Rachel Reeves Hosts Leeds West Pudsey Charities at Downing Street

Key Points

• Representatives from community organisations and charities in the Leeds West and Pudsey constituency attended a civil reception at Number 11 Downing Street.
• The event was hosted by Chancellor Rachel Reeves to recognise their contributions to society.
• Attendees included local church leaders, Leeds Women’s Aid, Leeds Baby Bank, Armley Helping Hands, Barca, Bramley Baths, Bramley Elderly Action, Pudsey Community Project, MHA Farsley, Swinnow Community Centre, Interplay, Friends of Armley and Gotts Park, Sunny Bank Mills, Pudsey-based Building Futures, Armley Common Right Trust, New Wortley Community Centre, Hookers and Clickers, Seagulls, Armley Action Team, West Leeds Dispatch, and many others.
• MPs in attendance were Leeds South West and Morley MP Mark Sewards and Leeds North West MP Katie White.
• Councillors present included Adele Rae, Tom Hinchcliffe (both Bramley & Stanningley), Andy Parnham, and Alice Smart (both Armley).
• Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, opened the reception by paying tribute to the inspirational work of everyone present.
• Stephanie Peacock, Minister for Civil Society, thanked attendees for their contributions to the community in Leeds West and Pudsey.
• Armley Helping Hands CEO Dawn Newsome described the event as a great opportunity to network with amazing people and organisations fostering community engagement and leadership.
• Barca Leeds highlighted the inspiring work across West Leeds and Pudsey, emphasising partnerships for building thriving communities.
• Pudsey Community Project noted that Richard and Naomi were grateful for the invitation, enjoyed a special tour of the Houses of Parliament, promoted their charity’s work, and appreciated support from LNER for providing tickets at no cost to the charity.

Leeds West (Leeds Times) January 8, 2026 – Representatives from community organisations and charities in the Leeds West and Pudsey constituency gathered at Number 11 Downing Street for a civil reception hosted by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, honouring their vital societal contributions. The event saw MPs Mark Sewards and Katie White, alongside local councillors, join leaders from groups such as Leeds Women’s Aid, Armley Helping Hands, and Pudsey Community Project. Darren Jones and Stephanie Peacock praised the attendees’ inspirational community efforts.

Who Organised the Downing Street Reception?

The reception at Number 11 Downing Street was convened by Chancellor Rachel Reeves specifically to acknowledge the impactful work of organisations from the Leeds West and Pudsey constituency. As reported across various local updates, this gathering brought together a diverse array of community representatives, underscoring government recognition of grassroots efforts. MPs Mark Sewards, representing Leeds South West and Morley, and Katie White, for Leeds North West, attended to support their local groups.

Local councillors Adele Rae and Tom Hinchcliffe, both from Bramley & Stanningley, were present, as were Andy Parnham and Alice Smart, both representing Armley. This cross-party attendance highlighted the event’s broad appeal and non-partisan focus on community service. The invitation extended to leaders from churches, charities, and volunteer groups, fostering a platform for dialogue at the heart of government.

Which Organisations Attended the Event?

Attendees represented an extensive list of dedicated groups, including local church leaders, Leeds Women’s Aid, and Leeds Baby Bank. Further organisations included Armley Helping Hands, Barca, Bramley Baths, Bramley Elderly Action, Pudsey Community Project, MHA Farsley, Swinnow Community Centre, Interplay, Friends of Armley and Gotts Park, Sunny Bank Mills, Pudsey-based Building Futures, Armley Common Right Trust, New Wortley Community Centre, Hookers and Clickers, Seagulls, Armley Action Team, and West Leeds Dispatch, among many others.

These groups span services from domestic abuse support through Leeds Women’s Aid to baby essentials provision via Leeds Baby Bank, and community aid from Armley Helping Hands. Barca focuses on health and wellbeing, while Bramley Baths and Bramley Elderly Action support leisure and elderly care. Pudsey Community Project and MHA Farsley aid local initiatives, with Swinnow Community Centre and Interplay promoting engagement. Environmental and cultural efforts were evident in Friends of Armley and Gotts Park and Sunny Bank Mills, alongside youth and rights work from Building Futures, Armley Common Right Trust, New Wortley Community Centre, Hookers and Clickers, Seagulls, and Armley Action Team. West Leeds Dispatch provided media coverage, ensuring wider awareness.

