Last Saturday afternoon (19 November 2022) over 60 people defied the weather to make a difference in various ways across Beeston Hill. The ‘Love Leeds 11’ event was a collaboration between Space youth group, Kidz Klub, St Luke’s church, Mosaic church and the Shine Project and aimed at giving the children and young people an opportunity to be ‘light in the darkness’.
As you will know have noticed there has been plenty of bad news at the moment reinforced by the darker days and miserable weather of winter. The children and young people were a breath of fresh air as they set about doing something good for their community. We were extremely grateful for the support of the adult helpers from the various projects and other local residents who made the event possible.
After gathering a St Luke’s church the group split in to five teams then wrapping up warm and heading out to their projects.
A team linked up with the newly formed Greenmounts Tenants & Residents Association (TARA) to transform a flower bed on Greenmount Court – filling it with winter plants and spring bulbs to brighten up the streets. Young people also prepared and delivered plant pots to the neighbours along with handmade cards.
Local resident and TARA member Lisa commented:
“I’ve had a great afternoon, loved all the involvement of our youth communities, I am truly grateful and can’t wait for all the plants to grow, thank you.”
Just down the road on Greenmount Terrace Kidz Klub led a fantastic ‘Play Street’ event for local children and families. Activities included giant bubbles, skipping, football and a chalk mural.
Another group focussed on litter picking near New Bewerley Community School with one of the teenage participants so inspired by the experience he is keen to get a group to litter pick near his school.
Mosaic church lead a small team giving away free chocolate as they declared blessings through the streets of Beeston and offered prayers of healing to the people they met.
Meanwhile a team stayed at St Luke’s church making (64!) delicious pizzas for their peers to enjoy on their return, whilst also providing a takeaway service to local residents.
All in all it was an action packed afternoon bursting with positivity – a refreshing and uplifting contrast to the doom and gloom that seems to be surrounding us. The children and young people were the stars of the show as they got stuck in ‘shining light in the darkness.’
A big thank you to everyone who was involved in any way. The next ‘Love Leeds 11’ event is pencilled in for Spring 2023 – if you would like to get involved or support in anyway please get in touch on 07419 366 058.
This post was written by Ben Hutchinson
We encourage anyone living or working in South Leeds to use this website to tell their news. You can either use the Create an article for South Leeds Life page, or email us at: info@southleedslife.com
Whilst you’re here, can we ask a favour?
South Leeds Life is published by a not-for-profit social enterprise. We keep our costs as low as possible but we’ve been hit by increases in the print costs for our monthly newspaper – up 50% so far this year.
Could you help support local community news by making a one off donation, or even better taking out a supporters subscription?
Donate here, or sign up for a subscription at bit.ly/SLLsubscribe
