Leeds Beckett University School of Health is hosting the next event in the Centre for Health Promotion Research (CHPR) Seminar Series, focusing on how communities responded to Covid-19 and what this means for future public health action.
The seminar brings together health and community leaders to reflect on the lessons learned during the pandemic, particularly the role of communities, voluntary organisations and local systems in responding to crisis. The discussion will explore how this learning can inform more effective, inclusive public health approaches in the future.
Date: Thursday 26 February 2026
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Location: Rose Bowl 538, Leeds Beckett University City Campus, Leeds LS1 3HB
What the session will cover
The event will look at:
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how communities organised and supported one another during Covid-19
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the role of local leadership, partnership and trust
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what public health systems can learn from community-led responses
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how this learning can shape future public health and prevention work
The seminar will be relevant to VCSE organisations, public health professionals, researchers, local authority staff and anyone interested in community-centred approaches to health.
Speakers
The seminar features contributions from leaders with experience across public health, the VCSE sector and local government:
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Jason Strelitz, Assistant Director (Prevention & Healthy Lives) at The Health Foundation. Jason has worked across the voluntary sector, the NHS and local government for over 25 years and was Director of Public Health for the London Borough of Newham during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Raheem Mohammad, Director of Hamara. A professional youth worker and qualified teacher, Raheem leads the largest ethnic minority organisation in West Yorkshire and has over 20 years’ experience working and volunteering in the charity sector.
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Victoria Eaton, Director of Public Health at Leeds City Council. Victoria has held senior public health roles across Leeds, the West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humber, with a strong focus on addressing health inequalities and the social determinants of health.
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Jane South, Professor of Healthy Communities at Leeds Beckett University and CHPR. Jane was previously a national adviser to Public Health England on healthy communities and has extensive experience in community-based public health research.
About the CHPR Seminar Series
The CHPR Seminar Series provides a space for learning, reflection and discussion on health promotion, prevention and community-based approaches. Sessions bring together research, policy and practice, supporting shared learning across sectors.
This seminar offers an opportunity to reflect on the pandemic not just as a public health emergency, but as a moment that reshaped how communities, systems and services work together — and what that means for the future.
