The Forum Central team is deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the passing of Annette Morris. Annette worked closely with our organisations, Volition and Leeds Older People’s Forum, on several projects and worked hard to further many of our shared beliefs and ambitions: that communities play a key role in supporting people’s health and wellbeing, that people’s voices and creativity are at the heart of decision making, and that health inequalities should be a thing of the past.
Annette was a staunch ally for the third sector and a well-respected community figure as well as a much loved colleague. As a mental health champion, she didn’t shy away from difficult conversations and was proud to speak up against inequity. She shifted the dial for Black and marginalised communities and for women in Leeds through her leadership and numerous projects; of empowerment, learning, and unlearning. She touched many over her decades of service and there’s no doubt she made a positive impact on her local community and on our city. She will be greatly missed.
Leeds Involving People (LIP) is coordinating a collection for Annette’s family to help cover the cost of a fitting send off, and lighten the financial burden of an unexpected death in the family. If you would like to donate, the details are the following account:
Account Number: 70107687
Sort code: 08-90-72
Please use AM as a reference for your donation.
LIP is also compiling a book of condolence to be given to her family, so if you would like to contribute a story, picture, anecdote, or just a few words, please email them to [email protected]. Please note if you would like your contribution to be anonymous or include your name.
The FRESH (Forum for Racial Equality in Social Care and Health) meeting on Thursday 18 July was dedicated to Annette, as she was the chair for over ten years.
Forum Central is honoured to have worked with Annette and will continue her campaign for fairness and equitable access to person-centred health support. Annette’s name is synonymous with her warm and contagious smile, and she will be remembered for her kind nature as much as her passion and dedication.
Message from Corrina Laurence, Cheif Executive, Feel Good Factor and Third Sector Rep on the Health and Wellbeing Board
“I speak on behalf of many.
Annette Morris was an amazing person, she was well known, valued, trusted and respected. She was one of the kindest, most generous and compassionate person who touched and impacted upon so many lives. I can’t emphasise enough how special Annette was in her ability to reach into different communities and organisations advocating for all with regards to equality, equity and fairness through her work.
We are all deeply saddened by Annette’s passing, but choose to celebrate her life by taking the time to pay homage to her contributions in the city both personally and professionally. Annette was a highly valued member of our teams, colleague and friend who always brought a warm and caring spirit, a genuine passion for change in the community and a talent for unity and creativity.
Many have talked about Annette’s ability at bridging the gap between statutory and the third sector seamlessly. Annette very existence was to strive for equality and fairness for all and as a result did lots of good things for people and communities.
On behalf of the third sector I would like to say that we will miss Annette very much, and will continue to uphold and carry on her legacy in her honour.”