What Did Key Government Figures Say?

Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, opened the reception by paying tribute to the inspirational work of everyone present. His remarks set a tone of appreciation for the attendees’ dedication. Stephanie Peacock, Minister for Civil Society, also thanked everyone present for the contributions they make to the community in Leeds West and Pudsey.

These statements from Jones and Peacock emphasised the government’s commitment to recognising voluntary sector efforts. No further direct quotes from Reeves, Sewards, White, or the councillors were noted in the coverage, but their presence signalled strong endorsement.

How Did Attendees React to the Reception?

Armley Helping Hands CEO Dawn Newsome said on social media afterwards: “It was a great opportunity to network with some amazing people and organisations, who foster community engagement and leadership.” Her comment captured the event’s value in building connections.

Barca Leeds added:

“It was inspiring to hear about the outstanding work happening across West Leeds and Pudsey, and to share ideas on how we can continue building thriving, resilient communities together. Partnerships like these remind us that real change happens when we work collectively. Here’s to building even stronger connections for the year ahead!”

This response highlighted collaborative potential.

Pudsey Community Project added:

“Richard and Naomi were grateful to be invited to be part of a reception in Downing Street to recognise the charity sector in West Leeds along with many fantastic partner organisations. As well as this event we were also pleased to have a special tour of the Houses of Parliament. We were grateful to be able to promote the fantastic work of the charity and our amazing staff and volunteers – and we really appreciate the support of LNER, who provided tickets for us both so there was no cost to the charity.”

Richard and Naomi’s experience extended to parliamentary access, with LNER’s sponsorship noted.

Why Was This Event Significant for Leeds West and Pudsey?

The reception provided a rare platform for local organisations to engage directly with national leaders, amplifying their visibility and fostering potential partnerships. Held at Number 11 Downing Street, it symbolised official validation of community-driven initiatives amid broader societal challenges. For areas like Armley, Bramley, Pudsey, and surrounding locales, known for tight-knit communities facing economic pressures, such recognition boosts morale and resources.

The event’s timing in early 2026, following the festive period, aligned with renewed focus on civil society post-holidays. By inviting MPs and councillors, it bridged local and national politics, potentially influencing future funding or policy. Reactions from Newsome, Barca Leeds, and Pudsey Community Project indicate strengthened resolve for collective action.

What Broader Impact Could Partnerships Have?

Statements from Barca Leeds stressed:

“Partnerships like these remind us that real change happens when we work collectively.”

Networking opportunities, as noted by Dawn Newsome of Armley Helping Hands, could lead to shared resources and innovative projects across West Leeds and Pudsey.

Pudsey Community Project’s appreciation of LNER support exemplifies practical collaborations extending beyond the event. With diverse groups from elderly care to environmental trusts present, the reception sowed seeds for resilient community frameworks. Ministers’ tributes from Darren Jones and Stephanie Peacock reinforce governmental backing for such alliances.

Who Are the Key Individuals Involved?

Chancellor Rachel Reeves hosted, with Darren Jones opening proceedings. Stephanie Peacock delivered thanks. MPs Mark Sewards and Katie White represented their constituencies. Councillors Adele Rae, Tom Hinchcliffe, Andy Parnham, and Alice Smart attended locally.

Dawn Newsome leads Armley Helping Hands. Richard and Naomi represented Pudsey Community Project. No specific names were attached to other organisations in the reports, but their collective leadership was lauded.

How Does This Fit into Government’s Civil Society Agenda?

Stephanie Peacock, as Minister for Civil Society, thanked attendees for their community roles, aligning with Labour’s emphasis on voluntary sectors. Darren Jones’s tribute echoed this, positioning the event within broader recognition efforts. The invitation by Rachel Reeves underscores Downing Street’s proactive engagement with regional groups.

For Leeds West and Pudsey, this validates ongoing work amid local needs like poverty alleviation and social cohesion. The Houses of Parliament tour for Pudsey representatives further integrated civic education.