The Forward Leeds IPS team hosted an inspiring Celebration Event on 19 June 2025 bringing together people they have supported, employers and partners to celebrate the successes of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) programme.
The event showed the power of employment in people’s recovery journeys. Held in the Chairman’s Suite at Elland Road the celebration shone a light on the remarkable achievements of those who have secured employment through the work of the IPS team, who help people supported by Forward Leeds to find and sustain meaningful jobs.
Attendees were welcomed with refreshments and an uplifting atmosphere,
Ryan Baldwin, who has just got a new job through the IPS team, gave a powerful and heartwarming speech, sharing his own personal story and telling the audience how the team had transformed his life.
There were also speeches from local employers, including Chris Sylvester of Getting Clean, Chris Armitage from Caval Construction Ltd, Sarah Walters from AMS/HSBC and David Ford from Leeds City College.
David said: ” It was a truly inspiring evening, meeting new friends and finding out more about the amazing work Forward Leeds does. Incredibly emotional at times but such a positive atmosphere. “
Leeds City Council Commissioning Manager Helen Moran attended the event and said: “Hearing the stories of how people have come through difficult times and now found meaningful employment with the support of the IPS team at Forward Leeds and like-minded employerswas really inspiring and should give hope to others.”
About Forward Leeds IPS
The IPS program within Forward Leeds helps people in recovery from drug and alcohol dependence to find and retain meaningful employment. It is built on the principle that anyone who wants to work can work, and with the right support, recovery and employment can go hand in hand.
