On Monday, 19 January 2026, Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service (LMWS) launched its new Health Equity Action Plan (HEAP) 2026–2027. This roadmap reaffirms our commitment to making mental health care more accessible, anti-racist, and inclusive for colleagues and communities across Leeds.

People from Black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds, LGBTQ+ and religious communities often face inequities in health and employment. HEAP reflects LMWS’s commitment to creating lasting change.

The plan sets out practical steps LMWS will take to strengthen equity in how we deliver, design and develop services, from improving access for underrepresented groups to diversifying our workforce and championing co-production with people who have lived experience of mental health challenges.

At the core of the Health Equity Action Plan 2026-2027 are five key priorities:

1. Strengthening our commitment to anti-racist practice– embedding anti-racism across all parts of the service and providing cultural competence training for staff.
2. Creating a service that is welcoming, inclusive and accessible to all– improving outreach, accessibility and support for people who face barriers to care.
3. Championing inclusion and accessibility in employment and retention– diversifying the LMWS workforce and improving representation at senior levels.
4. Establishing LMWS as a collaborative partner of choice in Leeds– building stronger partnerships with community and equality-focused organisations.
5. Committing to being a co-produced service that values lived experience– ensuring people with lived experience play a central role in service design and improvement.

Developed with input from colleagues, partners and people with lived experience, the plan reflects LMWS’s commitment to equity as a shared responsibility across the partnership, including Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Touchstone, Inspire North, Northpoint Wellbeing, Homestart Leeds, and Leeds GP Confederation.

Emilie Akselsen, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at LMWS, said:

Over the next year, this work will strengthen our commitment to building a service that is truly inclusive, representative, and responsive to the diverse communities we serve. -”

“- By confronting inequities directly and removing barriers to care, we’re taking meaningful steps toward a fairer and more supportive experience for everyone.”

Through the plan, LMWS will:

• Provide anti-racism and cultural competence training to all staff.
• Launch mentoring opportunities to support progression for staff from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds.
• Strengthen outreach and partnerships with underrepresented communities.
• Continue to develop co-produced resources and services shaped by lived experience.

Read our 2026-2027 Health Equity Action Plan.