Community organisations across Leeds are being encouraged to help raise awareness of tuberculosis (TB) following an increase in cases across the city.
TB is a serious but preventable and treatable infectious disease that most commonly affects the lungs. Early diagnosis and treatment are important, both for individual health and for reducing the spread of infection.
Leeds partners have already taken a number of steps to respond to the rise in cases, including awareness campaigns, training opportunities, translated resources and targeted outreach work within communities.
Why This Matters
As a VCSE organisation, you might work closely with people who may face barriers to accessing healthcare, including people experiencing homelessness, social isolation, poverty, insecure housing or language barriers.
Community organisations are often trusted sources of information and support. While staff and volunteers are not expected to diagnose TB, they may be in a position to encourage someone to seek advice, share accurate information or signpost them to appropriate services.
The Leeds Health Protection Board has highlighted the importance of community organisations in helping tackle wider factors that can affect health, including housing conditions, poverty and social exclusion.
What Are the Symptoms of TB?
Symptoms can include:
• A cough lasting three weeks or more
• High temperature or fever
• Night sweats
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling tired or lacking energy
Anyone experiencing persistent symptoms should seek medical advice.
Resources You Can Use
TB Awareness Videos in 13 Languages
Leeds partners have produced TB awareness videos in 13 different languages to help organisations reach a wider range of communities.
Watch and share:
https://migrationpartnership.org.uk/translated-tb-awareness-videos/
Order Free TB Information Materials
The Public Health Resource Centre provides access to TB leaflets, posters and community health resources that organisations can use in waiting rooms, community venues and outreach settings.
View resources:
https://www.leeds.gov.uk/phrc/resources/leaflets-and-posters
TB Awareness Training
People working in community organisations can access public health training through Leeds City Council’s Public Health Resource Centre.
Find out more:
Leeds Community Healthcare TB Service
The specialist TB service provides support, screening and advice for people affected by TB.
Find out more:
https://leedscommunityhealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services-a-z/tuberculosis-tb/
Supporting People in Your Community
If your organisation works with people experiencing homelessness, poor housing, social isolation, financial hardship or barriers to healthcare, sharing accurate information about TB can help people access support earlier.
Simple actions such as displaying posters, sharing translated videos, attending awareness training and knowing where to signpost people can help reduce stigma and improve access to care.
Further Information
Public Health campaigns and awareness resources:
https://www.leeds.gov.uk/phrc/current-awareness/campaigns
Fast-Track Cities Leeds:
For organisations interested in receiving public health resources or training, contact the Public Health Resource Centre:
