Ten years ago, as a film student, I was encouraged to head out into City Square late one night to join a demo being held by a homelessness charity whose representatives we’d recently interviewed for the purposes of a short documentary.
The plan was to congregate in as big a number as possible before walking to a small garden behind Leeds Minster where volunteers would pitch tents and stay overnight in order raise awareness and possibly money in the name the city’s rough sleepers.
Being 17 and everything, me and the rest of my class headed into City Square reluctantly, hoping to bag a few scenic shots before getting the next bus home. But within two minutes of being there, we found ourselves in the grips of a movement whose attitude and ethos was mesmerizing. The night remains a vivid exception in a period of my life that is quite blurry.
It’s bittersweet to know that charity, Simon on the Streets, is going strong in 2021. While no doubt an admirable endeavour, in a country as developed as the UK, it’s painful to know that organisations such as them still have enough demand in terms of rough sleepers.
Founded in 1999, Simon on the Streets focuses on unsupported people with a history of rough sleeping across Bradford, Kirklees, and Leeds. The team of volunteers offer street-based, emotional, and practical support for those who cannot access mainstream services. A main incentive is tackling the behavioural issues and mental illnesses that often lead to or manifest from homelessness and addiction.
Simon on the Streets
Earlier this month, a sleep-in similar to the ones they’ve done in the past was twisted to appease the current climate. On Friday 7 May, families across the country pitched tents in their homes and gardens as part of a “Little Sleep In” to raise money for West Yorkshire’s homeless. In the end, a mighty £2,500 was raised.
Natalie Moran, CEO at Simon on the Streets, said: “We’re really grateful to everyone who took part in our second Little Sleep In and helped raise £2,500.
“We’re still unsure if our biggest fundraising event, our annual sleep-out, will be able to go ahead later this year and with the inaugural Little Sleep In being such a great success last year, the public have continued to show immense creativity and support for us to fundraise at home. The funds raised will go a long way to enable our hardworking outreach workers to continue to support the most vulnerable people living on our streets.”
What is particularly amazing about the charity is how people who’ve often slept rough themselves, if not struggled with some form of mental health or addiction problem, have gone on to become volunteers and act as proof that things can and will get better, even if the cards seem to be stacked against you.
Scotty Bell, a recent addition to the team, gained his first fixed address in 2010. He said, “My role is essentially customer service and market research to make sure that Simon on the Streets involves the people using our service in everything from the design and delivery and capturing and using their feedback to deliver a better service for them.
“This is something businesses do, and it is just as important, if not even more important, that we do this as a charity too. We work in this sector because we care about people and we are problem solvers. Our hope is that we can empower people to take action themselves.”
Another new recruit, Leah Charlson, added: “I’m so excited to have joined the Simon on the Streets team. I’ve spent my first few weeks getting to know all aspects of the charity and going out with the outreach team to fully understand how my work supports the great work they do.
“Covid has changed the world overnight with charities hit particularly hard. We’re starting to rebuild our efforts and create new ways to engage people across business, education and communities.”
People all across the UK will be able to see an almost total solar eclipse in the sky this evening.
For the first time this century, with the last one being all the way back in 1999, people in the UK and Ireland – including here in Leeds – will get to see 90-96% of the sun covered by the moon today (12 August 2026), and if that wasn’t exciting enough as it is, this will be the last chance to do so until 2081.
NASA and Royal Museums Greenwich has confirmed that tomorrow’s solar eclipse will be the most coverage seen from the UK and Ireland since the 1999 event.
But what can astronomy fans in Leeds expect from today’s eclipse? When will it be happening? How much coverage is our region going to see? And where are some of the best places to watch?
First up, let’s get the basics out the way – what is a solar eclipse? A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, blocking the sun’s light either partly or fully.
Although the UK will only see a partial solar eclipse this time, some other countries – such as parts of Iceland, Spain, Portugal, and Greenland – will be lucky enough to witness the spectacle of a total eclipse for a duration of up to two minutes and 18 seconds.
When will it be happening?
The eclipse is set to start at 6:13pm in Greater Manchester, and will run right through to 8:03pm – with the peak happening at 7:10pm.
How much coverage can Greater Leeds expect?
Of course, we always have to preface anything we say about astronomical events like this by saying ‘it depends on the weather’, as we do like in the north after all, and even though it is the height of summer, that won’t stop the skies from being overcast.
Luckily though, the Met Office is predicting some of the best weather conditions for an event like this in a long time, so it really is worth watching.
Spectators in Leeds will see 90 - 92% coverage, according to expert sources.
How can I watch the eclipse safely?
If there’s one thing experts are stressing, it’s the need to take correct precautions if you are planning to watch tomorrow.
The most important thing is to wear eclipse glasses and avoid looking directly at the sun.
It’s true that during an eclipse, the sun does appears dimmer therefore making it easier to look at directly, however solar radiation can still reach and damage the retina, often without causing any pain, so you may not realise harm is occurring until it’s too late.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises that there are two safe approaches – specialist eclipse viewers, or indirect viewing methods.
Eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers must be genuine, sold by a reputable retailer, and have specially designed filters that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E). They must also have no scratches, tearing, or damage to the lens.
Old pairs may not be reusable, and sunglasses should never be used.
Indirect view methods include viewing the sun’s image projected through a colander or the gaps between tree leaves on to white paper, or using a pinhole pierced in one sheet of card and projected on to another.
Facial fitness brand loved by celebrities to open second standalone store outside of London in Leeds
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready for your workout, because Facegym is coming to Leeds.
You may be wondering...what on earth is Facegym? And to be fair, you've got a point.
Facegym, as they themselves describe it, a 'non-invasive fitness studio concept for the face' using high-intensity facial massage, hand manipulation, and electrical muscle stimulation technology to tone, lift, and sculpt the face without surgery.
Unsurprisingly, it's loved by celebrities worldwide and currently occupies five standalone stores in London, one in Cambridge as well as a pop-up in Space NK in Selfridges Manchester.
Facegym will be opening inside the coveted Victoria Gate, taking over a 1,772 square foot studio.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Angelo Castello, chief executive at Facegym, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Facegym to Leeds and to open in the beautiful Victoria Gate. The city has a thriving beauty, wellness, and retail scene, making it the perfect location for our next studio.
“We’ve seen growing demand from customers across Yorkshire, and we can’t wait to introduce even more people to the benefits of facial fitness.”
James Edmondson, asset manager at Victoria Leeds owner Redical, said: “Facegym comes at a transformative time for Victoria Leeds, as we continue to branch out and diversify our tenant mix to a degree that sets us apart from the rest.
“This firmly reflects our position as a prime pitch for brands that want to expand outside of London, as we remain not only a place to shop but also a premium lifestyle choice.”
That's all the information we have for now, but we'll keep you updated with opening times as and when we find out more but in the meantime - get your face ready for the workout of its life.
Josh Teal -
4th June 2021 
