Orion Partnership

Orion is a consortium of four like-minded organisations, Space2, Feel Good Factor, Shantona Women’s Centre and Zest, based and working in East North East Leeds, to promoting inclusion, tackle social isolation and reduce health inequalities.

Orion delivers Better Together, a Leeds City Council contract to deliver health and wellbeing in East North East Leeds taking a community development approach.

Orion Well Man Programme

Started in 2015,  the Orion Well Man Programme, has led the way in providing safe spaces for men, particularly those socially isolated, living with mental health challenges or long term unemployed, to come together learning new skills, making new friends and generally improving their wellbeing.

Seven men’s groups form the core of our activity, offering a relaxed environment to chat and share, and acting as a springboard on to other activities.

“I’m glad I came today, it’s really cheered me up.”

We offer supportive staff, free meals or refreshments, and trips such as bushcraft or theatre visits.

The men from the different groups come together sometimes for activities like badminton tournaments, the MenFM project [link] and International Men’s Day. 

We also promote peer support and offer the chance for men to share their skills and experiences with professionals and fellow men alike.  Derek Green, a Seacroft Men’s Group member regularly undertakes interviews with TV, Health professionals, Councillors and joins panels to discuss suicide prevention with men.