February Newsletter

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February Newsletter

Welcome to the February edition of the Living Well newsletter. In this issue you will find free training, groups and services available in Bradford district. Our focus this month is: Children and Families. You can also find some super tasty ideas for pancake day too! Read on to find out more.


Free Training with New Vision Bradford

Photographs of people receiving CPR Training

CPR Training

In many medical emergencies the first few minutes are critical and if effective treatment can be given in those first minutes, lives can be saved and disability reduced.

As part of their Beating Hearts campaign, New Vision Bradford are offering CPR training with drop-in sessions at Pelican House on Currer Street, Bradford from 11am to 12:30pm every Thursday. There’s no need to book - just drop in!

Naloxone training

Click here to watch a short film about Naloxone (Prenoxad) training

Naloxone is an emergency antidote (blocker) to an opioid overdose, such as heroin, methadone, codeine, tramadol, etc. it temporarily reverses the life-threatening effects of an overdose – it is a lifesaving medication.

New Vision Bradford can provide take-home Naloxone kits for anyone in Bradford district who feels they may need one. You don’t need to be a doctor to administer Naloxone – anyone can do it. A member of staff will provide the kit and show you how to use it. This training can take as little as 10 minutes.

Find out more


New Women’s Walking Group

Photograph of two women walking

Every Wednesday 9.45am from outside the main entrance of Manningham Library

The walk will be at a relaxing pace for women of all ages, will last around an hour and will be led by a Walk Leader. Please wear comfortable shoes or trainers. Refreshments afterwards in the library.

If you have any questions or would like to join in, please get in touch with Safia at the library or use the pink button below to book a place.

This group is supported by the Active Travel Social Prescribing Project.

Email to book a place


Age Without Limits

Photograph of man and women chatting and passing a plant pot between them

Ageism is a prejudice that’s hidden in plain sight and sometimes accepted as normal.

We see and hear casual ageism every day in the media, TV, at work and even in family conversations. It doesn’t have to be this way. Thinking negatively about ageing and older people has been accepted and ignored for too long.

A new ‘Age Without Limits’ campaign aims to change the way we all think about ageing and support a growing movement of people and organisations working to make society more age-inclusive. It aims to inspire and inform those in power to tackle the inequalities faced by older people, call out and challenge ageism in all its forms and encourage widespread take-up of brilliant ideas and approaches that help people to age better.

Do you want to change the way we about think about ageing? Have you been treated differently because of your age and have a story to tell?

Get involved


Over 50s Women’s Dance Sessions

Illustration of three women dancing

Dance sessions at  Manningham Library  every Thursday at 10.30am.

These sessions are for women 50 years and over and are suitable for all abilities. Your first session is free and after that it costs £3 per session. No need to book just turn up and enjoy!


February is LGBTQ+ History Month!

LGBTQ+ Yellow background with text we support LGBTQ+ History Month

Living Well are delighted to fund and support two local LGBTQ+ support organisations: Free2Be-Me and Equity Partnership. We would like to celebrate the wonderful work of these projects as part of LGBTQ+ History Month . 

The Community Health Development grant programme is funded by the Living Well Service, Public Health, Bradford Council and aims to work with organisations who are passionate about reducing health inequalities, promoting health and wellbeing and representing the voice of the LGBTQ+ community across the District.’


Logo for LGBT+ History Month

The 2024 theme Medicine – #UnderTheScope celebrates LGBT+ peoples’ contribution to the field of medicine and healthcare both historically and today.

Who is UK LGBT+ History Month for?
Whether you work in education, a museum, a library or an art gallery, a business, a service, or are a member of a network/social group or an individual. It is celebrated in February each year.

Why should we support and celebrate LGBT+ history month?
For so long LGBT+ people and their history were hidden. Things have improved for many people in the UK thanks to changes in the law and a more embracing society, but not everyone is free to live the life they want. For some LGBT+ populations the world can be a hostile and isolating place.

If we show our support and celebrate LGBT history month together, we can understand the importance of LGBT history, let people in Bradford understand we value them and create a more inclusive future.

Find out more

The Right Queer Right Now Weekender

Six days of unapologetically bold, joyous and thought-provoking performance, film, food and party fun.

Friday 23th February – Sunday 25th February 2024.
Friday 1st March – Sunday 3rd March 2024

View current programme and updates here.

