Mental ill-health isn’t simply an individual problem - inequity and discrimination by gender, class, ethnicity, disability, and other factors can leave people feeling stigmatised, isolated and powerless. We change that. Through user-led training and support groups, Humans Being brings people together to help them find their strengths, develop confidence, and thrive. Our work empowers people to shape their own futures, build meaningful connections, and make lasting, positive changes in their lives. During 2025, we facilitated 21 courses and over 15 workshops, working directly with more than 300 members of our community experiencing mental ill-health. These included victims of domestic abuse, asylum seekers, isolated men, mental health service users, food bank and community support volunteers, healthcare staff, single mums, older people and women dealing with complex and acute mental health issues. Our courses and workshops included: Switch on to Women's Safety Workshops: These workshops gave staff the skills to run 'active bystander' training with their male staff or students; Navigator Men's Wellbeing Courses: Six-week courses that enabled isolated men to start taking steps towards a happier and healthier life; Unfolding Volunteer Wellbeing Courses: Front-line volunteers learned to create boundaries and support themselves while they support others; Heads, Hearts and Hands arts and mental health courses: Courses supporting women with complex mental health needs to explore and express their wellbeing through art and discussion; She Rises: A course building women's confidence and skills to move into training and employment; Supporting Others, Supporting Yourself Workshops: A workshop for front-line volunteers who want better ways of supporting the vulnerable people they come into contact with; Confidence to Challenge Workshops: Training third sector volunteers and staff to find ways to challenge discriminatory behaviour with empathy and sensitivity. Humans Being CIC positively impacted the mental health of our communities in numerous ways: Better Mental Health: "Before the course, I was really struggling. I was exhausted, stressed, and barely left the house. But after a few sessions, I felt cared for, listened to, and supported. Now, I'm walking with more confidence and smiling more." "I was dwelling on grief and personal struggles, feeling lost and isolated. This course helped me realise that no one is going to 'rescue' me-I have to take care of myself. I'm now kinder to myself and actively making my life worth living again." New self-care habits: "I used to say yes to everything, even when I was drained. Now, I've learned to say no and to ask for help when I need it. The idea of an 'emotional reservoir' really helped me understand that I need to look after myself before I can care for others." "I've started going to the gym again, joined a women's group, and even want to try pottery! This course helped me take action instead of waiting for things to change on their own." "I used to just push through exhaustion, but now I recognise when I need a break. I've started going for walks, journalling, and finding healthier ways to manage stress." Increased Self-Esteem & Confidence: "Since joining, I've found my voice-I speak my mind, say what I truly feel, and listen with more intention. I feel like a more rounded and confident person." "Before the course, I felt small, like I was just going through the motions of life. Now, I stand taller, I take up space, and I trust my own decisions." "I used to be afraid to share my thoughts, always second-guessing myself. Now, I know my voice matters. I feel more sure of who I am and what I want." Feeling less lonely and isolated: "Before this course, I felt isolated and disconnected. Now, I've built friendships with people who truly understand me, and I no longer feel alone." "I used to avoid social situations, but now I look forward to them. This course helped me open up, and I've made friendships that I know will last." "Before this course, I felt so alone in my struggles. Now, I know I'm not the only one, and that has made all the difference." Increased Personal Aspirations and Goals: "This course helped me believe in myself again. I've set new goals and finally feel like I have the confidence to go after them." "I've started thinking bigger about my future. I never considered further education before, but now I'm looking into courses and opportunities." Ava's story: "When I joined this course, [Heads, Hearts and Hands], I felt completely stuck-trapped in a cycle where my physical health had taken a toll, and my mental health followed. My career, my relationships-everything felt like it was slipping through my fingers. But this course changed something in me. It made me pause, reflect, and finally put myself first. I stopped trying to be everything for everyone. I let go of the need to be a martyr. And in doing so, I discovered parts of myself I had forgotten-strengths, talents, and the simple joy of being me. Most importantly, I learned that sadness and disappointment don't last forever if you open yourself up to others. I still cry, but now, those tears don't break me. They remind me I'm alive, growing, and becoming stronger every day."

Humans Being CIC’s main stakeholders are its service users, who are people from marginalised communities (especially those at the intersections of more than one determinant of mental ill-health), our volunteers, Leeds voluntary and community organisations, and statutory health sector organisations. Continuous consultation occurs informally during sessions and formally via course and workshop feedback forms, and through the co-delivery of sessions. Community consultation also included co-producing a new programme, The Next Chapter. Community members came together to create topics, themes and interventions to enable participants to change their ‘social determinants of mental health’ - housing, work, community, education and money. We used what we’d learned from a community Theory of Change exercise to create a new mission statement, which focuses the organisation on mental health inequalities.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration