Building Stronger Networks

Community Events make an impact!

As a foodbank, we know that many people needing help with food are actually facing multiple, often complex problems in their lives. This can mean they receive fragmented advice and support from multiple agencies, charities or organisations.

In June, we hosted two Community Network Events, one in Wetherby and one in Tadcaster, designed to bring together organisations and agencies from across Leeds, West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire. These gatherings aimed to strengthen partnerships, share knowledge, and improve the way we support people in our communities — all with the goal of ensuring there is no ‘wrong door’ for anyone seeking help.

Both events had a fantastic turnout, with the Wetherby event seeing over 40 attendees representing 30 different organisations. During the sessions, we asked participants whether a Community Hub in the area would be of interest and if they’d like to be involved. The response was overwhelmingly positive — a clear sign that there is both appetite and energy for deeper collaboration among the organisations best placed to help people in our community facing challenges.

By fostering these connections, we can ensure that when someone opens up, they’re met with the right support at the right time — helping prevent people from falling through the cracks and improving outcomes across the board.

Attendees at the Wetherby Event included representatives from:
Adult Social Services, Wetherby Children’s Centre, EPOSS (Elmet Partnership of Schools & Services), Living Potential, Churches Together, Wetherby Salvation Army, Linking Leeds, Retirement Life, Money Buddies, HTF Legal, Smart Works Leeds, Library Services, Benefice Connections Minister, Crossley Street Primary School, Leeds Sensory Services, Housing Income Officer, Housing Team Leader, Care Coordinator Crossley Street GP, Leaning Disability Care Coordinator, Yorkshire Community Matters, IDAS North Yorkshire, Engage Leeds, Home Instead, Gam Care, Local Energy Partnership, Age UK, Wetherby Ward Councillors (Norma Harrington, Penny Stables, Alan Lamb), Groundwork Leeds, Forward Leeds, North Yorkshire Police, LCP.

Attendees at the Tadcaster Event included representatives from:
Tadcaster Bridge Project, Carer’s Resource, Children’s & Families Services, Citizens’ Advice, North Yorkshire County Councillor Kirsty Perkins, Forward Leeds, Gam Care, Healthy & Sustainable Homes Energy Advisor, HFT Legal, Homeless & Prevention Services, Highfield Care Home, Horizon, Horton Housing, IDAS North Yorkshire, Kelcbar Community Centre, LEAP, Living Well, Selby & Ainsty Locality Lead, Money Buddies, Rise (North Yorkshire), North Yorkshire Police, Rough Sleeper Coordinator, Star Multi Academy, Stepping Stone, Tadcaster & Rural representative, Tadcaster Volunteer Community Support Association, Tadcaster Primary Academy, Tadcaster Surgery.

Thank you to the representatives from all the organisations who attended. We hope that by working together, we can improve the way we support our communities.

Back to News