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Leeds will be a welcoming, safe and clean city where people have the power to make the changes that are important to them, with cohesive and united neighbourhoods where people are living healthier lives and enjoying the city’s vibrant social, cultural and sporting offer. 

Three goals underpinning this ambition:

  1. Ensuring neighbourhoods feel safe, with communities coming together to promote good relations and build a stronger sense of shared belonging
  2. Shaping places that people are proud to live and work in, where neighbourhoods are clean and well looked after, nature is thriving, and people feel a strong sense of ownership over their local community
  3. Improving access to culture, sport, the arts and each other - across the city and in our neighbourhoods – so people have equitable opportunity to find and enjoy social connections and experiences which enrich their lives

Why it matters

Strong communities are the foundation of a thriving city. When people feel safe, connected, and proud of where they live, they are more likely to take part in local life, support one another, and contribute to their neighbourhoods. However, inequalities in health, opportunity, access to activities, and the quality of local environments mean that not everyone experiences Leeds in the same way.

By creating welcoming, safe and clean places, strengthening community relationships, and improving access to culture, sport and social opportunities, we can help people live healthier and happier lives. This ambition recognises that thriving neighbourhoods are essential to reducing inequality, improving wellbeing, and ensuring everyone can benefit from the opportunities Leeds has to offer.

to be added to once Beth's work has been completed 

What success looks like

Success means that people across Leeds feel connected to their communities, have pride in their neighbourhoods, and are able to influence the decisions that affect their lives. Residents will feel safe in public spaces, experience cleaner and greener local environments, and have greater opportunities to take part in cultural, sporting and community activities.

We will see stronger community networks, increased volunteering and civic participation, and more people coming together across different backgrounds and experiences. 

Neighbourhoods will become more welcoming and inclusive, with fewer incidents of anti-social behaviour, hate crime and serious violence. More people will have access to high-quality green spaces, and a growing number of residents will engage in activities that support wellbeing, creativity and social connection.

Ultimately, Leeds will be recognised as a city where people feel they belong, where communities are empowered to shape their future, and where everyone can enjoy the benefits of living in vibrant, safe and thriving neighbourhoods.

  • Making a difference

  • Plan on a page

Plans and Strategies

Leeds is built on the strength, resilience, and diversity of our communities. Across the city, people, organisations, and partnerships are working together to create welcoming, safe, active, and accessible places to live and work.

Key supporting plans and strategies

Main supporting partnerships

Driving the ambition forward

The Leeds Ambitions are bold and will be challenging to achieve. No single organisation, including Leeds City Council, can deliver on them alone. To help us achieve this, each of the four Leeds Ambitions will be adopted by a convening organisation or partnership. Supported by Leeds City Council.

The convenor for Thriving is the Voluntary Action Leeds and Chief Officer, Anna Martin.

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