Armley: Green light for rogue landlords scheme

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October 16, 2025

By John Baron

A scheme to crack down on rogue landlords in Armley has been given the go ahead by senior councillors.

The selective licensing scheme aims to drive up the standard of private sector rented housing and deliver improved quality of life for thousands of people in Leeds.

Proposals for the scheme – which will more closely regulate landlords in a number of deprived local communities – were originally announced by Leeds City Council last year.

Councillors sitting on the decision-making executive board voted to endorse the business case and, as a result, new regulatory arrangements will come into effect in February next year.

All private landlords – with certain limited exceptions – will be required by law to obtain a licence for any residential property they are seeking to let in the area covered by the scheme.

Licence conditions will include ensuring the safe working of gas or electric appliances, providing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and keeping the property in a decent state of repair, both inside and out.

The scheme will cover around 12,500 privately-rented homes in a single continuous area that takes in parts of the Armley, Beeston & Holbeck, Burmantofts & Richmond Hill, Gipton & Harehills, Hunslet & Riverside and Farnley & Wortley council wards.

A map of the areas earmarked for selective licensing.

The green light for the plans follows two selective licensing schemes that ran in the Beeston and Harehills areas from 2020 until the start of this year.

More than 6,700 inspections and other visits were conducted by the council at privately-rented properties in those areas while the schemes were in operation.

Improvement work was carried out by landlords at around 1,430 homes where issues were identified, leading to better living conditions for an estimated 6,000 people. Around 400 civil penalties were issued to landlords who failed to do what was asked of them.

The visits also gave council officers increased opportunities to identify situations where tenants were facing non-housing related problems.

Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, said: “We are determined, as a council, to ensure that everyone in Leeds can enjoy the stability and sense of security that comes with having a safe, warm and well-managed place to live.

“To do this, we need to focus on all types of housing – including private rentals, which account for a fifth of the city’s homes.

“I’m delighted, therefore, that the business case for a new and expanded selective licensing scheme has been endorsed by the council’s executive board.

“Today’s decision means we can now press ahead with preparations for the introduction of a scheme that we believe will make a huge difference to the standard of privately-rented homes.

“Given the clear link that exists between poor housing and poor health, it’s our hope that this scheme will also have a really positive impact on the general wellbeing of residents in disadvantaged communities.”

Consultation on the council’s plans took place over a 12-week period late last year, with drop-in events, radio and bus advertising, social media activity, targeted e-mails and questionnaires all being used to reach as many people as possible.

Income received from licensing fees will be ringfenced to cover the cost of running the scheme.

Leeds: Children’s centres set to close amid cuts

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October 16, 2025

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By Don Mort, local democracy reporter

Additional reporting: John Baron

Eighteen children’s centres are set to close after councillors decided to press ahead with a shake-up of family services.

Leeds City Council proposed to reduce the number of centres it runs to 31 as part of plans to save £2.45m.

The Labour-run council, which needs to save more than £100m this financial year, said some of the centres were underused because of a falling birth rate.

Members of the executive board agreed to proceed with the planned re-organisation at a meeting on Wednesday.

Children’s centres facing closure in West Leeds include Burley Park, Farnley, Farsley and Pudsey.

Historic centres in Hollybush and Kirkstall – where services are not currently provided – would also be among a further six across the city to be de-registered.

The council would continue to provide centralised services at 31 children’s centres to maintain a universal and citywide offer of support for families. In West Leeds these would be at Armley Moor, Bramley, Little London, Horsforth, Swinnow and Hawksworth Wood.

Helen Hayden, executive member for children and families, said it would make services more accessible and efficient.

She said: “It reflects the significant demographic change since the current network was established.”

Alan Lamb, leader of the city’s Conservative group, asked Labour members not to proceed with the move.

He said: “Let’s call this what it is. It’s a cut in services to save money, dressed up as something else. I absolutely cannot support this today.”

The council said the shake-up was based on a detailed assessment of families’ needs.

But Cllr Lamb challenged the evidence used to justify closing the centres, which provide services including breast feeding support and employment advice.

He said: “The way you are doing it and going about it is all wrong and the evidence base is inaccurate.”

The children’s centres review includes plans to de-register six centres not currently in use, and provide more online services.

The council said Leeds would still have more chldren’s centres than other cities of a similar size.

The authority’s latest financial report shows the council is already facing an overspend of almost £30m this year.

