Leeds has launched a new community grants programme as part of its Fast-Track City initiative, offering up to £700 for local projects that aim to reduce stigma and discrimination related to HIV, TB, and viral hepatitis. The programme demonstrates the city’s commitment to health and supporting those with lived experiences, as it works towards the global goal of eradicating new infections by 2030.
What is the new community grants programme launched by Leeds as a Fast-Track City?
The new Leeds Fast-Track Cities community grants programme offers up to £700 for local initiatives aimed at reducing stigma and discrimination related to HIV, TB, and viral hepatitis. It highlights Leeds’ commitment to health, supporting those with lived experiences, and is part of a global network to eradicate new infections by 2030.
Tackling Epidemics Through Community Grants
As Leeds marks a significant milestone, one year after being declared a fast-track city in the global fight against HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and viral hepatitis, a new community grants programme emerges. This initiative, launched during National HIV Testing Week, embodies the city’s dedication to supporting those affected by these conditions. With the signing of the Leeds Fast-Track City Initiative on February 7, Leeds joined a worldwide network of cities aiming to eradicate new infections by the end of the decade. The new Leeds Fast-Track Cities communities grants programme, administered by Leeds City Council, BHA Leeds Skyline, and MESMAC, seeks to empower local groups. Grants of up to £700 are available for initiatives that amplify the voices of those with lived experiences, particularly in addressing stigma and discrimination. This effort underscores the city’s commitment to eliminating viral hepatitis and ending TB alongside HIV, positioning Leeds as a UK pioneer in this health crusade. For more details on this new programme, visit Fast Track Cities Leeds Community Grants – BHA for Equality.
The significance of community involvement is further highlighted by the fast-approaching National HIV Testing Week ‘I Test,’ starting on February 5. This initiative underscores the importance of regular testing. It enables early detection, vital for managing health and preventing transmission. Free, confidential testing is available across Leeds, with online ordering options for nationwide access at www.freetesting.hiv. The Leeds campaign, a joint operation between Yorkshire MESMAC and the Leeds Sexual Health Service, also receives support from the Leeds City Council.
Leaders within the Fast-Track City initiative, including Dr. Sarah Schoeman and Tom Doyle, have been instrumental in uniting partners across the city. These collaborations have fostered the development of workstreams focused on opportunistic testing while targeting at-risk populations. The initiative’s subgroups are dedicated to addressing key areas: data and intelligence, reducing stigma, and testing and prevention.
A Year of Progress and Partnerships
Reflecting on the first year since Leeds became a fast-track city, we also acknowledge the announcement made in December, which named Leeds General Infirmary and St. James’s University Hospital as participants in a £20 million National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) project. This groundbreaking initiative aims to introduce opt-out testing for undiagnosed HIV, Hepatitis B and C in 46 emergency departments across high-prevalence areas in the UK.
Statements from Leeds City Council executive member Councillor Salma Arif, Tom Doyle of MESMAC, and Dr. Sarah Schoeman of Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust echo a unified message of progress and commitment. Councillor Arif emphasizes the importance of the community’s voice in the new grants programme and encourages participation in the free testing during National HIV Testing Week. Doyle highlights the fresh approach Fast-Track City status brings to testing strategies across Leeds, aiming to improve reach and access. Dr. Schoeman proudly notes the city’s dedication to eliminating infections and related stigma by 2030, with a focus on increased testing, community engagement, and anti-stigma work moving forward.
The synergy between various health services and community partners in Leeds is evident. It demonstrates a comprehensive approach to tackling these public health challenges. The innovative strategies employed by Leeds as a Fast-Track City set an example for others to follow, highlighting the power of community, partnership, and proactive health measures.
Advancements in Healthcare and Community Involvement
The significance of Leeds’ efforts is further underscored by recent developments in national health research. The NIHR project at Leeds General Infirmary and St. James’s University Hospital is part of a wider endeavour to improve the diagnosis of bloodborne diseases. Additionally, UKHSA has conducted analyses of the initial research project, working alongside NIHR and NHS England to evaluate the public health impact.
The strides made by Leeds as a Fast-Track City are not only measured by the health outcomes but also by the level of community engagement and support. Organizations such as BHA Leeds Skyline and Yorkshire MESMAC play a pivotal role in providing resources and testing services. Individuals and groups can find further information and support through the provided contact details, including reaching out to Jeni Hirst, Director of BHA Leeds Skyline, and Tom Doyle, Chief Executive of Yorkshire MESMAC.
For those seeking information about HIV testing sessions in Leeds, www.startswithme.org.uk and www.mesmac.co.uk offer valuable resources. Leeds Sexual Health, a partnership among various healthcare trusts, underscores the collaborative nature of Leeds’ approach to sexual health services. To discover more about the Fast-Track Cities initiative and its impact beyond Leeds, interested parties can visit the official pages or follow updates via email.
Leeds’ journey as a Fast-Track City exemplifies a commitment to public health, community support, and cutting-edge research. Through these concerted efforts, Leeds sets its sights on a future free from the burdens of HIV, TB, and viral hepatitis, leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit of health and well-being for all.
For media enquiries, Leeds City Council communications and marketing team can be contacted via email at communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk or by phone at 0113 378 6007.
- Leeds has launched a new community grants programme as part of its Fast-Track City initiative, offering up to £700 for local projects that aim to reduce stigma and discrimination related to HIV, TB, and viral hepatitis.
- The programme demonstrates the city’s commitment to health and supporting those with lived experiences, as it works towards the global goal of eradicating new infections by 2030.
- The new Leeds Fast-Track Cities community grants programme seeks to empower local groups and amplify the voices of those with lived experiences, particularly in addressing stigma and discrimination.
- Leeds General Infirmary and St. James’s University Hospital are participating in a £20 million National Institute for Health and Care Research project that aims to introduce opt-out testing for undiagnosed HIV, Hepatitis B and C in 46 emergency departments across high-prevalence areas in the UK.
- Leeds’ efforts as a Fast-Track City exemplify a commitment to public health, community support, and cutting-edge research in the fight against HIV, TB, and viral hepatitis.