Leeds 2023 The Legacy

Claire Kenny partnered with LEEDS 2023 to help others plug into accessible community activities and celebrate real, everyday moments. But what’s the legacy?

If you asked me to limit my blog to just one topic I’m passionate about, it’s the impact of social connection on wellbeing. So I was thrilled when I was invited by LEEDS 2023 to take part in the Leeds Year of Culture and spread the word via my blog, My 40 plus life.

Led by the Leeds Culture Trust and in collaboration with Leeds City Council, LEEDS 2023 has offered a unique and significant opportunity for the city and surrounding areas to embrace culture in all its forms, from grassroots neighbourhood festivals to slick theatre productions and installations.

We’ve all seen recent media coverage about the loneliness epidemic. This makes me want to wear a sandwich board adorned with the words: “There are loads of opportunities to fight isolation and loneliness by plugging into your local community!” on a permanent basis. But as this is a little unorthodox, I use my blog to make it easier for people to find them. I also host a weekly Instagram live for people to offer social connection to people who are staying home on Saturday nights. Hopefully the two of these combined are helping people feel confident enough to try something new, particularly if they’re solo.

Struggling with my own experience of loneliness in my early 40s, my search for the things that lit me up and made me happy felt like doing a treasure hunt with the world’s worst map. But joining a running club, and in turn volunteering as a marshal at races, was my turning point. The running community provided me with a sense of belonging and enjoyment I was worried I might never find. Volunteering at Parkruns also gives me a fantastic camaraderie fix – they’re a fantastic way to kick off the weekend and can’t happen without the people who give their time and energy, so I promise you’ll get a warm welcome. Think of the Parkrun as a family you’ve not met yet.

I realised when working with the LEEDS 2023 team that regardless of the reason for volunteering, the benefits are the same. In summer I interviewed the lovely team of volunteers at the flagship production, Nest, and they positively glowed with enthusiasm and team spirit. One said: “I wanted to do something different and be a part of something”. Another said: “I had some time and wanted to shout about how much I love Leeds – this seemed to be a perfect way to do it”. That sense of satisfaction, combined with a renewed sense of optimism about our great city, is a vital but possibly understated legacy.

For volunteering opportunities in your area, simply google ‘volunteering opportunities near me’.