A council report said the needs of families had been prioritised, despite the funding shortfall.

It said: “Leeds continues to have the largest number of children’s centres of any core city.”

Yesterday Cllr Andrew Carter (Calverley and Farsley Ward) told WLD that proposals by Leeds City Council to close children’s centres, one of which is the children’s centre at Farsley Farfield School, were “not acceptable”.

Cllr Carter said: “They can’t even get their facts right. The children’s centre at Farsley Farfield School is staffed and open for longer than they are saying. Where on earth are the children supposed to go? They are suggesting Swinnow, a quite ridiculous distance away. It is not acceptable and another example of asset stripping. The council must think again.”

WLD first reported back in February that the council was carrying out a review into the future of children’s centres across Leeds.

The proposed changes are to these services and not to any Little Owls nusery provision which might be located on the same site.

To view the report considered by the executive board visit Council and democracy (agenda item nine).

WLD is following ongoing council cuts, closures, building sales and reaction in our Cutswatch series of articles.

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Pudsey Civic Hall: Long-term future ‘still under discussion’

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October 15, 2025

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By John Baron

Council chiefs have said the long-term future of Pudsey Civic Hall is still to be decided – almost two years after its future was thrown into doubt.

Proposals to close the 53-year-old facility were revealed in December 2023, amid a wide range of city-wide budget cuts for the 2024/25 financial year. It’s understood the land would potentially be made available for sale.

Since then the building has been used to accommodate events originally set for Morley Town Hall, which has closed for refurbishment and its delayed re-opening is due some time next year.

It is understood Pudsey Civic Hall is currently taking bookings until at least March.

There has been local opposition against the proposed closure – but a statement issued to West Leeds Dispatch this week confirmed that a decision was still to be taken on the building’s future.

In a Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “The long-term future of Pudsey Civic Hall is still under discussion and we will continue to provide updates relating to bookings for next year as we enter the New Year.”

Councillors Peter Carlill and Craig Timmins (Lab, Calverley & Farsley) said: “We were aware that Pudsey Civic Hall would be actively taking bookings until at least March 2026 – but no final decision has yet been made about whether the venue will close permanently.

“As ward councillors we are actively exploring all possible outcomes and working to find a way to allow the venue to stay open and available for the community.

“We have studied the original building condition report thoroughly and have asked a range of detailed questions and clarifications that we understand are still being worked through, alongside projected income for the future.

“The building does require significant investment and we do understand the difficulties of funding these given the current cost pressures on the council. We are focussed on finding a way to do this, without putting put any other council services at risk.

“Whether in council control or otherwise, we believe there are options to keep the building open and important events operating. As well as discussions within the council, we have met with local organisations and businesses to explore possible investment opportunities and additional uses for the building, and are in continued discussion to find a way forward.”

Councillor Andrew Carter (Cons, Calverley & Farsley) said: “I am keeping a very close eye on the situation at Pudsey Civic Hall and I am determined to do everything I can to preserve its future.

“The Civic Hall is busier than ever, but the good news is they are taking bookings right through this year and, as far as I’ve been informed, into 2026 as well. There is no need whatever for this building’s future to be under threat.

“I hope that officers are now putting together a package of proposals to preserve its future.”

In February 2024, councillors on the outer west community committee questioned council officers’ figures over the cost of work needed to modernise the building. It’s understood the council is producing a revised set of figures.

Follow WLD’s ongoing coverage of Pudsey Civic Hall here.

WLD is following ongoing council cuts, closures, building sales and reaction in our Cutswatch series of articles.

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Councillors set to decide Stanningley McDonald’s plans

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October 15, 2025

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McD-Stanningley-site-0 — The proposed McDonald's site in Stanningley. Photo: Kelvin Wakefield

By John Baron

Council planning officers are recommending proposals for a new drive thru McDonald’s restaurant in Stanningley should be approved next week.

Councillors will next Thursday debate and decide whether to approve the plans, which include a new restaurant building, bin store, external seating and parking.

Proposals also include a new vehicular access off Town Street, which would be shared with a previously approved residential development for 40 homes.

Around 70 new full and part-time jobs could be created at the restaurant, which would open daily from 6am-11pm.

Bosses at the fast food chain want to build on the former site of the North Sea Chinese Restaurant and the Old Roundabout public house, off Town Street.

