The Leeds Sanctuary Blog
New series of Sketch Walks invites people to explore Leeds’ history through creativity
We’re excited to share details of our Sketch Walks for 2026.
Refugee Week: Courage
Leeds Craftivists celebrate both the huge courageous act of seeking sanctuary in a new place, and the everyday courage it takes to speak to a stranger, try a new food, or ask someone for help.
Sanctuary Singers: Making a Joyful Noise Together
Judith shares why communal singing matters—and why you’re welcome just as you are…
New ‘City of Neighbours’ Project Launches to Put Community Voices at the Heart of Local Action
A new community‑led initiative, City of Neighbours, is launching this May in the wards of Beeston and Holbeck, and Hunslet and Riverside, with the aim of developing activities and communities which correspond directly to local people’s needs, and the challenges they are facing.
Anger into Action
Ahead of our upcoming Social Justice Lunch, our Justice Practitioner, Emma Temple, shares the importance of turning Anger into Action for both our selves and our society…
The Promise of Small Things: Snowdrops, Gratitude and Hope
Our City Centre Minister, Judith, shares a few words on the snowdrops, gratitude and hope…
Reflections on Lent and Ramadan: Shared Journeys of Faith and Renewal
Our City Centre Minister, Judith Marshall, shares a reflection on the similarities between Lent and Ramadan…
Legacies of Inequality
Ahead of our Sketch Walk on the theme of Inequality, Emma shares a little of how our city’s history is still impacting us today.
Magic Wand
Eleanor encourages us to consider what we can control or influence, and what we might let go.
New Year’s Resolutions
Our City Centre Minister, Judith Marshall, shares some comfort in the season of New Years Resolutions…
Mindful Mondays
In December 2025, we asked poet Molly Ovenden to write a poem for our Monday Mindfulness group.
Polarisation and Putting Christ back into Christmas
Our Justice Lead, Emma, shares some thoughts on the divisions highlighted by the recent “Putting Christ back into Christmas” rally…
Blue Christmas
Our City Centre Minister, Judith Marshall, reminds us we are not alone in our Blue Christmas.
Pets and Mental Health
This month, one of our Wellbeing Volunteers, Shelby Smith, shares her thoughts on Pets and Mental Health…
Finding Stillness in Advent: Embracing the Quiet Gifts of the Season
Our City Centre Minister, Judith Marshall, invites us to enjoy a slower Advent.
The Thirteenth Recommendation: Climate Justice and Racial Justice in Leeds
Our Justice Lead, Emma Temple, shares a reflection on our current Leeds Craftivists campaign…
Chosen Family
Our Wellbeing Practitioner, Eleanor, celebrates the people we choose to keep close…
Living by a Rule of Life
Our City Centre Minister, Judith Marshall, reflects on the value of living by a rule of life…