Events will be held in Theatre in the Mill venues, and will also take over the University of Bradford’s AmpBar with a programme of theatre-makers and more from right here in Bradford as well as across the UK.

Book tickets

Equity Partnership

This is a local charity set up and delivered by LGBTQ+ people in Bradford and the surrounding areas. They support LGBTQ+ groups and individuals to have a say in the decisions taken by agencies which affect our lives.

Click the button below to find out more about the services they offer, discover regular groups and one-off events, and find out how you can get involved

Find out more

MESMAC

Yorkshire MESMAC is one of the oldest and largest sexual health organisations in the country with bases in Leeds, Bradford, Rotherham and Hull. They offer services to various communities including men who have sex with men, people of colour and other marginalised races, people misusing drugs, sex workers and LGBT+ young people and adults.

Find out more

The Garden of Dreams project gets off to a flying start!

Photograph of someone creating a mosaic

The Garden of Dreams is a project by Free2BeMe’s LGBTQ+ group funded by Living Well.

They’ve been working with an artist to create some amazing mosaics, bird boxes and hedgehog houses and this month they will be looking at eco-planting as well as food and wellbeing. They’ll also be creating an herb garden where people can learn about the eco system and more.

This month, as part of LGBTQ+ History Month, they will be networking in local supermarkets and hubs in the district talking about the Living Well project and the LGBTQ+ community and how they can get involved.

If you’d like to find out more and take part, please click the button below.

Email for info


Living Well Workplaces Logo

Living Well Workplaces

Living Well Workplaces aims to inspire and support employers to invest time and care to support their staff wellbeing.

Employers play a vital part in creating an environment that support their employee’s wellbeing. Caring, supportive workplaces help staff to be healthier and happier, with evidence that healthier teams can be more productive at work and take fewer sick days.

If you're a business owner you can sign up for the workplace newsletter here

Find out more


Focus on: Children and Families


Top tips for children’s oral health

Photograph of a young boy brushing his teeth and giving a thumbs up sign

It’s important to develop good oral health routines right from the start with young children.

Here are some top tips to care for your children’s teeth.

Toothbrushing advice:

  • As soon as your baby’s first tooth appears, brush your baby’s teeth and gums at least twice daily
  • Children under 3 yrs should brush twice daily, with a smear of toothpaste containing at least 1,350-1,500ppm fluoride
  • Children 3-6 yrs should brush at least twice daily with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing 1,350-1,500ppm fluoride
  • Help your child to spit after toothbrushing. Rinsing washes away the fluoride toothpaste that helps protect teeth
  • Help your child brush their teeth until they are at least 7 yrs old

Diet advice for healthy teeth:

  • Sugar in food and drink is the main cause of tooth decay
  • Most of the sugar in our diet comes from chocolate, sweets, drinks, breakfast cereals, biscuits and cakes
  • Breast feeding provides the best nutrition for babies
  • From six months introduce drinking from a free-flow cup, and from 1 yr feeding from a bottle should be discouraged
  • Do not add anything to your baby’s bottle
  • It is best to give plain water or milk
  • Sugary food and drinks should be kept to mealtimes, between meals choose snacks and drinks that are sugar free, low in fat and low in salt.

For urgent or emergency dental care, please contact NHS 111.

Find out more


Launch of Join Us:Play Move (JU:MP) films

Photograph of young people outside on a field

JU:MP have launched four inspiring short films that capture the journey and impact of the programme since it started in 2018.

It’s a pilot programme dedicated to helping children and families to move and play more. You can view the films using the links below:

JU:MP Leads          Sustainable Sports

Sahar's Story          Active Playful Parks

The films show the power of working in partnership to transform lives and highlight many success stories from communities in Bradford.

Find out more


Make Your School Journey Healthier

Illustration of people waling to school

Walking, cycling or scooting to or from school can help to improve your child’s health (and yours!) and it’s better for the environment!

If more of us walk, it reduces pollution from car engines near school gates, eases congestion outside school and creates a calmer more pleasant arrival for children and families. Walking to school can also boost mood and help children arrive more alert and ready to learn. It’s also a great opportunity for a chat with others and helps children develop vital road safety skills. 

If you can’t leave the car at home every day, it still makes a difference on the days you can. Helping to make the air cleaner, the roads safer and improving your child’s health and your own. If you have to drive to school, you can still help by parking safely and considerately a little further away and walking the last part of the journey. If you’ve arrived early to collect children, turn your engine off to help keep the air clean for your children.

