The Black Health Initiative (BHI) have finally received their National Diversity Award win after months of postponing the event due to coronavirus-related restrictions.
The Black Health Initiative won the 2020 National Diversity Community Organisation Award for race, religion and faith in September and have only recently celebrated their win at the Polish Centre Leeds.
The team invited supporters and volunteers join them last week to formally enjoy the national recognition of their work and celebrate their community. The evening supported Leeds-based DJs and gave the BHI a chance to thank all of those involved in the programme.
The 2020 National Diversity Awards had been moved multiple times due to the pandemic and ongoing restrictions, but the ceremony was finally held in September in Liverpool.
The award recognised the dedicated support that the BHI offer the community and the organisation have now been able to celebrate their win. The team were 'truly humbled' to have their work recognised nationally and to receive an award from 60,000 nominations.
The BHI is a community engagement organisation working towards equality of access to health and social care within Leeds and the surrounding areas for disadvantaged communities.
Despite having no core funding, BHI influence positive change their their partnership with NHS trusts and foundations, cancer charities, education providers and other voluntary organisations and were praised for their ongoing support in the community.
The National Diversity Award highlighted their successful work with services locally, regionally and nationally.
The awards are known to be the UK's largest diversity award show and was held in conjunction with ITV News to highlight role models and community organisations across the UK.
The National Diversity Awards 2021 shortlisted nominees have also been published, with the awards set to take place in early 2022.
Matthew Jones from Leeds Law Society is amongst the 2021 National Diversity Award nominees for his work as a positive role model in the LGBT community. His work has put the Leeds Law Society at the forefront of diversity and inclusion in the Leeds Legal Sector and nationally.
Feature Image - Black Health Init
Leeds
Pioneering Bradford artist David Hockney has passed away aged 88
David Hockney, one of Britain's most influential and recognisable artists, has sadly died.
Born in Bradford in 1937, David Hockney built a career spanning more than six decades and became one of the most influential figures in contemporary art.
He was best known for his vibrant paintings, from the iconic swimming pools of Los Angeles to the sweeping landscapes of Yorkshire and Normandy.
And of course you can't forget the adorable paintings of his sausage dogs Stanley and Boodgie.
This morning on Friday 12 June, it was sadly announced that David Hockney had passed away - just one month prior of his 89th birthday.
Admired by critics and the public alike, Hockney's work was exhibited around the world and attracted record-breaking prices, cementing his place as one of the defining artists of the modern era.
Most recently, his incredibly immersive exhibition 'Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)' was a hit across the country, proving his work still resonated with the people of today.
His work at Salts Mill has remained in exhibit for years, including his special digital drawings that he did on his iPad.
His death marks the end of a truly extraordinary career, but his influence on British culture and contemporary art will endure for years to come.
A true West Yorkshire icon that will be missed by many from across the globe. RIP David.
Featured image - Publicity photo via Justin Sutcliffe (supplied)
Leeds
A breathtaking giant sculpture of the sun has arrived in Yorkshire for the summer
Clementine Hall
A giant model of the sun is now illuminated in Wakefield.
The sun has arrived in Wakefield… and we’re not just referring to that one that’s popped up in the sky at long last (sort of).
We’re taking about Helios, the amazing art installation that’s about to stop off at Wakefield Exchange as it tours around the UK.
Created by renowned artist, Luke Jerram, the beautiful art piece measures a whopping seven-metres in diameter and has been created using images captured by NASA.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Helios builds on the success of Luke Jerram’s previous installations in Wakefield, including the hugely popular Museum of the Moon.
With its striking scale and rich scientific detail,the artwork provides a safe and captivating way to encounter the Sun up close, highlighting everything from solar flares to the phenomena that created the unforgettable Northern Lights visible across the UK in 2024.
Stepping beneath the breathtaking glowing sculpture, audiences can experience an atmospheric fusion of solar imagery, sunlight and a specially commissioned surround‑sound composition that brings the science and mystery of our nearest star vividly to life.
Alongside the striking sun instillation, Wakefield Exchange will present a full programme of free, family‑friendly, space‑themed activities throughout the summer.
Visitors can enjoy hands‑on workshops, creative crafts, dressing‑up sessions and playful drop‑in experiences.
Helios will be hosted by Wakefield Exchange from Friday 12 June until Sunday 6 September 2026, and you can find out more here on their website.
Sophie Smith -
13th October 2021 