The proposed McDonald’s site in Stanningley. Photo: Kelvin Wakefield

Locals views on the development appear to be split, with 56 letters in support, and 57 objecting.

Supporters point to job creation, regenerating an ‘unsightly’ site, and an ‘attractive and sustainable development’.

Opponents’ concerns include an increase in traffic and congestion, road safety issues, litter and concerns over unhealthy eating and poor public health in an area where there are more than 30 existing takeaways.

All three Bramley & Stanningley councillors have objected, citing the impact on residential amenity and potential for anti-social behaviour and the impact on road safety, particularly when the adjacent housing development is delivered.

A council planning officer’s report recommends the new drive thru restaurant should be approved, subject to a raft of conditions.

The report says the proposals raise no significant highway and pedestrian safety concerns in relation to access, traffic congestion and parking – and that a new zebra crossing will aid road safety.

It concludes: “The proposal for a restaurant/drive-thru is considered to provide benefits to the local area and wider economy by re-developing a brownfield site, creating employment … and will generate income for both the local and national economies, all of which weigh in favour of the proposal.

“Officers therefore consider that the benefits the proposal would have in terms of the re-use of previously developed land, making a positive contribute the urban character of the area, the provision of employment opportunities, whilst taking into account the nature of previous uses in this site would outweigh the potential impacts on promoting healthy communities and limited harm to residential amenity.”

Councillors sitting on the South and West Plans Panel will consider the application next Thursday, 23 October, 1.30pm and Leeds Civic Hall. The agenda and related reports can be viewed here.

The plans can be seen in full here.

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Lifesaving training comes to West Leeds with Restart a Heart Day

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October 15, 2025

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By Iola Shaw

Are you ResusReady? This means do you know how to do CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and would you be willing to give it a go, or support someone else to do it if you had to?

This is what Restart a Heart Day – on Thursday, 16 October – is all about. Since 2014 in the UK, when the Yorkshire Ambulance Service led the way with CPR training in schools, it has been held every year around this date.

And though it started with school-based training, these days there are more and more opportunities to learn or refresh your skills as an adult too.

Many schools in the area will be running courses and Yorkshire Ambulance service will be going to 180 schools regionally.

There are also drop in sessions at many of the Active Leeds centres, including Armley, Kirkstall and Pudsey leisure centres in West Leeds – find out more from leeds.lifsaving@leeds.gov.uk.

These focus on demos with no appointment required and are run by the Royal Lifesaving Society. For details of all events, go to https://www.rlss.org.uk/restart-a-heart-activities-near-you.

Surviving a Cardiac Arrest is all about the speed of treatment, so knowing these basic skills is a way we can all potentially make a difference to someone.

If you have a cardiac arrest out of hospital, and 80% of these are in people’s own homes, then on average you have a less than one in 10 chance of surviving for more than 30 days.

However if someone starts CPR immediately this can more than double your chances. As heart disease is one of the biggest causes of death it’s worthwhile making sure you and those you spend most time with have these skills.

CPR training is often partnered with an overview of using a Defibrillator. The modern ones you see in cabinets on many buildings do not require any training to use as you open the case and follow the audio instructions.

However the idea of giving someone an electric shock is a bit alarming so usually CPR training includes using one of these too. If you ring 999 you will be told where the nearest registered publicly accessible cabinet is, and if a pin code is required they will be able to give you this information.

If you are looking for the best track for CPR, check out the St John’s Ambulance Restart a Heart Day 2023 Spotify playlist. But make sure you back this up with the knowledge to use it. It’s not just for teenagers – you are never too old to learn and if it’s been a while a quick refresher might be wise.

There are many reputable sources of training; not only the YAS online materials but you can look at the Resus council and becoming ResusReady or the British Heart Foundation with their 15 minute online training RevivR.

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Armley’s great apple giveaway success

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October 15, 2025

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ApplePhoto — Giveaway: Andy Dalton has been helping to give away apples in Armley.

By Andy Dalton

1,000 apples have been given away in Armley! Every day over the last month baskets of apples have been displayed at the Leeds City Mission Compassion Centre in Mistress Lane, near Armley Library.

The 188-year-old charity has been the beneficiary of this year’s bumper crop of fruit.

Generous supporters have foraged and hand picked from apple trees, passing on generous quantities of the fruit to the City Mission. These have been given away to local people wanting fresh fruit to eat or to make homemade healthy eating options such as apple pies, apple crumbles and apple sauce.

