Hardworking Leeds people, charities and social enterprises were honoured last week (3 July 2025) at the region’s first Pride in Diversity Awards, held in Leeds First Direct Arena. The awards aimed to highlight people and organisations working to champion members of the community who face additional barriers when accessing public services and employment, or simply enjoying daily life. This can be due to a range of factors, including race, neurodiversity, disability, sexuality, and gender identity.

As well as celebrating individual and team achievements, the awards aim to advance the level of funding for vital services, introduce new opportunities for collaboration, and create a more inclusive environment for everyone.

Holbeck-based addiction recovery charity Getting Clean received the accolade of Charity of the Year. They’ve led or been involved in various conservation efforts, including wild flower meadows in South Leeds, and numerous community clean up activities and residential repairs in the area and the City Centre.

Other recipients included Leeds Rhinos legend Jamie Jones Buchanan MBE, now the team’s Director of Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion. He was awarded Public Figure of the Year. The Yorkshire Hero Lifetime Achievement award went to Tom Riordan CBE, Second Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care.

The awards were co-founded and hosted by Jane Clyne and LGBTQ+ ambassador Matt Jameson, who shot to fame as half of Married at First Sight’s first same sex couple. He said:

“The Pride in Diversity Awards highlight that diverse communities can be united by rather than divided by our difference. That’s something Yorkshire does incredibly well. It’s more vital than ever to recognise and celebrate those working selflessly in our communities to uplift and remove barriers for people from diverse backgrounds. As stated by our amazing winners, it’s important that we come together against the harmful rhetoric that’s so prevalent in today’s media, holding each other up and showing solidarity”.

Judges included broadcaster Stephanie Hirst, former Mayor of Leeds Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, and author and presenter Jono Lancaster.

So far, the awards have raised £1,700 for chosen charity Out Together, which works to overcome the cultural and social barriers that can prevent LGBTQ+ individuals enjoying later life with dignity. More information can be found on the website at prideindiversity.co.uk.

 

This post is based on a press release issued by Pride In Diversity

 

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