Leeds Trinity University’s new social justice lecture series in collaboration with the Leeds Playhouse, sharing stories and experiences from inspirational speakers who work to create societal change and promote the principles of social justice within the community, has begun.

The series, made up of five lectures and in conversation sessions, has been organised by Leeds Trinity’s Office for Institutional Equity and in line with the University’s Social Justice and Belonging Strategy to develop a culture founded in respect, compassion and social justice. Open to all, each instalment will be held on the second Tuesday of each month until June, with guest speakers sharing how they have applied principles of social justice to their work and life. Topics covered will include race, accessibility, and health and wellbeing.  which explores the delusions,  

On Tuesday 12 March from 6.00pm, Andi Brierley, Head of Access, Participation and Outcomes Leeds Trinity University, will deliver his lecture Relational Health, a Social Justice Perspective focussing on the power of relationships and how they can shape our behaviour, perspective and world views. He will also discuss the science behind toxic stress and adversity in childhood and how we all have a role to play in mitigating relational harm.

Andi had an extensive 15-year career in Youth Justice and has authored and co-edited three crime and justice books which combine his practice experience, research whilst in practice and lived experiences. He is committed to helping shape and inform UK prison policy and practice.

Other guest speakers as part of the series include Alison Lowe, current Deputy Mayor and Police Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire, and Dr Sharon Watson MBE, Deputy Lieutenant and CEO of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance.

Susan Wilcock, Social Justice Project Co-ordinator at Leeds Trinity University, said: “My colleagues from the Office for Institutional Equity and I are excited to learn from the social justice series. I am looking forward to hearing the inspirational stories from the speakers who have done some wonderful and life-changing work in the community when it comes to social justice. I hope to see plenty of people join us throughout the series as there’s something for everyone.

“The first lecture of the series took place in early February with Dr Kehinde Andrews, a British academic and author specialising in Black Studies, who discussed his life, work and book The Psychosis of Whiteness which explores the delusions, irrationalities and hallucinations of society regarding racism both in the present and historically. The lecture sold out within 24 hours of going on sale.

“I’d like to thank our friends at Leeds Playhouse, the creative hub of our beautiful city, for hosting us. Collaboratively, we have worked on several projects over the last few years. I am pleased to be doing so again and hope we can continue to deliver exciting projects to the region going forward.”

Tamsin Bowers-Brown, Director of the Office for Institutional Equity, said: “Social Justice is at the heart of our values as an institution, but what does this mean in practice? Our Social Justice Lecture series is focused on understanding how social justice has been applied by our speakers both in their lives and careers. We are really pleased to be offering the opportunity for colleagues, students and the community to join us at the Playhouse for a series of conversations and discussions about some pressing societal issues and how individuals are using their agency to build solidarity and influence change.”

Tickets are available to purchase in person, via telephone and online from the Leeds Playhouse box office. For more information and to book, visit the website or call 0113 213 7700.