5 WAYS to Wellbeing at the Recovery Academy

04/06/2026

Double congratulations to volunteers Louise Rutherford and Kieran Scargill from 5 WAYS, who have both been recognised for their outstanding contributions to sport, recovery and supporting others in Leeds.

Louise has been nominated for an England Netball Centenary ONE Award for her inspiring work growing netball opportunities for people in recovery, while Kieran has been shortlisted for New Volunteer of the Year at the West Riding FA Grassroots Football Awards.

Both have used their lived experience to help others build confidence, improve wellbeing and strengthen their recovery through sport.

Read their inspiring stories and find out more about their nominations 👇

27/05/2026

🎉 Congratulations, Louise! 🎉

We're delighted to share that our Peer Mentor Ambassador, Louise, has been nominated for an England Netball Centenary ONE Award.

These awards celebrate the people who make a difference in their communities through dedication, kindness and a commitment to helping others thrive.

Anyone who knows Louise will know how much passion, encouragement and lived experience she brings to supporting others in recovery. Whether she's volunteering her time, championing wellbeing through sport, or helping people build confidence and connection, she makes a positive impact wherever she goes.

We're incredibly proud to see her recognised in this way and wish her the very best in the awards process. 💜

20/05/2026

Big news 🏐

Forward Leeds is now an official England Netball Approved Delivery Partner 🙌

Our netball sessions are all about confidence, connection, wellbeing and having fun through movement and sport, and it’s brilliant to see the programme recognised nationally.

Huge thanks to everyone who’s helped build such a welcoming and supportive space each week 👏

19/05/2026

Week 13 of climbing and the group are smashing it 🧗

Big shoutout to Big Depot Leeds for supporting our 5Ways crew and helping some of the group progress to lead climbing this week 👏

It’s been amazing watching confidence grow week by week, with people pushing themselves, supporting each other and trying things they never thought they’d do.

We’re not done yet either… another 6 weeks to go!

18/05/2026

Massive congratulations to Kieran, who’s been shortlisted for New Volunteer of the Year at the West Riding County FA Grassroots Football Awards 2026 ⚽

Anyone who’s been around our recovery football sessions will know how much time, energy and encouragement Kieran brings every single week.

We’re really proud to see him recognised for everything he does for the team and the wider recovery community.

Good luck Kieran, very deserved!

30/04/2026

Last week we swapped the usual sessions for something a bit different… 🌳

A group trip to Go Ape, and safe to say it pushed a few people (staff included) out of their comfort zones 😅

There were some wobbly moments, a few near-misses, and a lot of laughs along the way. But what stood out most was people encouraging each other, sticking with it, and having a go even when it felt a bit daunting.

That’s what taking action can look like. Trying something new, building confidence, and doing it together.

(And yes… the last clip is our Digital Comms Officer. We’re all about leading by example.)

09/04/2026

08/04/2026

Week 7 of our climbing group and it’s safe to say confidence is growing every time we’re back on the wall 🧗‍♂️

There’s something really special about watching people give it a go, support each other and push themselves just that little bit further than last week. Whether it’s getting a bit higher, trying a new route or just feeling more comfortable being there, it all counts.

It’s not about how far you climb or how strong you are, it’s about showing up, having a laugh and backing each other along the way - and that’s exactly what this group continues to do.

Massive credit to everyone involved, the effort and encouragement doesn’t go unnoticed 💜

02/04/2026

We will be closed to during the bank holidays of Good Friday (tomorrow, 3rd April) and Easter Monday (Next Monday, 6th April)

31/03/2026

We are proud to announce we have ongoing “Science of Addiction” groups weekly at HMP Leeds

This four-week course helps people understand how addiction affects their brain and body. It moves away from the idea that it’s just about willpower and instead helps people understand the science behind what’s really going on with substance use.

The course runs on a rolling basis, so new people can join regularly without having to wait long for support. This means more residents can get help when they need it.

By teaching how addiction changes the brain, and how it can recover, we hope to give people real hope. Our aim is to show that a healthy, meaningful life is possible after addiction and beyond prison.