Local people from South Leeds have been developing their self defence skills, thanks to an idea from a Hunslet resident.
An initial six week course was funded from Get Set Leeds Local as a pilot project for the area, working with Involve Community Centre. Certificates have been received by those attending for completing the course with Chris from Just Self Defence.
Get Set Leeds Local is a project led by LCC’s Active Leeds working across Hunslet and Riverside and Beeston and Holbeck wards (alongside Armley, Gipton and Harehills and Seacroft and Killingbeck), funded via Sport England.
It aims to work collaboratively to enable more people to move more by exploring the things that matter to communities, galvanising residents ideas and working closely with key community assets such as Involve community centre in Hunslet.
Cllr Ed Carlisle (Green, Hunslet & Riverside) connected resident Monika to Get Set Leeds Local earlier this year. He commented
“It’s so good to see what an immense impact this project has made. These are hard times, we face many big intractable social issues – but we can innovate, and work together, to make a difference locally.
“Thanks again to all who helped make this happen. Please get in touch to work on developing this or other community projects across our communities.”
Personal safety has been the hook, but sessions have been about so much more. They have bought together women and girls of all ages from across South Leeds.
Weekly sessions have developed movement based skills and knowledge, but also improved self-confidence, community connections and a wider reminder on of the value of movement to our health and wellbeing.
Feedback has included words such as “fantastic”, “absolutely brilliant”, “learning a lot”, “more in depth than anticipated”, “incredible”, “great to see women of all ages together” and “so useful”.
Due to the demand identified, additional courses will be coming in the New Year thanks to the support of the Inner South Community Committee, alongside working with partners to explore other funding pots to further support this work in the future.
For those inspired, there’s also a range of weekly martial arts groups for all ages that take place across South Leeds.
Our community chest pot is still available to support the ideas from residents and partners in Beeston & Holbeck or Hunslet & Riverside ward areas. The Community Chest Pot is up to £300 for community good ideas which support people to move more, as well as providing training and upskilling opportunities.
We are always keen to hear your ideas for what may support the community to move more.
E-mail karen.peck@leeds.gov.uk or getsetleedslocal@leeds.gov.uk to share your insight, ideas or to find out more.
This post was written by Karen Peck
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