Leeds Together Fund Report

The horrific murder of three young girls in Southport later that month brought communities together in grief and solidarity—but also led to misinformation and unrest in several cities.

Although Leeds was not directly affected by the violence, many residents felt unsafe, avoiding public spaces and community activities. Leeds should be proud that it did not experience anti-refugee violence, but the fear community members felt was real.

In response to the national unrest, the UK Government launched a £15 million Community Recovery Fund in September 2024.

The Leeds Community Anchor Network (LCAN) was awarded £75,000 to deliver a city-wide grants programme supporting community cohesion and celebrating all that can be achieved when communities come together.

Co-ordinated by LCAN member Groundwork Yorkshire, each of the 30 LCAN members held a small grants pot to distribute up to £300 each to community-led groups in their area.  We called the grants the Leeds Together Fund.

This linked in perfectly with the first years’ findings of the Listening Exercise

The listening report goes into a lot of detail, but it highlights activities that communities said would benefit areas such as more youth activities, community events, litter picks, sports, and community groups. LCAN members were able to reach out to local, community-led groups to deliver activities across the city.

In all, over 140 events took place, which brought communities together, attended by over 6,000 people.

Here is our report showing the story of this grant in pictures, videos and using the words of those who took part. Do take time to have a look at the vibrant and wide-reaching events which took place