Barca-Leeds' were proud to support and take part in the second Leeds Trauma Informed Film Festival on Thursday 25 September 2025 at the iconic Hyde Park Picture House in Leeds. The Festival featured uplifting and transformative stories and was a vibrant celebration of creativity, storytelling, and community. Showcasing services in Leeds and beyond that support individuals facing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use issues, and other adversities, the festival shined a light on the extraordinary work of local services and the inspiring journeys of their service users.
Our submission to the festival told Mark's story. Throughout his life, Mark experienced addiction and homelessness. He was supported by several services in Leeds and despite a few setbacks, he actively engaged and continued to make positive changes to his life. Mark sadly passed away in March 2025. With support from Mark's family, we put together the below video to raise awareness of the issues faced by people experiencing addiction and how support from family, friends and professionals can help build resilience and support them to overcome the many adversities they face.
Mitcham, Barca-Leeds Housing Navigator said: "Getting over addiction is really tough. It takes a lot of strength and determination to keep going and staying on track with recovery can be just as hard. It is important to recognise how brave it is to face these challenges. Having ongoing support is super important. Whether it's from family, friends, support groups or professionals, having people around who care can make a big difference. They provide not just practical help but also emotional support which helps keep motivation and focus on recovery. Remember, recovery is a journey, not a destination. Every little step forward is a win. Let's keep supporting and cheering on those who are on this path, celebrating their progress and being there for them when they need it."
To find out more about the festival, visit the Risk and Resilience website.