Find out more


Children’s Online Food Survey

Photograph of a girl eating a slice of orange and a boy with a slice of wholemeal bread

If you’re a parent of a child aged 3-11 years and live in Bradford district, you’re invited to take part in an online children’s food survey!

The survey will generate local evidence which will be used to improve the diets of children in Bradford district.

If you’re chosen to take part, you will keep a record of the food and drink your child eats in a day. It will be online, over four days, and takes about 15 mins per day. (You will get a £15 gift card for taking part).

For more information about the study please email: BradfordFoodSurvey@bthft.nhs.uk or call Lisa Dowling on 07890 418278

Get involved


Bradford Credit Union Logo

Spring Back to School Loan

With Spring Half term fast approaching, Bradford Credit Union are offering a Spring Back to School Loan.

They hope to bring support and financial relief to those in need of a school uniform refresh during Februarys half term. Get a £10 Credit boost in your account when your Loan is approved.

This £200 emergency loan is especially for low-income families, people who face financial challenges and those with poor credit scores who may be tempted to go to a loan shark. Numbers are limited and the offer is only available from 1st-18th February.

Find out more


Meet the Living Well Team!


Wednesday 14th February 2024, 11:00am – 1:00pm

Living Well and the BEEP service will be at Keighley St Andrews Church in Keighley BD21 5HT to talk about what the Living Well service can offer to help improve your health and carry out free BMI / blood pressure checks.

Thursday 15th February 2024, 11:00am – 2.30pm

Living Well and the Stop Smoking Service will be at Holmewood Health Fair at TFD Youth Centre, Broadstone Way BD4 0BH providing advice about the Living Well service and how you can access Living Well's support to stop smoking.

Thursday 22nd February 2024, 11:00am – 2.30pm

Living Well and the BEEP service will be at the WOW Community Partnership health event at Scholemoor Beacon, Dracup Road BD7 2RJ to talk about what the Living Well service can do to help you improve your health, they will also be offering free BMI / blood pressure checks.

Living Well Community Development and Engagement

Gulsoom Akhtar, who looks after Bradford South, has been working with Ward Officers and community centres, Great Horton Hub, Bierley Community Centre and Wibsey Methodist Church supporting Happy Healthy You to set up exercise classes for the community. The classes are aimed at Eastern European, Slovakian, Gyspy & Traveller communities and anyone who would like to be more active, reduce isolation and lose excess weight. Living Well services are also promoted at the classes and referrals can be made for anyone who would like to find further support for their health and wellbeing.


Tuesday 13th February is Pancake Day!

Illustration of a pancake with a smiley face

Pancakes are a tasty treat and there's lots of fillings you can add – both savoury and sweet – so you can find something to suit all tastebuds!

Ingredients

  • 100g plain flour
  • 2 large eggs (or 3 medium-sized)
  • 300ml semi-skimmed milk 
  • Pinch of fine salt (table salt)
  • 1 tablespoon sunflower or vegetable (rapeseed) oil / spray-oil

You will need

  • A large mixing bowl / measuring jug
  • A medium-sized non-stick frying pan
  • A fork, whisk or hand-held blender
  • A spatula or fish-slice (metal or suitable for hot cooking - no plastic)
  • A large spoon or ladle
  • A little extra sunflower or vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Put the flour into the bowl or a measuring jug, make a hole in the centre and crack the eggs into it. Add the milk, 1 tablespoon of oil and a pinch of salt, then whisk to a smooth batter. Leave for 30 mins to rest if you have time (for best results).
  2. Heat the frying pan over a medium heat. Spray or pour a small amount of oil into the pan** When it’s hot, pour, spoon or ladle in the batter - just enough that it coats the pan in a thin layer when you roll it around.

**TO USE LESS OIL AND MAKE IT HEALTHIER: Pour a little sunflower/vegetable oil onto some kitchen towel and wipe it onto the frying pan before adding the batter**

  1. Cook your pancakes for about 1 min on each side until golden – you’ll know when to turn or flip your pancake when you give the pan a hard shake backwards and forwards and the pancake comes loose.
  2. Pancakes can be kept warm in a low-heated oven. When ready to eat, just serve with your favourite filling! 
Pancake filling ideas

You can find lots of healthy recipes on our website, just click the button below.

Healthy recipes