YEP readers launch new forum

The group are members of the newly-launched YEP Community Forum - a panel of readers who will contribute to the content of the paper, share opinions and suggest ideas.

So far, 23 members of the public have joined the forum, representing a range of ages, occupations and areas of the city.

Joining our staff on Tuesday were Pam Dolan, a mental health support volunteer from Garforth; Golam Kibria, of Harehills, a broadcaster who works for a satellite channel aimed at the global Bangladeshi community; volunteer first responder Gordon Mayne, from Moortown; marketing director Ian Dowd, from Roundhay; busker and writer Hank Smith, of Woodhouse; blogger and dance teacher Sophie Hale, who lives in Wakefield; and dementia campaigner and retired Irish pub barmaid Maureen Aylward, from Morley.

The seven were able to meet journalists and discuss matters of importance to them, such as mental health services, the availability of defibrillators, adult social care and the digital economy.

Their interests and concerns will help our reporters generate ideas for future features, interviews and campaigns, as well as gauge opinion from the people who live and work in Leeds.

As a news brand, the Evening Post faces a challenge in providing content for a diverse city. We want to appeal to the business sector with its global outlook, the transient student population and established communities of long-term Leeds residents.

You can still join the Community Forum - if you’re over 18 and live or work in Leeds, email: [email protected] with your name, age, occupation and hobbies/interests.