A steady stream of residents and shoppers have visited the City Mission premises adjacent to the Armley Shopping Area. They have taken away supplies of apples to eat or use in their culinary endeavours.

Development Worker Andy Dalton explained that the City Mission ran a Food Bank at its Compassion Centre. This usually supplied tins and packets of food to people in need. The huge donations of apples had extended the range to include fresh, healthy fruit to people on limited incomes.

He concluded: “Leeds City Mission is seeking to meet some of the pressing needs of people struggling with life. The supply of adequate, good healthy food is really important. We are grateful to supporters who have given their time and energy to supply this enormous quantity of apples.”

Leeds City Mission is one of the oldest charities in Leeds being in continuous existence since 1837. It is a multi-church Christian agency which organises a number of projects from its premises in Mistress Lane helping people at the margins of life.

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Leeds Trinity University celebrates highest university guide ranking

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October 15, 2025

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Leeds Trinity University has achieved its highest ever ranking in the Guardian University Guide 2026, placing 76th in the annual league table of UK universities.

The Horsforth-based University has risen 29 places in the standings in comparison to last year, making it the sixth highest-climbing university in the 2026 Guide, and surpasses its previous best ranking of 84th in 2016.

The data also reveals Leeds Trinity is the second-highest ranked university in Leeds, fifth-best rated university in Yorkshire and the Humber, and the fourth-highest ranked in the Cathedral Group – an association of Christian-foundation universities in the UK.

The Guardian University Guide compiles tables ranking institutions both generally and by subject, taking figures regarding student satisfaction, staff numbers, spending, and career prospects into consideration. The overall aim is to help prospective students find the university and course that best suits them.

Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University, said: “I am delighted that Leeds Trinity has achieved its highest ever position in the Guardian University Guide.

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of colleagues across the institution, the talent of our students and graduates, and the strength of our approach to teaching, learning and student support.

“I am particularly encouraged to see that Leeds Trinity is not only among the best in our region, but one of the most improved universities nationally – supporting our growth ambitions. We will continue to build on this success and provide our students with the skills, opportunities and experiences that will help them thrive in their future careers.”

At subject level, Leeds Trinity’s Journalism provision has maintained its position at number one, having hit top spot for the first time 12 months ago.

The Centre for Journalism at Leeds Trinity University’s Horsforth campus brings together expertise in all aspects of journalism, news reporting and newsroom production.

Leeds Trinity’s Law offer ranks 17th in the UK. The Law School offers placements in commercial and corporate law firms, criminal defence practices and travel law specialists, as well as law and legal service providers or in youth justice, policing and penal justice settings.

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West Leeds Thai boxers prepare for Thailand selection

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October 15, 2025

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1000090069-1536x2048 — Logan and Cade Smith. Photo: James Bovington

By James Bovington

Two medal winning Thai boxing brothers from Bad Company gym in Bramley will travel to Knutsford in Cheshire on 25 October for the first stage of the Team England selection process.

They hope selection will allow them to attend the WBC championship tournament in Bangkok next summer.

“Five of us from our gym Bad Company in Bramley won medals in Verona,” said Logan Smith, 16, a business administration student who took bronze in Verona.

“Winners and runners-up in Knutsford will face a more intense selection process. Cade and I train up to five times a week and I’m also doing weight training. I coach younger children at Bad Company. I enjoy as you see them become more confident and make progress.”

Younger brother Cade, 13, attends Crawshaw Academy in Pudsey and won silver in Verona.

He said: “It was a busy challenging tournament. Logan and I felt we’d improved. We had to get used to the heat but that’s useful as it’ll be even hotter in Thailand. Both Logan and I have been training in combat sports since as long as we can remember. I’ve also won three MMA bouts and Logan four.”

Logan added: “I’m particularly looking forward to ditching the headguard when fighting in Thailand.

“Headguards restrict your vision. I’ve taken shots to the head before and I’m not scared. The whole fight business takes courage anyway.”

Dad Alex was proud of their achievements. He said: “There’s no official funding for the Thailand trip, and the boys will be busy fundraising.”

Potential sponsors should contact Mr Smith by e-mailing alexsmith123@live.co.uk, or calling Bad Company on 07885 270267.

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Motorists warned over Dawsons Corner delays

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October 14, 2025

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A lane closure for the Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass improvements has been extended by a week after work over-ran.

