A new 'dog walk and talk' group has been launched in Leeds with a focus on mental health and wellbeing.
Dog walkers from the Leeds LGBT+ Dog Walkers group have created an inclusive space to openly talk about mental health.
After Tom Mansell passed away in 2020 after battling depression, friends of the property entrepreneur wanted to raise money for mental health charities and help others to speak out about their internal battles.
If you are used to getting out and about with your four-legged friend you will know how refreshing it can be to get outdoors early in the mornings or late at night and reflect.
But it can also be an overwhelmingly lonely period for some, so creating a safe space for anyone to come along and speak honestly about their wellbeing and mental health will go a long way.
The Leeds LGBT+ Dog Walkers have officially assigned three of their walks as 'walk and talk' events, and you don't even need a dog to attend the mental-health-focused events.
The walks will raise money for MindOut, a mental health charity for the LGBTQ+ community over a period of six weeks but the walkers have another goal in mind too.
The group wants to show people that they're not alone, particularly those within the LGBTQ+ community.
Danny Silk, posted the launch of the walk and talk events, stating that:
"Tom was a well known person in Leeds and his family and friends loved and miss him dearly.
There’s a lot of stigma surrounding suicide and depression, we are hoping to create a safe space once a month during and after our walks where we will be sitting down for a coffee to talk or just listen about other people’s experiences with the above."
The first 'dog walk and talk' event was held over the weekend, where Leeds Mind and Tom's family attended to show their support and raise awareness for community mental health services.
The dog walking group already have a Facebook group of 300 members and regularly enforce this feeling of belonging through shared memes and advice about their dogs.
The group hold weekly dog walking events, meeting at mutually agreed locations around Leeds city centre.
To join the Leeds LGBT+ Dog Walkers on their 'walk and talk' events in memory of Tom Mansell, or to simply show your support for the cause, visit their dedicated Facebook page.
Korn have announced a major Manchester gig as part of a new UK tour – their first in more than a decade.
The nu metal legends will be heading to the First Direct Bank Arena later this year, making a monumental return to British shores.
And they’ve announced very special guests will be joining them on the tour too – support will come from Architects, as well as Youth Code.
Korn burst onto the scene back in 1991 with their seminal self-titled debut album, and have gone on to release a whopping 14 studio albums.
The Californian group have sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, collected two Grammy Awards, and headed out on countless world tours.
They’re often cited by newer bands as a major influence and have pushed the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres.
The Ringer has described Korn as ‘a genuine movement in a way bands cannot be now’.
As well as performing in Leeds, Korn will play at venues across the UK including in Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, and London.
They’ll be joined by Architects, a British metalcore band who have continued to top the charts even after the tragic death of founding member, guitarist, and principal songwriter Tom Searle.
Korn will be at our very own First Direct Bank Arena on Monday 26 October, with pre-sale tickets available from Tuesday 17 March at 8am, before a general on-sale from Friday 20 March at 8am.
Run, don't walk - as we reckon these tickets will fly off the shelves.
A brand-new frozen yoghurt bar is set to open in Leeds this spring
Clementine Hall
The frozen yoghurt craze is on its way to Leeds as Kefiyo is set to open in Headingley very soon.
It's a phenomenon that has caught the attention of the TikTok girlies, with frozen yoghurt bars popping up in Manchester and going viral online.
The ice cold sweet treat is supposedly 'healthy' and with a slogan of 'eat Clean. feel Light. live Better.' - this new spot in Leeds seems to be going down that route too.m
Kefiyo will be opening in the old Sixes site on Ash Road in Headingley, and although we don't have a confirmed opening date we've got a feeling they'll be 'scooping' very soon.
The space is already sporting a super cute pastel green and pink exterior, and it's exactly matching the aesthetic that you'd expect with froyo.
Kefiyo will offer a range of frozen yoghurt flavours with a whole bunch of toppings for you to customise to your tastebuds, as well as fresh acai bowls.
Situated slap bang in the centre of Headingley, we've got a feeling it'll be very busy with students on their way to their morning lecture or at night for those looking for a sweet treat that doesn't feel too naughty.
We'll keep you updated on more Kefiyo updates as and when we find out.
But in the meantime, you can keep an eye on their socials here. We'll see you soon for a scoop Leeds.
Sophie Smith -
15th November 2021 
