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… Women, HIV, and the Prevention Pill
Tuesday 15 September 2026, 1pm to 2pm
HIV remains a significant public health challenge in Leeds, with Black African women and women from marginalised communities disproportionately affected yet dramatically underrepresented among those accessing PrEP, a highly effective HIV prevention medication available free on the NHS. This session aims to increase awareness of PrEP among the workforce, drawing on the real-world learning of a community-rooted PrEP for Women initiative delivered in Leeds.
Facilitated by MESMAC, with direct experience of this work, the session will introduce PrEP, explore why underserved women face significant barriers to accessing it, and showcase the community-led approaches that have made a measurable difference in reaching those most at risk.
Participants are expected to leave with a clear understanding of local services that are working to address this issue and practical ways they can contribute, regardless of their professional background or job role.
By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Explain what PrEP is, how it works, and who it is available to in plain, accessible terms
- Identify the key barriers that prevent Black African women and women from marginalised communities from accessing and staying on PrEP
- Describe the community-led approaches including peer education, co-produced resources, and culturally rooted outreach that have proven most effective in reaching underserved women in Leeds
- Recognise practical ways you can help, whether through signposting, challenging stigma, or simply starting a conversation
No clinical background is required, and no prior knowledge is assumed; just an openness to learning and a commitment to the communities we all serve. This session is free, welcoming, and open to all.
The session will be led by Kemi Ogunrinola from the Sexual Health Improvement Team at MESMAC Leeds.
Want to Know More About… the new overdose threat: synthetic opioids
Monday 21 September 2026, 1pm to 2pm
This webinar provides information on the growing threat posed by synthetic opioids, with a particular focus on nitazenes and their increasing presence in UK drug supplies. Participants will gain knowledge of what nitazenes are, why they are relevant now and why they are so dangerous. It will also cover practical steps organisations can take to reduce the risk of overdose and save lives. This session is suitable for any organisation, service or professional that may come in to contact with people who use substances.
The session will cover:
- current drug overdose trends
- synthetic opioids - what are they and why are they relevant now
- the local response to the rise of synthetic opioids
- what is Naloxone and how does it work
- recognising and responding to an opioid overdose
This session will be delivered online by Kevin Devonport, Overdose Prevention Co-ordinator for Forward Leeds and Imogen McHarg, Health Improvement Specialist (Drugs and Alcohol) for Public Health, Leeds City Council.
Want to Know More About... changing the narrative on mental health stigma
Monday 5 October 2026, midday to 12:45pm
Change the Narrative is a citywide programme working to transform how mental health is understood and responded to across Leeds.
Led by Touchstone in partnership with Leeds City Council Public Health, the programme brings together individuals, communities and organisations to challenge mental health stigma, amplify lived experience, and create lasting change in attitudes and behaviours. Together, we're building a city where people feel understood, supported and included.
Join us for this informative online session to discover how you can play a part in changing the narrative around mental health.
In this session, you'll learn:
- what Change the Narrative is and how the programme was developed
- what mental health stigma looks like and how it affects individuals and communities
- practical ways to have positive conversations about mental health in your community, workplace or healthcare setting
- how you can get involved in the campaign and help create a more understanding and inclusive Leeds
The webinar will be delivered by Karen Fenton and Hollie Humphreys from Touchstone.
Want to Know More About... refugee mental health in Leeds
Wednesday 21 October 2026, 10:30am to 11:30am
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 webinar 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 (Public Health, Leeds City Council) and Kathryn Ashworth, Chief Executive Officer (Solace)
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.
