Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire

Today, we’ve launched our new #JustDont campaign, asking men and boys across West Yorkshire to help us put an end to everyday harassment and inappropriate behaviour towards women and girls. This is the latest step in our mission towards a safer West Yorkshire. Will you play your part? Tell your friends: ❌It’s not banter. ❌It’s not harmless. ❌It’s not okay. So, #JustDont

We want to make the arts open to everyone. I had the pleasure of visiting The Art House in Wakefield—a space dedicated to creativity, inclusivity, and accessibility. They’re championing disabled and neurodivergent artists and audiences through creating accessible spaces with step-free access and specialist studio facilities. And with funding from our You Can Make It Here scheme, they’re continuing to break down barriers and help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to create and thrive across our region. Image 1/2 artwork by Manish Harijan Image 4 artwork by Helen Thomas

Active travel plays a key role in my plans for a modern, integrated transport network in West Yorkshire.   Through our new West Yorkshire Places scheme, we’re investing a further £5.1 million to make it easier and safer to walk, wheel and cycle in the region.   Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eFsrXeCa

We’re making West Yorkshire the best region to live and work, to start and grow a business.   Our Fair Work Charter is championing fair pay, secure and flexible working conditions, greater diversity in the workplace and wellbeing support.   It was great to speak today with some of the businesses that have already joined the Charter.   Discover how the charter can support your organisation: https://lnkd.in/djBwCewv

From self-defence classes to theatre groups, we're supporting local organisations to help make West Yorkshire safer for everyone 🙌   It is incredible to hear about the work that these groups are doing with support from our Safer Communities Fund.   I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next.

West Yorkshire is fast becoming a region of learning and creativity, where everyone can fulfil their potential.   Because devolution is empowering us to do things differently.   Read my piece in New Statesman: https://lnkd.in/dbs5epGC

We’re investing £1 million of money seized from criminals back into West Yorkshire communities. 58 organisations have benefitted from the latest round of our Safer Communities Fund. By providing financial support, we’re helping them to continue their crucial work to transform lives and make our region safer for everyone.

West Yorkshire is a place of rich history and culture.   This English Tourism Week, we're recognising how tourism plays a vital role in our economy, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and showcasing our region to the world.   From historic sites and stunning green spaces to Bradford being the UK’s City of Culture, it’s the perfect time to discover West Yorkshire's dynamic arts, heritage, and cultural experiences.

Today marks one year since we announced our decision to take buses back under public control, a major step in putting people first by setting routes, fares and service standards across West Yorkshire.   We’re also looking at how buses will look, and what type of facilities they will have on board.   While we work behind the scenes to deliver a reliable, accessible and better-connected bus network, we’re also continuing to make improvements now to better serve passengers. ✅ Keeping fares affordable 🛑 Upgrading bus stops & stations 🛡️ Making travel safer   Join us on the journey to better buses!

Do you have a question about our plans to grow the economy, boost jobs, and improve our transport connections?   Join us in Wakefield on 19 March for our next Mayor’s Question Time event and talk about the issues that matter to you.   Find out more and register for your free place: https://lnkd.in/eexaH5Nf