“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for staff. They have saved my life,” was one of the comments shared with inspectors during their visit to Forward Leeds.
The city’s alcohol and drug support service – which has bases in both Armley and off Burley Road – has been rated outstanding overall by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Forward Leeds supports more than 7,000 people each year. Inspectors praised the quality of care provided by staff and highlighted the positive impact the service has on people’s lives.
The service also improved its performance across the CQC’s assessment areas, with four of the five categories now rated outstanding and the fifth rated good.
Forward Leeds Service Director Helen Cook said: “This is a fantastic achievement for everyone at Forward Leeds. Retaining our overall Outstanding rating is a real testament to the quality of care and support our staff provide every day, but I’m particularly proud that we have also improved our ratings as well.
“What makes this recognition especially meaningful is the feedback from the people we support. Hearing that people feel safe, respected, listened to and supported, and reading comments about the life-changing impact our staff have had, means far more than any rating ever could.
“I want to thank every member of the Forward Leeds team. This achievement reflects their compassion, professionalism, dedication and commitment to continually improving the support we provide to people across Leeds.”
Cllr Emma Flint, Executive member for Equalities, Adults and Health at Leeds City Council said: “I would like to extend my congratulations to Forward Leeds. I have heard from communities across the city about the incredible difference the service has made to people’s lives. It was wonderful to see this reflected in feedback, with recognition of staff kindness, compassion and commitment”.
Inspectors heard repeated praise for staff, with people describing them as caring, respectful and willing to go the extra mile.
The report found that staff take time to understand each person’s needs and ambitions, helping them build trust and confidence throughout their recovery. Inspectors said people felt listened to, understood and supported.
The CQC also praised the service’s approach to keeping people safe. The report highlighted strong safeguarding practices, overdose prevention work, personalised safety plans and effective management of medicines.
Inspectors also found that people using the service were achieving positive outcomes. These included high numbers completing treatment successfully, low rates of people returning to treatment after leaving, and strong uptake of life-saving naloxone kits and hepatitis testing.
The CQC also recognised Forward Leeds’ commitment to improving services. The report highlighted projects aimed at reducing drug-related deaths, improving liver health, supporting people earlier, and using research and data to improve care and safety.
The inspection took place in May 2026.
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