People of Leeds

All sorts of different people, from all over Leeds, telling the world about the city.

[People of Leeds @PeopleofLeeds]

ADMIN: So, an announcement. PeopleofLeeds will be shutting down on 16 January 2024.

An official statement: https://t.co/suAGmqF6bi

[People of Leeds @PeopleofLeeds]

ADMIN: We're all Leeds. We always will be.

[People of Leeds @PeopleofLeeds]

ADMIN: Thank you to everyone who curated, interacted, and supported the journey. I thought it would last three months. It's been twelve years. And it has been GLORIOUS.

[People of Leeds @PeopleofLeeds]

ADMIN: So I think this is it. I thought I'd have a whole speech prepared, but to be honest, I'm a bit beyond words. I have LOVED running this account, and being welcomed into your worlds. It has been a honour and a privilege.

[People of Leeds @PeopleofLeeds]

@chb_leeds I obviously don't think there should be another version on twitter, but I do hope that someone sets up something that evokes the same sense of community that this managed.

[People of Leeds @PeopleofLeeds]

ADMIN: So it's time to start wrapping up. Here are some lessons I've learned from over 600 weeks of getting to know the people of Leeds.

[People of Leeds @PeopleofLeeds]

ADMIN: I'm working with archive professionals on the best way to preserve the account without leaving it open for future issues, so for now it will stay up, but just be quiet. Bear with me while I work out how to do this in the most thoughtful way.

[People of Leeds @PeopleofLeeds]

ADMIN: Here we go. This is Leeds.

[People of Leeds @PeopleofLeeds]

ADMIN: I'm going to pause now while I go do that wordcloud. I'll be right back!

[People of Leeds @PeopleofLeeds]

@yorksfairy67 Yes, it's too late. I talked about this earlier today.

A lot of our community AREN'T on here anymore because it isn't safe for them. Not hurt feelings, actual threats. We shouldn't be okay with that. As a community account I *can't* be okay with that.

[People of Leeds @PeopleofLeeds]

So make Leeds a little better. Plant a garden. Start a podcast. Shop local. Pull something off a high shelf for someone. Organise an event.

[People of Leeds @PeopleofLeeds]

ADMIN: My next point; over and over I heard people say "I'm not interesting enough for PoL".

This is WRONG. Everyone is interesting in their own way. You might not be interesting to everyone, but you're interesting to someone. And that has value. ALWAYS.

[People of Leeds @PeopleofLeeds]

When I set this account up I wasn't anybody special. I worked a crappy job where the vast majority of people didn't know my name and I got abuse on a daily basis. I hated it. But I had an idea to make the world around me a little better. I think I did that.

[People of Leeds @PeopleofLeeds]

@bryony_jameson @LeedsPlayhouse Oh I must remember that!

[People of Leeds @PeopleofLeeds]

ADMIN: Have you seen Alan Bennett? Report in!

[People of Leeds @PeopleofLeeds]

And if you have time, or resources, or support, volunteer. It could be a shift at a charity. It could be setting up the next PoL. It could just be retweeting an organisation asking for help. Nothing gets done by people not stepping up. You *always* have something to offer.

[People of Leeds @PeopleofLeeds]

And if you don't agree: fine! So go vote. Get involved with local elections, and local politics. Local government is where your voice has the most impact, and it's the most overlooked.

[People of Leeds @PeopleofLeeds]

@HerreMorker Thank you!

[People of Leeds @PeopleofLeeds]

@MajesticWendy Sounds like he's always in Sous Le Nez!