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.
Britain's 20 biggest cities have been ranked, and Leeds has done pretty well.
Although, you wouldn't be able to tell judging by the overwhelmingly lacklustre description we've been given.
The listing comes from The Telegraph and ranks Britain's 20 biggest cities from worst to best, taking into account visitor appeal and where offers most to tourists.
Leeds comes in at a very respectable number 10, however judging from what they've said about our city you'd think we were much, much lower.
Kicking things off, the description reads: "There’s an untidy quality to Leeds, borne of a patchwork of periods in its built environment and the fact that a lot of regeneration is underway (cranes rise at every corner)."
Image: Unsplash
Yep, not off to a good start but it's only down hill from there as Leeds is then said to have a 'certain shapelessness'.
But perhaps the worst part is yet to come: "There are some ugly, run-down streets very close to the centre, and while the Headrow and other high streets have a fair number of shops, there’s no real boulevard or grand square.
"The most atmospheric spaces are Queens Arcade and perpendicular Cross Arcade, and Thornton’s Arcade; Grand Arcade is also Victorian but looks and feels less uplifting."
By the end it starts to get slightly more positive, emphases on 'slightly': "Leeds’ strongest points might be its small size and its north-central location; it’s easy to walk everywhere inside the city, and a short ride away are Ilkley, Skipton and the Dales."
Our visitor appeal gained a 6.5/10, beating Cardiff, Sheffield, Brighton and Nottingham.
Taking the top spot was Liverpool followed by Edinburgh, Belfast and Glasgow. Read the full ranking here.
An award-winning Sardinian restaurant made famous in Sheffield is now opening in Leeds
Clementine Hall
This family-run restaurant has chosen Leeds as their second location, and we're very glad they have.
Introducing Domo, a Sardinian independent born in Sheffield that is loved by many for its delicious food, inviting atmosphere and stellar service.
Run by Raffaele Busceddu and Sarah May Elliott, Domo serves a range of traditional Sardinian specialities from homemade pasta dishes to show-stopping grills.
They've also got a banging cocktail menu full of signature serves and refreshing spritz, perfect for enjoying with friends over some delicious sharing plates.
Images: The Sheff
They've been teasing a second site for some time now but finally the cat is firmly out of the bag as they've announced they'll be bringing Domo to Leeds.
But where might you ask? Well, none other than the scenic location of the Lockside overlooking the canal.
Slotting right in next to BAKE, they're going to be in very good company indeed.
Image: The Sheff
Announcing the exciting news to Instagram, Domo said: "So most of you guessed it right...it’s been a long time coming but Domo 2.0 is finally cooking.
"Here’s a little sneak peek at our week which we’ve mostly spent admiring the views and getting to know the new neighbours …. If you can guess where it is there’s a glass of bubbly on us next time we see you. To be continued ………"
That's all the information we have so far, but we'll keep you in the loop as and when we find out more.
We can't wait to have you here in Leeds Domo, but for now we'll pop round to Sheffield to get our Domo fix and we highly suggest you do too.
Sophie Smith -
15th November 2021 
