About
Good News Up North is a blog dedicated to highlighting positive stories, hidden gems and uplifting developments across Yorkshire. Being based in Leeds myself, and the daughter of small business owners, I like to focus on celebrating our independent business scene, our local communities, events and people making a difference across the area. My hope is to offer you a refreshing breathe of fresh air from the often heavy news cycle.
WHY?
They say: “It’s grim up North” – is it ‘eck.
Yorkshire isn’t just home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country; it’s also home to some of the most remarkable people you’ll ever meet. Good News Up North exists to challenge tired stereotypes, shifting the narrative and shining a light on the voices that are quietly making a difference every day.
After finishing my Master’s in December 2025, I realised I hadn’t written anything in years that wasn’t for a grade. But looking back, it’s always been people- their stories, their resilience, their impact, that have mattered most to me. This is my way of returning to that, and of giving something back to the communities that inspire it.
Engage
You can get involved in a few ways:
- Submit recommendations or request a feature for your venue or project via email
- Comment on blog posts to share your thoughts or experiences
- Follow and interact with me on social media to stay updated and spread the word
- Share posts with others to help amplify positive stories
- Contact me on Instagram or Email for more info or with a story to share
ME
Hi, I’m Ella!
Born and raised in Yorkshire, I’m a freelance writer finding my footing in the industry. Fresh out of university, I’m juggling countless opportunities, all in the hope of building experience in journalism and article writing. This blog is part of that journey- and I’d love for you to come along for the ride. As I figure things out, maybe you’ll find something here that resonates with you too.
I began my studies in criminology, but quickly realised I was less interested in true crime and more drawn to the question: how can we be better as a society? That curiosity led me to pursue a master’s in law and social justice, where I explored the geopolitical landscape, with a focus on international human rights, genocide, and global atrocities. It was fascinating, but often heavy, and at times it left me feeling disheartened.Through it all, I’ve come to believe that creativity, and choosing joy, is a form of resistance. So that’s what this space is about: creating, sharing, and holding onto moments of lightness where we can. Hopefully, you’ll find a little of that here too!