5 WAYS to Wellbeing at the Recovery Academy

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.

25/03/2026

The weather might not have been playing ball this week… but we still were 🏓⚽

When the rain shows up, we bring things indoors and this week turned into a very competitive (and very entertaining) table tennis session at 5Ways. Plenty of laughs, a bit of friendly rivalry and a good way to stay active together.

The week before we were out at Woodhouse Moor making the most of the sunshine, and with a bit of luck we’ll be back out there again next week.

The plan stays the same either way, meet at 5Ways and we’ll take it from there depending on the weather. Rain or shine, there’s always something going on.

📍 Tuesdays | Meet at 5Ways
🕑 2:00–3:00pm (outdoors)
🏓 Indoor session if the weather turns

If you’ve been thinking about coming along, this is a good week to give it a go.

23/03/2026

Week 6 of our climbing group and it’s been amazing to see people growing in confidence every time we come together 🧗‍♂️

For some, it’s been about trying something completely new. For others, it’s been about pushing themselves a little further than last time. But for everyone, it’s been about having a go, supporting each other and building that sense of connection along the way.

There’s something really powerful about stepping outside your comfort zone in a space where people understand you and want to see you do well.

19/03/2026

Last week’s Recovery Football League with Sport England … unbeaten and still smiling ⚽💜

But the best part? It’s not about being the best, it’s all just about showing up!

Our sessions are open to anyone in recovery, any ability, any experience level. Whether you’ve played your whole life or never kicked a ball before, you’re welcome to come for a kick about with us

Join us tomorrow and get stuck in:

Thursday | 4:00–5:00pm
You never know… you could be part of the next unbeaten 5Ways team 👀

Huge thank you to everyone who came down last Thursday to support, cheer us on and be part of the atmosphere. It means more than you know.

13/03/2026

Well done to Steve and his team at Garden Recovery. Please do give them a follow so you can keep updated on their projects around Leeds.

12/03/2026

Full time at the Recovery Football League ⚽

Once a quarter, the 5 Ways to Wellbeing Recovery Academy brings together teams from across the recovery community for a day of football, connection and friendly competition.

Organisations from across the region come together on the pitch, showing how powerful recovery can be when communities support each other.

The league is supported by Sport England and delivered with the support of West Riding FA , who host us at their fantastic facilities in Woodlesford.

Being active is one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing, and days like this show how sport can build confidence, friendships and lasting recovery.

10/03/2026

Recovery can look different for everyone, and that's one of the reasons we try to vary our physical activity offerings week in and week out, today we had a dance class, tomorrow we have womens netball, Thursday we have football, we always try to make sure there is something for everyone and we welcome all ability and fitness levels to all of our sessions.

At 5 Ways Recovery Academy, sport and physical activity are helping people rebuild confidence, improve wellbeing and reconnect with others. Sometimes recovery starts with something simple like showing up, having a laugh, trying something new and being part of a supportive recovery community.

04/03/2026

Hannah Wraith and Darren Murphy from our Enhanced Care & Specialist Chemsex Team are in Antwerp this week attending the International Chemsex Conference.

The event brings together professionals from across the world to share learning around chemsex, harm reduction, mental health and sexual health support.

At Forward Leeds, we’re committed to making sure our services reflect the latest research, best practice and lived experience. Opportunities like this help us continue to strengthen the support we offer to people in Leeds.

We’re proud to see our team representing the city on an international stage 💙