LonGBoaT Wakefield Hosts First Community in Practice Meeting of 2025 at Kirkgate Hub

On a bright and buzzing day at Wakefield Kirkgate Railway Station in late March, LonGBoaT Wakefield proudly hosted the first Community in Practice meeting of 2025 at our vibrant Hub space, bringing together a rich mix of organisations, ideas, and shared ambition for an inclusive Wakefield.

The event, coordinated in collaboration with Wakefield Council, set the tone for what promises to be a transformative year for the Community in Practice network. With a clear LGBT+ focus and plenty of meaningful conversations, the day served as both a celebration of progress and a catalyst for what’s to come.

A Glimpse Into Our Roots and Future Vision

The meeting kicked off with a heartfelt and insightful presentation from Chair of Trustees, David Swyer, who shared the inspiring journey of LonGBoaT Wakefield; from its grassroots beginnings to its current position as a registered charity embedded in community action.

David also unveiled an exciting preview of our 5-Year Strategy (2025–2030), outlining ambitious plans to grow our support services, enhance visibility, and deepen our impact across the Wakefield District.

From service development and inclusive events to expanding safe spaces and tackling LGBT+ health inequalities, our strategy offers a bold roadmap shaped by data, lived experience, and the needs of our community today.

A Station with Purpose: Kirkgate as a Catalyst for Change

Next, Vice Chair Chris Hughes took attendees on a journey through the Wakefield Kirkgate Station Adoption Project; a passion project turned outreach initiative that continues to redefine what community space can be.

Chris detailed how the station’s gardens, gallery, and hub have not only improved the station environment, but have become symbolic of wider change for LonGBoaT and the people we serve. What began with a few planters and a vision has flourished into a central hub for creativity, safety, and visibility for the LGBT+ community.

The presentation highlighted how physical transformation and social empowerment can go hand-in-hand; an ethos at the very core of LonGBoaT’s work.

Shaping the Future: Group Discussion & Networking

The day continued with a group discussion focused on the future of the Community in Practice network. Attendees explored the shared needs and aspirations of their organisations, offering ideas to shape the direction of future meetings and collaboration across sectors.

There was also plenty of time for networking, with a fantastic turnout from across the district including representatives from the NHS, Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO), Wakefield Railway Modellers Society, and Wakefield District Housing (now Vico Homes); each bringing unique perspectives to the conversation around LGBT+ inclusion and community practice.

Bringing the District Together

The Community in Practice group is open, evolving, and driven by the belief that real change happens when people come together. Whether you’re from a small grassroots group or a large public body, there is value in sharing experiences, building partnerships, and amplifying each other’s work.

There is always time at our meetings to network, share your vision, and connect with peers from across the district; and as 2025 unfolds, we’re keen to see even more voices represented in the room.

Interested in joining the next Community in Practice meeting?

We’d love to welcome more attendees from across the Wakefield District. Whether you’re passionate about LGBT+ rights, community engagement, or simply want to learn from others, this is your space too.

Get in touch via contact@longboatwakefield.org or keep an eye on our social media for upcoming dates.