BT Openreach works on Bradford Road towards Stanningley – the eastbound lane of the Dawsons Corner roundabout – will now complete Friday 24 October.

Highways chiefs say the lane closure is needed so the construction team can access the required work areas and work safely.

A spokesperson said: “The works carried out by BT Openreach involve the demolition and rebuilding of a manhole chamber, and are outside the control of the main site works. The works are a critical part of the overall construction phasing.

“Works will facilitate the realignment of the junction as part of the final layout which will include a new footway and cycleway, making it easier for people to travel in more sustainable ways.”

The overall changes to the junction aim to reduce congestion, improve bus journey times, provide safer crossing facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, and help to support the economic growth across Leeds and Bradford.

Existing diversions will continue. Some bus stops will be affected by the works. For more information about affected bus stops and services visit: Dawsons Corner | Metro

Man v Fat: How football is helping men lose weight in West Leeds

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October 14, 2025

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By Jo Cadell

Man V Fat is an innovative programme offering men the opportunity to lose weight by playing football.

There are currently around 85 members who attend every Wednesday evening. They meet up in the community room at Goals on Redcote Lane, Kirkstall to be weighed-in before
joining an assigned five-a-side team for a 30-minute match.

Attendees will find the venue awash with adrenaline and competitiveness, but also camaraderie.

Alex Vamplew 34, health coach, oversees weigh-ins and records the readings.

Alex has been involved with the Kirkstall branch of Man v Fat since 2023. His role is to
support men who want to lose weight. He said the scheme was created as men often feel
out of place in traditional weight loss groups.

Alex believes Man V Fat creates a space where men feel comfortable. He also believes although Man V Fat offers participants a lot more than just weight loss.

There is the chance to play football, meet other people and share their wins and losses, both on and off pitch.

It is a way to relax, to socialise, and have fun.

Unusually for a weight loss programme no diet is prescribed. Alex will step in and give advice if a member is struggling and wants help but on the whole men are responsible for creating their own diet plan.

Alex said: “We’re not telling guys what to do to lose weight, we’re not giving them a diet. We’re facilitating or empowering them to make their own mind up. People find their
own solutions. They’re the ones that stick.”

Despite not having a diet plan Man V Fat does provide incentives – it is not only on the pitch that goals are scored.

A player who has lost weight over the week will get half a goal – for every two players who lose weight the team scores a goal.

On the flip side, weight gain leads to own goals for the team. There are other ways to score (or be penalised), losing weight three weeks running, meeting percentage targets – “we make sure these are really celebrated” – maintaining target BMI and tracking weekly diets.

Individual achievements as well as team achievements are recognised at the end of each season when players are awarded medals and trophies to recognise their accomplishments.

There is no “type” of man who joins Man V Fat. Alex says: “The only thing the members have in common is that they like football and have a BMI of at least 27.5. There are some men wanting to lose a few pounds and be fitter and some have a BMI of over 40.

“Some have had Man V Fat recommended to them by their doctors.”

Nor is there an average age. Men must be over 18 but there is no upper age limit. The BMI is all that counts. No football experience or ability is required.

“You could get someone who used to play semi-pro and someone who has never kicked a ball but the programme is for everyone”, Alex says. He points out: “You get someone who
kicked the ball once when they were 16, that person can still score loads of goals off the pitch.”

He acknowledges it can be difficult to take the first step even just signing up for the programme and then turning up for the first session. Alex’s aim is to create a supportive environment where everyone feels welcome.

The teams are mixed up every three seasons to keep them fresh and allow members to meet new people. He added: “Everyone’s in the same boat. Even if someone has been here for 10 years, they’ll still have their first day where it was really hard.”

Two men taking the plunge are Nathaniel, 32 and Robbie, 40. Nathaniel hadn’t played
football since school but was encouraged to sign up by friends. He has been playing for six weeks and has already lost 3kg.

Nathaniel said: “We’re all here for the same reason, want to lose weight and have a laugh while we’re doing it. It’s one day of the week where I don’t just sit at home… but think ‘yes, football!’.”

Robbievis a chef and surrounded by temptation but has been playing football at Man V Fat for a year now. For him it is a no brainer. “I don’t like the gym. I like football.” His advice to anyone thinking about it is “go for it!”.

For anyone interested in finding out more about it all the information is available along with the registration details on the Man v Fat website here.

