Findings from Phase 2 of the UKSPF Listening Exercise

The Leeds Community Anchor Network (LCAN) has published the findings from Phase 2 of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Listening Exercise, carried out between January and March 2025.

The listening exercise gave residents across six priority wards — Armley, Beeston & Holbeck, Burmantofts & Richmond Hill, Gipton & Harehills, Hunslet & Riverside, and Killingbeck & Seacroft — the chance to share what matters most to them, and how they want to shape their neighbourhoods.

What we heard

The conversations showed a deep pride in local communities and a clear appetite for residents to lead change. People want to be involved in creating solutions — not just consulted about problems.

Five themes stood out strongly across all areas:

1. Youth-led activities and initiatives – young people want more opportunities to design and lead activities, from sports to mentoring projects.

2. Green spaces as community hubs – parks and green areas were valued highly, with suggestions for festivals, play sessions, gardening and fitness groups.

3. Using community skills – residents identified their own talents in areas like youth work, arts, DIY, finance, and event planning, offering them to support local activities.

4. Community-led safety – ideas ranged from “Take Back the Night” walks to safe spaces for young people and more positive collaboration with local police.

5. Better communication of opportunities – many said good things are already happening, but they aren’t well publicised. Suggestions included newsletters, flyers, WhatsApp groups and even videos in different languages.

Skills and strengths

A powerful part of the exercise was identifying the skills people already bring to their communities. These ranged from youth work and arts, to gardening, financial advice, cooking, and mentoring. Many residents were keen to share these skills to strengthen local activities.

Next steps

The Leeds Community Anchor Network has already started acting on the findings. Projects emerging from Phase 2 include:

• A residential for young people in Armley

• Community clean-ups in Holbeck

• Social eating sessions in Gipton

• A new newsletter in Burmantofts & Richmond Hill, delivered to over 10,000 households

Looking ahead, LCAN plans to build on this work and expand city-wide, ensuring more voices are heard and more neighbourhoods are supported to lead local change.

Why it matters

This approach shows the power of long-term, community-led listening. By focusing on strengths rather than deficits, communities can drive meaningful change and shape the future of Leeds.

You can read the full report here: Phase 2 UKSPF Listening Exercise Evaluation PDF