The Black Community Health and Wellbeing Event at Leeds Reginald Centre on 29 October 2026 brought together 10 services, offering health information, support and checks in a welcoming community setting.
Inspired by Black History Month, the event aimed to bring services closer to Black communities in Leeds, offering an accessible, culturally inclusive space to learn about support and speak with health professionals.
Health checks and support in the community
Participants included the Community Liver Health Checks (CLHC) team, known as the Liver Buddies, peer support workers from The Hepatitis C Trust (HCT), Leeds mental health wellbeing services, Bevan Healthcare and other local organisations. Visitors could access liver FibroScans with the Liver Buddies, hepatitis testing with HCT peer supporters and other health checks, as well as ask questions and learn about available support. The familiar venue encouraged conversations about health awareness, prevention and early intervention, including concerns that may be overlooked, misunderstood or surrounded by stigma.
Building connections and trust
The day connected services and community members, making support more visible and approachable. Organisations also networked, shared knowledge and explored future partnerships.
Looking ahead
The organisers hope to hold more events for Black and diverse communities, encouraging engagement with NHS and community services while breaking down barriers, challenging stigma and addressing health inequalities.
Through continued work with local organisations and community partners, they aim to build trust, help people feel welcomed, represented and confident accessing support, and improve health awareness, early intervention and wellbeing across Black communities in Leeds.