Forward Leeds brought together people it supports with senior management at “The Art of Working Together” – an event to celebrate creativity and collaboration.
Held at Leeds Playhouse on 5 March, the event showcased the remarkable talents of people who are supported by the service through an exhibition of their artwork.
Guests were treated to a range of paintings, drawings and other artistic expressions, many offering a unique perspective on the journey of recovery and resilience.
From abstract works to introspective portraits, the artwork served as a powerful testament to the transformative power of creativity in healing.
However, “The Art of Working Together” was more than just an exhibition. It was also a forum for dialogue and engagement.
Discussions focused on the development and improvement of Forward Leeds. People supported by Forward Leeds, along with staff members and volunteers, came together to share insights, ideas, and experiences.
One of the organisers from Forward Leeds, Catherine Casey, said: “The event highlighted the importance of involving everyone in the decision-making processes that directly impact their lives. By listening to the voices and perspectives of people who we work with, we can develop a service that meets their needs and the needs of the wider Leeds community.
“I think we were all blown away by the wonderful ideas that came out of these relatively short discussions. We are already planning how we incorporate those ideas into what our service looks like going forward”.
Ramona Green who attended the event said: “The Art of Working Together event was amazing and it was better than I ever thought it would be. Everyone was so friendly, I got so many hugs after I read my poem out, it touched my heart.”
Working Together events will become a regular part of how Forward Leeds develops in 2024 and beyond. Anyone who would like to be involved should speak to their worker.
Forward Leeds is especially grateful to LCF Law for sponsoring the event. The exhibition of art will now move around all the Forward Leeds sites so that people coming into the hubs can enjoy them.