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Farsley schoolboy pedals up £3,000 for bed charity

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October 14, 2025

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Jesse bike ride 3c — Charity bike ride success: Jesse Carlill

By David Nesham

Cycling enthusiast and former Farsley Farfield schoolboy Jesse Carlill decided he would use his school holiday to raise money for a Leeds charity by cycling from Liverpool to Leeds – a distance of 127 miles.

Undecided at first, Jesse researched online and found a charity called Zarach which he thought was perfect for him to support. Zarach‘s mission is to end child bed poverty by providing “bed bundles”.

Jesse, aged 12, set himself a target of raising £250 but this was quickly reset to £2,000 by the time the ride started. At the last count £3,015 had been raised by his efforts.

Along with his mum Emily the journey started at the Liverpool end of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and, apart from a couple of diversions to bypass tunnels, followed the tow path into Leeds.

After spending the first night sleeping in a small pod the remaining four nights were slept in granddad’s camper van.

Jesse said: “It was lovely to see all the wildlife on the canal and somewhere, I think near Burnley, me and mum picked up the smell of home baking which turned out to be doughnuts, the smell was gorgeous.

“Once, when the canal went under a motorway, all the supporting pillars had been painted with Minions, there must have been over 20 of them and it looked brilliant.”

Members of the Zarach team met up with Jesse and Emily for the last part of the journey from Bingley and took them down to the charity’s headquarters in Hunslet, where they were greeted by all the staff who clapped them through the warehouse to be presented with a box of doughnuts.

Jesse, now at Priesthorpe Academy, is already thinking of next summer and a possible coast to coast walk, but said: “I haven’t finally decided on this yet, but whatever I do it will be for the Zarach charity.”

The charity provides “bed bundles” (bed, mattress, duvet, pillow, bedding and pyjamas) to families ensuring children have a safe and comfortable place to sleep and donations may be made via the charity’s website.

WLD first featured Jesse’s fundraising efforts in July. Read more about how you can fundraise for Zarach here.

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Marketing mums on mission to help parent and baby groups thrive

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October 14, 2025

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Two Leeds mums have joined forces to deliver an online social media marketing masterclass to leaders of pregnancy, postnatal, baby and toddler class communities.

Rebecca Hopwood and Lauren Jones have partnered up to create a workshop specifically designed for leaders in this community-focused industry, who are juggling building a business and parenthood and looking for ways to grow their member base and enhance engagement.

After attending various classes and groups across the Farsley, Rodley and Horsforth areas, Lauren, from West Leeds, realised many leaders lack access to essential business and marketing support.

This sparked a conversation between Lauren and Rebecca Hopwood, founder and director of multi-award-winning marketing agency, Youbee Media and online e-learning social media marketing platform The Hive Academy.

They realised they could combine their experiences as mums who have attended classes, professional expertise, and community feedback to develop a tailored workshop specific to this unique, community-led industry.

Lauren, who is founder and freelance PR and marketing consultant at Shellora Comms, said: “This idea came to me whilst on maternity leave, as I was approached by a few people who lead classes with similar issues of being confused by marketing and social media.

“Many spending too much time and money on marketing that isn’t getting them the result they hoped for.

“These groups depend on marketing to consistently reach and connect with families to encourage attendance and word-of-mouth recommendations – as they are always going to seek new members as families inevitably move on, so knowing how to do so effectively is essential”.

Rebecca added: “I’m excited to be working with Lauren on this workshop. We already regularly collaborate on projects, as Lauren is a freelance consultant for our team.

“Together, our marketing expertise and real-life experiences as mums have enabled us to create a professional workshop that looks at marketing tactics and strategies that do and don’t work for parent and baby-focused businesses. Our goal is to help group leaders capture attention, build interest, and connect with their audiences.

“As mums, it’s also great to use our expertise to support others who are also working hard to make their businesses thrive.”

Lauren added: “I’ve experienced firsthand how great these groups can be for people, as I’ve attended classes from pregnancy and still go to toddler classes now with my son.

“I know we, along with friends of ours, have benefited more than I ever expected to – so I wanted to be involved in helping to create something that could support these group leaders, as they provide such positive experiences in our local communities”.

The event, ‘Building Community & Connection Online’ will be hosted by Rebecca Hopwood at 7pm on Tuesday, 11 November. Tickets cost £10 and the workshop will be available to rewatch for all ticketholders for seven days.