At East Side Story, we believe journalism should do more than inform - it should empower, represent, and connect. Since launching in 2023, we’ve made it our mission to tell the stories that often go unheard in East Leeds - from housing struggles to grassroots victories, community healing to local heroes. We shine a light on what mainstream media often ignores.

But producing a truly independent, community-rooted paper takes more than passion. It takes resources.

That’s where you come in.

By becoming a member of East Side Story, you help us stay active, ethical, and fully committed to the people we serve. Your support helps us:

• Cover essential running costs so we can focus on storytelling, not survival
  

• Create weekly e-newsletters full of exclusive updates, community news and local culture — delivered straight to your inbox
  

• Fund our printed edition, making sure every resident can access our stories — especially older people and those without reliable internet access
  

• Run our free journalism workshops, giving anyone the tools to speak up, regardless of background, education or income

We currently offer three membership tiers:

💛 £5/month – For those who want to support community journalism and stay connected with exclusive updates
🧡 £10/month – For changemakers who believe in amplifying underrepresented voices and building a fairer local media
❤️ £20/month – For community champions who want to invest in long-term change and help us grow East Side Story into a platform for all of East Leeds

Every pound goes right back into the community,  supporting local writers, creating opportunities, and changing the way media serves people.

So what do you get in return?

You’ll receive exclusive content and behind-the-scenes updates via our newsletter, be the first to hear about events and opportunities, and most importantly, you’ll become part of a growing network of people shaping a new kind of journalism. One that listens, uplifts, and builds power from the ground up.

Because East Side Story is more than a newspaper.
It’s a catalyst for change.
It’s a space where real voices are heard.
It’s your platform — for your community.

Become a member today. Help us write the next chapter.

Simply click on one of the 3 membership tier options at the top of our Steady HQ page [https://steadyhq.com/en/eastsidestory] to get started.

When we launched East Side Story, we didn’t set out to be just another news outlet. We set out to create something different — something rooted in people, powered by truth, and fiercely local.

Born in East Leeds, East Side Story is a community-led newspaper that puts real voices at the centre of everything we do. We shine a light on the people, places and issues that are too often overlooked by mainstream media — from grassroots groups creating real change, to the everyday heroes rebuilding their communities after crisis. Our mission is simple: to tell the stories that matter, in the voices that need to be heard.

We launched East Side Story because we were tired of seeing our communities spoken about, but never to. Our streets are full of resilience, creativity and untold brilliance — and it was time someone started writing it down.

So who is East Side Story for?

It's for you - the neighbour who wants to stay informed, the young person curious about journalism, the community organiser looking for a platform, the resident who wants to see a media that actually reflects your life. It's for those who care about fairness, representation, and truth told with heart.

What can you expect from us?
Every week, we publish original, well-researched stories that dig beneath the surface, covering everything from housing and health inequalities to inspiring local changemakers. We run free journalism workshops to empower people from all walks of life - especially those from BAME, LGBTQ+, refugee and working-class communities - to learn new skills and tell their own stories. And we share updates, interviews, and exciting community news -  the kind of stories you won’t find in the mainstream press.

When you subscribe to our newsletter via Steady HQ, you’ll get all of this,  delivered directly to your inbox every week. That means you’ll never miss the latest from your neighbourhood, the newest opportunities to get involved, or the next chance to share your voice.

By subscribing, you're not just staying informed.

You’re helping build a fairer, more connected, more empowered East Leeds, one story at a time.

Become a subscriber – it’s free

Don’t leave it up to social media algorithms! Join us. Subscribe today. Be part of the story.

Ever wanted to write stories that make a difference? Our free six-week Introduction to Journalism course is back this Autumn in Harehills — and it’s open to you. Whether you've never written before or already have something to say, we’ll help you find your voice, sharpen your skills, and build confidence.

You’ll learn the basics of interviewing, writing, editing, and media ethics — all in a supportive, welcoming space. We especially welcome participants from BAME, LGBTQ+, refugee, working-class, and other underrepresented communities, because your stories deserve to be heard.

In our workshops, you’ll gain hands-on experience in:

1. News Writing & Reporting – Learn how to craft compelling, accurate stories that inform and inspire.
   

2. Photography Fundamentals – Capture striking, story-driven images that bring your reporting to life.
   

3. Investigative Research – Develop the skills to fact-check, verify sources, and spot misinformation.
   

4. Digital Journalism – Master the art of writing and researching for online platforms, from blogs to news sites.
   

5. Interviewing Techniques – Build confidence in asking the right questions and getting powerful quotes.
   

6. One-to-One Mentoring – Receive personalised support and expert guidance to help you grow as a journalist.

Our workshops aren’t just about journalism. They’re about power, visibility, and community. Past participants have gone on to write for East Side Story — and beyond.

If you've ever felt overlooked or unheard, this is your chance to take up space — and tell the stories only you can tell.

Sign up today by emailing editor@eastsidestory.co.uk. Spaces are limited.