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2026
Afrikindness was pleased to meet with Alex Sobel, Member of Parliament for Leeds Central and Headingley, and Councillor Helen Hayden, Executive Member for Children and Families, for a constructive discussion on safeguarding, community partnerships, and improving outcomes for children and families across Leeds.
The meeting provided an opportunity to share community experiences, discuss emerging challenges facing families, and explore how stronger collaboration between statutory services and trusted grassroots organisations can help build trust, strengthen engagement, and support earlier intervention.
As part of the discussion, parents supported by Afrikindness shared their lived experiences, highlighting the importance of culturally informed support, effective communication, and community-based approaches in helping families navigate complex situations.
The conversation also explored opportunities for partnership working, recognising the valuable role that community organisations play in bridging gaps between families and services, particularly within diverse communities.
Bunmi Owolabi, CEO of Afrikindness, said:
“We are grateful to our MP and local councillors for taking the time to listen to the experiences of families and engage in an open and constructive conversation. We believe that strong partnerships between communities, policymakers, and statutory services are essential to improving safeguarding outcomes and ensuring families receive the support they need at the right time.”
The meeting marks an important step in strengthening dialogue between community organisations and local decision-makers, with a shared commitment to promoting prevention, trust-building, and positive outcomes for children and families.
Afrikindness looks forward to progressing the next steps identified during the meeting and exploring how we can continue working together to strengthen community engagement and trust-building initiatives and promote earlier intervention and preventative approaches.
Afrikindness looks forward to continuing these conversations and working collaboratively with partners across Leeds to support stronger, more inclusive communities.
Media Contact:
ceo@afrikindness.org
