These short sessions cover a wide variety of public health topics and aim to develop professionals’ awareness and practice around the subjects covered.
At a typical 'Want to know more about...' session you will:
- learn how to identify the public health issue being covered
- discover local services that are working to improve the issue
- understand ways you can help, should you choose to
The sessions are free of charge and are presented by friendly and knowledgeable facilitators who are experts in their fields, including specialists from the Leeds Public Health team.
Upcoming sessions
Want To Know More About... Young People, Sex, Drugs and Rock N Roll
Friday 13 February 2026, 1pm to 2:30pm
This informal session by Forward Leeds is aimed at supporting workers to have positive conversations with young people around all things drugs, sex and sexual health.
The session will cover:
- context and statistics around young people and drugs and alcohol
- what young people could look out for in terms of substances and sexual wellbeing and staying healthy and looking after each other, including continued consent
- how drugs and alcohol can affect sex, bodies, contraception, transmission of infections, feelings, relationships, communication and more
- how young people can protect themselves, assess situations and respond to risk
- how workers can have positive conversations about sex, drugs and alcohol
- where workers can get advice if they are unsure how to respond
You will also receive lots of guidance for young people and workers, recommendations for resources and games, and find out about further free training and support for workers, teams and young people.
Content note whilst this is a positive and light session generally, there may be references to last moments of life, sexual assault, substance use and other challenging experiences people may have in relation to sex and substance use. If you have any needs in relation to this to enable your access, please let us know by emailing trace.myers@leeds.gov.uk
This session will be delivered by Lewis Edwards from Forward Leeds and supported by T (Trace) Myers and Kerrie Burton at the Public Health Sexual Health Team / Well Wave
Want To Know More About... preconception health: for the best start in life
Thursday 26 February 2026, midday to 1pm
Planning a pregnancy and optimising health beforehand helps give babies and families the best start in life. This online session will boost practitioners’ knowledge and confidence in giving brief, high-quality preconception information and support, and incorporating it into routine contacts. It is suitable for anyone working with people and families who wants to support health during the childbearing years in Leeds.
This webinar will cover:
- the importance of preconception health and local context
- health promotion topics
- brief intervention skills
- supportive resources and signposting
The session will be delivered by:
Sally Goodwin-Mills (Advanced Public Health Improvement Specialist, Leeds City Council), Nicola Goldsborough (Advanced Public Health Improvement Specialist, Leeds City Council), Jenny Roddy (Consultant Midwife Health Equity, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust)
Want To Know More About... Refugee Mental Health in Leeds
Tuesday 10 March 2026, 2pm to 3:15pm
Refugee mental health is a key issue for Leeds, and the workforce plays a vital role in supporting people who have experienced trauma, displacement, and uncertainty.
This session will help you understand why refugee mental health matters, what challenges refugees face, and how your role can make a real difference.
We’ll dispel common myths, showcase local services and resources, and share practical strategies for culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care.
Most importantly, we’ll create a safe space for questions and discussion—so you leave feeling confident and equipped to connect people to the right support.
This session will cover:
- why refugee mental health is a priority for Leeds
- understanding your role in supporting refugee communities
- explore the importance of appropriate interpretation services
- common myths and the facts behind them
- local services and resources you can signpost to
- practical approaches for culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care
This online session will be delivered by Catherine Ward, Health Improvement Principal – Migrant and Inclusion Health, Leeds City Council and Kathyrn Ashworth, Chief Executive Officer, Solace
Want To Know More About... Healthy Places
Monday 23 March 2026, 10am to 11:30am
This session is for anyone who is interested in learning how different environments impact our physical and mental health, and to empower individuals and communities to influence the shape of their future environments through understanding of the planning process.
The webinar will cover:
- an overview of Public Health’s role in the planning process
- a brief look at the history of the planning system and social determinants of health
- why does planning matter? Practical examples of the way in which homes and infrastructure can make our lives better or worse
- what planners and PH can and cannot do
- why your involvement matters
The session will be delivered by Elaine Saul, Health Improvement Specialist, Leeds City Council, Public Health - Healthy Places Team
Want to know more about... films
Some of the 'Want to know more about…' sessions are recorded and published to YouTube.
You can watch recorded webinars and other training films on the Leeds Public Health Training playlist on YouTube, at a time that is suitable to you. If you attended a session that was recorded, this is where it will be published.
Leeds Public Health training playlist
Delivering a want to know more about… session
If you are interested in delivering a 'Want to know more about...' session to raise awareness of a particular public health issue or service, please contact us at phforall@leeds.gov.uk for a discussion.
