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... 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.
