These Leeds volunteers deserve centre stage

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, multiple teams and services have had to explore new ways of working safely to give help to residents who rely upon them.

Councillors said they were thrilled to see teams finding new ways of working together.

The theatre company Slung Low has helped by collecting shopping and prescriptions.

Coun Gohar Almass of Beeston and Holbeck ward, said: “I saw this all in action myself. I was greatly impressed by the positivity, professionalism, and kindness for residents from both staff and volunteers, for which I’m personally grateful, and also on behalf of our community during this difficult time of uncertainty.

“More than 2,000 cases were handled by this Hub alone. They also entertained over 125 children and staff at Ingram Primary School last week. They have created the LS11 Art Gallery. This has really lifted the wellbeing of people in the area.”

He continued: “These innovative ways of working have allowed services to continue and new partnerships to be formed. I look forward to the work these future partnerships will bring to our ward and to the city.”

Alan Lane, artistic director at Slung Low said: “The 80 or so volunteers we have in Holbeck and Beeston are the single most important part of the community response to coronavirus.

"Many are new to us, but have taken on the responsibilities of caring for their neighbours with energy and commitment. They are the best of us in this crisis and we celebrate them and their achievement here.”