Forward Leeds

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the third recovery football tournament overall, and the second event of this year's Recovery League.

It was fantastic to see so many participants taking part, showing great sportsmanship both on and off the pitch. Special thanks to our wonderful volunteer Kieran for organising the day, with support from fellow volunteer Louise, and to Anna from the FA for helping make the event such a success.

Most importantly, thank you to all the teams who came together to celebrate recovery and help spread the message that recovery is possible and visible.

Well done to on the day winners Reflections and runners up New Vision Bradford! Was also nice to see each team get a player of the day - something we hope to continue throughout the league.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back for our next Recovery League tournaments in September and December – hopefully with slightly cooler temperatures, as yesterday was a warm one! 🥵⚽

For 50 years, people have walked through the doors at St Anne’s Alcohol Services and found support, met people who understood, and started to change their lives.

If you’ve been part of that, whether you’ve used the service, worked here, volunteered, or supported someone who has, we’d love to see you again.

We’re bringing people together to mark 50 years of the service. A chance to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate the impact St Anne’s Alcohol Services has made.

Left Bank, Leeds
Friday 26 June
12:00 – 3:30pm

Please share this with anyone you’re still in touch with from your time at St Anne’s and help us spread the word.

We’re also creating a collection of real stories from people connected to St Anne’s, brought together in a book to mark the 50th year.

We’d love to hear your story. It could be a poem, a written piece, artwork, photography, or anything creative that feels right for you.

Message us for the full details and event page!

A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers

As part of Volunteers' Week, we joined colleagues and volunteers from across Yorkshire to celebrate the incredible people who give their time, energy and lived experience to support others.

Everyone received certificates recognising their contributions, and we heard some inspiring stories from volunteers about the difference volunteering has made in their lives.

A special thank you to Alex and Hayley for sharing their journeys and reminding us how powerful volunteering can be in building confidence, connection and recovery.

Whether you're a peer mentor, ambassador, group volunteer, activity volunteer or someone who quietly supports behind the scenes, thank you for everything you do. We couldn't do it without you 💜

New research featuring input from Forward Leeds has highlighted something we see every day, recovery doesn't happen in isolation.

The study looked at how support workers help families affected by substance use and found that strong relationships, trust and the right support make a real difference for everyone involved.

One of the key messages? To support families well, support workers need support too.

We're proud to have contributed to research that recognises the importance of family support and the people working alongside families every day.

📚 Read more:

Nested family support: the axial role of support workers for families in which a parent is in treatment for substance misuse The UK National Health Service (NHS) defines addiction as loss of control over harmful behavior. Addiction is commonly linked to drugs and alcohol with varied community-based treatment services ava...

Forward Leeds 5 WAYS to Wellbeing at the Recovery Academy in Galway!

Our team have been attending the International Inclusive Recovery City Conference, sharing ideas and learning from recovery communities across the UK and Ireland.

One familiar face flying the flag for Leeds was Chris Sylvester from Getting Clean who may have stolen the show with his conference attire! 👘💜

Recovery is built through connection, and it's inspiring to see so many people coming together to share what's working and how we can continue supporting recovery in our communities.

Worried about your chem use?

You don't have to figure it out alone.

On Monday 15 June, we'll be hosting a confidential Chemsex Live Chat where you can speak to someone online about chemsex, ask questions, explore concerns or get advice about support options.

Anonymous, confidential and free

📅 Monday 15 June
⏰ 1.30pm-3.30pm

No judgement. No pressure. Just support when you need it.

Find out more:

Chemsex - Forward Leeds Get support, advice and information on being safer on the chemsex scene in Leeds from Forward Leeds

Double congratulations to volunteers Louise Rutherford and Kieran Scargill from 5 WAYS, who have both been recognised for their outstanding contributions to sport, recovery and supporting others in Leeds.

Louise has been nominated for an England Netball Centenary ONE Award for her inspiring work growing netball opportunities for people in recovery, while Kieran has been shortlisted for New Volunteer of the Year at the West Riding FA Grassroots Football Awards.

Both have used their lived experience to help others build confidence, improve wellbeing and strengthen their recovery through sport.

Read their inspiring stories and find out more about their nominations 👇

🌈 Happy Pride Month! 🌈

Pride is a chance to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities, reflect on how far we've come, and recognise that everyone deserves to feel safe, valued and supported.

At Forward Leeds, we see every day how important connection, community and belonging can be for recovery and wellbeing. Whether you're at the start of your journey, supporting someone else or simply looking for a place where you can be yourself, you deserve support without judgement.

Throughout June we'll be sharing information, stories and support for LGBTQ+ people across Leeds.

However you celebrate Pride, we hope you know that you belong. 💜