Michelle Regan is the founder of Cheers Everyone, an emerging initiative exploring how music-led social venues in Leeds can feel more welcoming for people, with and without alcohol. She is also part of the core team at Leeds Night-Time Economy Group.

Before leaving employment, Michelle spent more than 15 years in senior HR and organisational development roles. In the years since, she has built a new body of work across peer support, recovery, music, heritage and community life in Leeds, shaped by her own experiences of ongoing mental health challenges and alcohol recovery.

This has included running Mental Health Mates Leeds for six years, developing groups and opportunities within the recovery community, serving on a community-sector board, supporting grassroots music activity, and working closely with Leeds City Museum to develop and deliver the Music Leeds Us exhibition.

Michelle was diagnosed with ADHD and autism in 2025, aged 45. Finding neurodivergent community and business support later in life helped her recognise how much energy she had spent trying to fit systems that did not work for her.

Her work is rooted in a belief that people are better able to participate, contribute and create when they feel they genuinely belong.