Posted on: 10 December 2025
Over 150 professionals from health, social care, policing, prisons, probation and the voluntary sector gathered on Tuesday, 2 December for the ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ conference, where leaders and community advocates pressed for action to tackle the barriers that exclusion health communities face in accessing care.
Speakers focused on the experiences of asylum seekers, people experiencing homelessness, sex workers, transgender people and Gypsy and Traveller communities. They described how stigma, organisational boundaries and a lack of understanding continue to block people from the support they need.
Michelle Bennett, Programme Manager for Improving Population Health and the event’s facilitator, said the scale of engagement showed a genuine willingness across sectors to confront inequality.
“People are still falling through gaps that should never have existed,” she said. “We brought everyone together today because these stories demand a response and real change.”
The day centred on powerful personal testimony. Blerta Ilazi described her journey of seeking asylum after fleeing war and the fear and uncertainty that followed. Eden Edenbrow outlined the routine barriers transgender people face in a system where misunderstanding often shapes their care.
Frontline organisations and researchers presented new insights from across the region. Ellen Boothe showcased the work of Happy Days in supporting people experiencing homelessness. Fiona Meth shared research into the health needs of sex workers. Adam and Kate from Migration Yorkshire presented findings on migrant experiences in Wakefield, while Jo Collins highlighted the challenges facing women involved in the criminal justice system.
Ellie Rodgers from LeedsGATE addressed ongoing discrimination against Gypsy and Traveller communities, warning of its serious effect on life expectancy. You can read more in Ellie’s recent blog: neighbourhood health for all: how will it work for Gypsies and Travellers? on the Leeds GATE website.
Pluto Productions added a creative element with a performance exploring unconscious bias and compassion fatigue among staff, prompting discussion and reflection throughout the room.
Michelle reinforced the need to prioritise lived experience in shaping future work.
“We can’t design effective services without listening to the people who use them,” she said. “The voices we heard today were clear - collaboration must replace working in isolation and action must replace intention.”
The day received outstanding feedback, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and listening to lived experiences to drive change.