joined a research team at Leeds Beckett University which exists to improve and expand support for people diagnosed with dementia, so that they can continue living in their own homes for as long as possible.

She is also one of the people behind Cafe Revive, the memory cafe in St Wilfrid’s Church, Calverley, which is now approaching its first birthday.

WLD: Kim recalls the precise moment when her idea of opening a memory cafe at St
Wilfrid’s started to become a reality. She says it was one February morning in 2024, when
she overheard you talking to a curate about wanting to do more for local people living with
dementia. Do you remember that conversation?

Rachael: Some people know I do something to do with dementia, and if they need a bit of
advice, they sometimes ask me. Kim must have heard the word dementia, and it was at the same time that she was thinking that she would like to do something like this. But it’s hard to do on your own.

WLD: Kim talked about when her mother was diagnosed with dementia: about how alone
she felt; and how she didn’t know if there was support available, or how to find out. For
people in Kim’s situation, reading this article, what do you want them to get from it?

Rachael: I think it would be nice for them to read it and go. There are places that I can go, if I’m struggling a bit with my memory, or if I have a diagnosis of dementia, or if I’m supporting a family member or a friend who is. There are places in my local community where I can go that are safe, that are welcoming, where if someone wants to sing and dance around. Or if I only settle for five minutes, and then I need to go again or whatever – that there’s a place that you can go and spend time with other people without feeling worried about doing that…

I think that’s what we wanted to create (with the memory cafe). That loneliness that Kim
talked about, and feeling on your own, isn’t very uncommon. That’s lots of people’s
experience: that you get diagnosed with dementia (or you might just be struggling a bit with your memory, and you haven’t got a diagnosis) and your world starts to shrink a bit.

Some of the people that you might have spent time with before, some of those people will still be around; but other people might be a bit worried and not sure how to respond, and so your social circle shrinks a bit as well. That doesn’t feel good. People don’t feel great if they’re not getting out – not playing Bingo – having a chat – having some tea and cake together.

So, we just wanted to make a space that people felt okay to come to, regardless of the
reason that they came. It’s also not just for people with memory problems or dementia. It’s for anybody. We just wanted to give a particularly warm welcome to people who might be living with memory problems or dementia.

If you are diagnosed with dementia, it is possible to live. Dementia or memory problems is
really difficult to live with, but it’s also possible to live well and to still come to places and do things.

It’s knowing what’s going on, and where, that’s tricky.

We have that table at the back that’s covered in leaflets because there isn’t one easy place
to find out what’s happening. Sometimes it’s word of mouth, or you happen to see a poster,
or a Facebook post. And I think that’s why people feel a bit alone sometimes because,
although there are things out there, it’s hard to know about them.

WLD: How do people hear about Cafe Revive?

Rachael: We need to get more information out, actually. We all work full-time, so it’s a
challenge. The church Facebook page, the Squeaker, posters on information boards, this
article! The MHA (Methodist Housing Association) have been sharing it for us as well
because they run some groups locally too. We want to let people know in Calverley,
Horsforth, and on the bus route (The 60/A goes through Bramley, Farsley, Greengates and
Apperley Bridge, with connections to Pudsey on the 16A or 91 services.) that we’re here 2-
4pm on the first Saturday of every month. (Cafe Revive is also listed on the Alzheimer’s
Society website, with all the other memory cafes in Leeds.)

WLD: You invited a guest from the Memory Support Service…

Rachael: That’s right. We’re mindful that, although we have some experience and some
knowledge around mentoring memory problems, we are far from knowing everything. And
although I used to work as a nurse with people with dementia, that was a long time ago. I
wanted to make sure that everyone knew they could get in touch with someone who has
up-to-date knowledge, and ask questions.

Milo is the Memory Support Worker for West Leeds. We invited Milo because, for most
people who come to this cafe, he is the person they would speak to. We thought it would be nice for them to put a face to a name, for if they rang the service.

WLD: How does the Memory Support Service Work?

Rachael: If anyone is worried about their memory, or has a diagnosis of dementia, and
needs a bit more help or advice, there’s a memory support worker for each part of Leeds.
You don’t have to have a diagnosis to phone them.

