Over the past year, we’ve developed Neighbourhood Plans with customers to better understand the unique needs and priorities of the neighbourhoods and communities we support.

One of our aims in developing the plans was to increase our work with partners such as Neighbourhood Policing Teams, local councils and Litter Free Leeds. By collaborating with these partners, we can offer a more complete and well-rounded approach to supporting communities and increasing our presence.

Over the past month, Neighbourhood Officers have been out and about hosting community clean-ups and even flower planting!

Community days

In May, Neighbourhood Officer, Charlie, organised a successful community action day at Hunslet Lake Park. The event brought together customers, volunteers, and partner organisations from Getting Clean and Litter Free Leeds.  The team carried out a litter pick around the area. Cllr Paul Wray also attended the event to lend a helping hand and speak with customers.

After the litter pick, Charlie had a stall in the park and provided lunch bags to 20 families in the area. A Morrisons Community Champion also provided fresh fruit.

Children took part in a lucky dip filled with balloons, bubbles, toy planes, and fidget toys. One young attendee was thrilled to win the giant teddy bear, which she named ‘Happy Bear’!

Throughout the day, Getting Clean, Cllr Paul Wray and Litter Free Leeds took the opportunity to speak with customers about topics such as anti-social behaviour (ASB), and financial support.

Two customers enjoyed the litter pick so much that they expressed interest in joining Litter Free Leeds regularly.

To round off the day and celebrate community spirit, Getting Clean and our Community Spaces team planted a sunflower on Prospect Crescent.

Litter picks

Over in Holbeck, Neighbourhood Officer, Maggie, organised a community clean-up. 3 large skips from BW Skips were placed around the neighbourhood for customers to recycle and get rid of any unwanted items. A few colleagues across Leeds Federated attended the clean-up and helped with litter picking around the area.

Police officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team also joined Maggie for a walk around the neighbourhood. They spoke with any customers and residents regarding anti-social behaviour.

Spring bulb planting in Jarvis Square

Neighbourhood Officer, Rebecca, hosted a hanging basket workshop in Jarvis Square. The event brought together residents from the Robin Hood older person’s scheme to plant some spring bulbs and flowers ready for summer.

Keely Watson, Lettings Supervisor and avid gardener, also attended the event and shared her expertise with residents. She shared tips on how to arrange the plants and how to keep them healthy in the summer months.

Residents enjoyed the morning and shared feedback on how they appreciate seeing more of our presence in their neighbourhood. They said they’d love this to be an annual event!

One resident said, “What an amazing thing to do for the community. It’s lovely to see such smiley, friendly staff out here in our neighbourhood.  I think the relaxed, friendly approach of this event has been really lovely.”

Stay tuned!

Keep an eye on your Neighbourhood Plan pages on Your Voice to stay up to date with events and walkabouts happening in your neighbourhoods.