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
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Sophie Smith -
13th October 2021 