The Memory Support Service “West Leeds” is slightly different from that of the West Leeds Dispatch, but anyone phoning the service on 0113 231 1727 from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or e-mailing memorysupport.lypft@nhs.net. will be told the name of their own local Memory Support Worker.

It would be good for your readers to know that, if you’re worried about your memory, good
people to contact are your GP or the Memory Support Service.

There are also particular clinics that your GP would refer you to across Leeds, with teams of
people who diagnose memory problems. They will ask you some questions, run some tests
with you, and help you explore what’s going on with your memory. They would diagnose
dementia, if that was what you had. Or they might say no, this is something else.

That’s the message, or one of the messages for anyone reading this article, who is living with memory problems: that if that’s happening for you, there are places you can go.

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Armley fundraisers’ cycle trek is about community and hope

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September 24, 2025

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By Nelson Rodriguez

A team from Christ Church, Upper Armley has embarked on an inspiring challenge: cycling the 127 miles from Liverpool to Leeds, with one clear goal in mind – to ride for their community.

The journey began last Friday morning, with five cyclists determined to face the road ahead.

Across three days of cycling, they braved the pouring rain on Saturday, and by Sunday morning they arrived just in time for church, tired but deeply fulfilled.

The Rev Phil Arnold said: “Riding along the canal was a wonderful way to enjoy the variety of towns and cities.

“It was tough in the rain, but worth it: we raised around £6,000 for the Armley Good Neighbours Project, which aims to turn Christ Church into a real community hub.”

Team member and keen cyclist Ruth Sarsfield agreed. She said: “It was an amazing experience to do it together. A really special way of supporting the church and our community.”

Beyond the physical effort and the adventure of the Liverpool–Leeds route, the aim was to raise funds to strengthen Christ Church as an open, active and welcoming community space. Every mile was pedalled with dedication and love for the Armley community, the true driving force behind the challenge.

This journey was not just about miles and endurance, but about community and hope. With every pedal stroke, the cyclists carried the heart of Armley with them, proving that when we ride with love, neighbourhood dreams can truly move forward.

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‘Outstanding’ Horsforth care worker shortlisted for award

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September 24, 2025

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The deputy manager of a care service in Horsforth has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Great British Care Awards

Jade Lee Thompson was described as someone who “goes above and beyond consistently, always puts the people we support at the forefront and inspires her team to grow.”

Jade is the deputy manager of Cygnet Social Care’s Outwood service in Horsforth, which provides residential support for adults with learning disabilities. The Great British Care Awards are a series of regional events celebrating excellence in the care sector across the UK.

Jade has reached the regional finals n the “Frontline Leaders Award” category, which recognises outstanding supervisors, team leaders, and first-time managers who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to improving care delivery.

Jade began her career at Outwood in 2017 as a support worker, where she thrived in promoting independence and supporting residents to reach their potential.

In her current role, Jade is known for her unwavering support for her team, mentoring colleagues to reach their potential, planning memorable holidays for residents, and fostering a positive, fun, and engaging environment for both staff and those they support.

Jade said: “Receiving the email to say I’ve been shortlisted as a finalist was completely unexpected, but truly appreciated. I genuinely love my role, and the individuals we support make it even more rewarding.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be in a position where I can have a positive impact on someone’s life. Sometimes it’s as simple as having a meaningful conversation to understand what they want to do; other times, it’s booking a holiday packed with activities they’ll enjoy. That alone is more than enough of a reward for me.

“I am surrounded by a supportive team who I hope see my desire to improve the service for the people we support, as well as for the team. To be nominated for an award like this is something else entirely and I’m deeply honoured.”

Jade was nominated by her manager, Alice Fincham-Dukes, who praised her leadership and dedication.

She said: “Jade has made an outstanding impact in her role as Deputy Manager at Outwood. As a first-time manager, she has shown not only confidence and capability but an unwavering commitment to raising standards of care and inspiring her team to grow with her.

“I nominated Jade because she goes above and beyond consistently, always puts the people we support at the forefront and encourages the staff to develop and grow. She is a genuinely kind and caring person who puts her all into, not just the people we support, but the staff too.”

The Great British Care Awards celebrate excellence across the care sector, and the Frontline Leaders Award recognises individuals who inspire their teams, implement positive change, and lead by example.

Winners will be announced at the regional finals later this year.