Community Matters in Harehills

Locals and businesses came together this May for Harehills Community Matters Day.

Despite the drizzly weather, Banstead Park was filled with people enjoying fun for all the family, including a bouncy castle, DJ and inflatable obstacle course.

A steel drum band brought the sound of the Carribean to the day and kept everyone in a sunny mood.

The event was organised over six months by Connect, Places for People, Leeds Council and Unity Homes, who were all on site with stalls offering advice, support and information.

300 free hot and healthy meals were provided to the community, served by Surplus to Purpose, a local organisation who are committed to stopping waste from the food industry, rescuing surplus food and putting it to good use.

At Connect’s stall, Community Housing Officers were there throughout the day, encouraging people to come along to have a chat and giving kids a chance to get crafty with colourful pens, craft paper, pipe cleaners, stickers and more.

Community Co-ordinator Hannah Faulkner said: “It was a great opportunity to chat with residents. I caught up with one tenant who I used to see regularly at our old Roundhay Road office. We just had a bit of a catch up about what she’s been up to – she said it was really nice to see us out in the community.”

The organisers hope that events like this will help them to learn more about the community. This will help them plan better ways to use their resources to support the area.

Naheed Akhtar, Community Housing Officer, added: “It’s just a fun filled event where people come together, collaborate and share ideas”.