A teacher in Leeds is on a mission to make sure that children have a place to sleep, delivering beds all across the city.
A deputy headteacher at a Leeds inner-city primary, Bex Wilson has delivered nearly 1,400 beds since 2017 - giving children living in poverty across Leeds a better start in life by ensuring they get a good night's rest.
She's clear that children won't get an education that can break the cycle of poverty without a proper night's sleep and a "tummy full of food".
Image: Zarach
Currently, she says, children across Leeds are sleeping on floors, sleeping on bean bags, sofas, chairs - and that's no good for their learning development.
Five years ago, she founded charity Zarach - which provides not just beds, but bedding, pyjamas and other basics too.
The BBC filmed her doing a drop off to a family in the city, and it's quite heartbreaking to watch - seeing the children's bare feet in the hallway, with their mum explaining to the camera crew that their washing machine had broken at the same time as she was trying to save up for new beds.
Image; Zarach
"Every postcode in Leeds has been affected by bed poverty and we know that because we've delivered beds there," Bex told the BBC.
"It's just not right in 2021 that, in Britain, we have children that don't have a bed."
Camera crews followed her on a bed delivery as she surprises children with their new bed - telling them that their school has sent her because "you're fabulous".
Image: Zarach
Dropping off a brand new bed, two duvets, two pillows and a brand new mattress, alongside new bedding and pyjamas, she tells the small child it's "all for you" as she sets them up in their new bedroom.
As well as bedding, Zarach also drops off food parcels - as the mum of the house explains, saying they were "low on money" that week.
According to the teacher, referrals from schools are on the up with families from every part of the city now needing her help.
Acknowledging that we're all not as far away as we think from needing that kind of support, she says that whilst there are children in need she will continue to help them - even if some think that giving things out is not the solution.
If you would like to help support Zarach, you can find out more and donate to the charity here.
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
Inside FaceGym – Leeds’ newest facial fitness studio loved by celebrities
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready for your workout, because FaceGym has landed in 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.
Sounds pretty fancy if you ask us, and it feels just as fancy from the moment you step through the door.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Unsurprisingly, it's loved by celebrities worldwide who are looking to get snatched and ditch their gua sha.
Currently occupying five standalone stores in London, one in Cambridge as well as a pop-up in Space NK in Selfridges Manchester, FaceGym will be opening this Friday 18 September inside the coveted Victoria Gate, taking over a 1,772 square foot studio.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space really does look like a gym, ditching the standard beauty salon aesthetic for an American-style gym interior complete with the iconic red FaceGym balls all over the place.
A signature sculpt costs £110 for a 45 minute treatment, so it's definitely a treat if you're looking to have skin that can reflect the sun and cheekbones for days.
Images: 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.”
You can find out more and book a treatment at FaceGym via their website here.
The Hoot -
24th November 2021 
