The Leeds Health and Care System Allyship Programme brings people together across sectors and organisations, connecting decision makers with community organisations to build relationships, share learning and tackle health inequity.
Since launching in 2021, 63 people have been matched through the Leeds Health and Wellbeing Board, including senior NHS and Council leaders, alongside colleagues from VCSE organisations. These connections have opened space for honest conversations, empathy and joint action.
What the report tells us
Click here to read the report.
The September 2025 report highlights the programme’s benefits, challenges and future potential.
It concludes that the ultimate goal is to:
- Better connect different parts of the system in a relational way.
- Create opportunities to highlight the realities for communities facing health inequity.
- Look differently at how we address barriers to access.
Stories from Allies
The report includes reflections from participants about what Allyship has meant for them.
| Corrina Lawrence (Feel Good Factor) worked with Rob Webster (NHS West Yorkshire ICB) on her ambitions for future leadership, with Rob visiting Chapeltown to understand her organisation’s work. | Ellie Rogers (Leeds GATE) partnered with Cllr Venner, leading to a regular forum to unblock key issues for the gypsy and traveller community and giving young people leadership opportunities at the Civic Hall. |
| David Smith (Crossgates Good Neighbours) and Cllr Arif spoke about how Allyship helped them work on the Bus Fair Campaign, influencing conversations with Tracy Brabin around transport accessibility. | Tim Ryley (Leeds ICB) was partnered with Shanaz Gul (the former Director at the Hamara Centre) and Julia Preston (from Young Lives Leeds and GIPSIL), and has identified the understanding he has gained of the common and differing challenges across VCSE and NHS organisations, as well as possibilities for co-producing services with communities. |
| Jim Barwick (Chief Executive, Leeds GP Confederation) shared his previous experience on the programme with the late Heather Nelson (Founder and Chief Executive, Black Health Initiative) on firstly becoming comfortable with the differences between them, as a Black community worker and a white health professional, embracing these differences and using them to break down barriers. They later worked together on the creation of a health video around Accessible Information Standards. | |
Other matches have resulted in new connections, different perspectives and a stronger understanding of community realities.
Other matches have resulted in health campaigns, new connections, and a stronger understanding of community realities.
Key themes from feedback
- Trusted relationships have been built, enabling more open and honest conversations.
- Matches have collaborated on specific projects and campaigns, making real change.
- Allyship helps shift power imbalances, giving more influence to voices not always heard.
- There are opportunities to connect Allyship with other programmes including Neighbourhood Health, Big Leeds Chat, Marmot City and the Best City Ambitions.
Looking ahead
Forum Central and partners are exploring how Allyship is continued, strengthened and potentially expanded.
Three core aims that could guide the next stage:
- Encouraging impactful matches – making the most of each relationship.
- Sharing learning more widely – ensuring insights benefit the whole system.
- Extending the programme – exploring how Allyship can support other boards and sectors.
The Allyship Programme has been resourced through West Yorkshire’s Power of Communities funding, with around £20k invested over the 5 years. While the programme can be challenging to evaluate, its impact on relationships, empathy and understanding is clear and valued.
If you have any queries or feedback, or if you would like to explore how you could be involved, please email [email protected].
Read the full report
