 Welcome to the Living Well March newsletter!
This month we’re excited to tell you about some FREE offers that are only available for people who live in Bradford district!
Find out about Walk to Work Day, discover loads of easy tasty ideas when you cook, shop and snack for Nutrition and Hydration Week and see how to turn your street into a Play Street! Read on to find out more!
What is it? How can I offer support to friends who are fasting?
Whether you’re fasting, supporting someone who is, or just curious about what it’s all about, we thought it would be good to share a bit of insight, some key facts, top tips, and a few things to think about.
Click here for some delicious recipes to try at home!
FREE OFFER! Choose what works for you!
 You can get 12 weeks FREE membership with your choice of four fantastic providers. Whether you have a few stubborn pounds to lose or a bit more, there are offers suitable for everyone!
Learn about healthy eating, get more active and even make new friends along the way! You will be welcomed into a non judgemental friendly environment and will receive all the support you need online and in person.
This offer is available for all adults living in Bradford district who have a BMI of 25 or more. If you’re not sure what your BMI is you can check it here
So long as you haven’t had an active membership for 3 months or more you can join the provider of your choice for FREE! And if you have – why not try one of our other providers? They all offer fantastic programmes that can make all the difference to help you achieve your weight loss goals!
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Did you visit the Living Well team at one of our events this week? |
We spoke to lots of people about our new weight management offer and all the FREE services available through Living Well.
Follow us on social media so that you'll be the first to know where the team will be next! (See links at the end of this email).
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FREE OFFER! Ready, set, grow!
 We’re back with a relaunch of our hugely successful Grow Well to Eat Well campaign from last year! We want to help people in Bradford district to have a go at growing their own food at home! If you weren’t lucky enough to snap up a FREE growing kit last time, be sure to sign up now to avoid disappointment!
Growing your own food can be easier than you think, and it can help you save money too! As long as you have sunlight, access to water and something to hold the soil in – you can get started! You don’t need a big garden or an allotment, you can grow food in pots on your windowsill, on your patio and in hanging baskets, flower beds or greenhouses. So everyone can have a go!
Growing food at home is a great way to help you connect with family and friends and it can give you a real sense of achievement. It can help to improve your mental health and wellbeing, encouraging you to move more and to get out in the fresh air. Lifting, planting and digging can also help you stay on top of your physical health!
Come on Bradford district, let’s get growing!
To get your free seed kit click the button below to fill out a short form and decide where you would like to collect your pack from
There are lots of places across the district where you can pick up your grow kit, but please hurry because stocks are limited.
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Do you grow your own vegetables or fruit?
 Are there times of year you just have too much of something, maybe rhubarb, courgettes, runner beans, or apples? It’s such a shame to let food go to waste, so please consider donating it to your local food project, who support families that are struggling to make ends meet.
You can find your local low-cost market here they would be happy for a regular, or one-off, donation.
If you have an allotment and would like to get together with other growers, we can help you with leaflets, robust collection boxes and a local link.
Allotment sites, please email: hello@feedingbradford.org.uk
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**FREE** Living Well Mental Health course
 This new course is for anyone who would like to learn more about mental health. It’s an introductory 1 hour course covering what mental health is and includes an interactive quiz. You will find out about key communication skills when supporting someone with poor mental health and looking at self-help tools to help look after your own mental health and that of family and friends.
Thursday 27.3.25: 10 – 11am
Microsoft Teams (Course code: LWMH001)
Monday 28.4.25: 10 – 11am
Microsoft Teams (Course code: LHMH002)
You can book a free place on one of the course dates by clicking here
Or you can send an email with your full name, telephone number and email address to learning@mylivingwell.co.uk Please include the course code for the date you would like to attend
Nutrition and Hydration Week 17-23 March
 Nutrition and Hydration Week is all about highlighting the value of food and drink to maintain good health and wellbeing.
You can find lots of handy info on our website to help you join in making simple food swaps when you’re shopping, cooking, and snacking. These easy swaps can help to improve the health and wellbeing of you and your family, with foods that are healthy, nutritious and delicious too!
On our website you can find:
You can watch step-by-step films to find out how to make delicious a Fakeaway Curry or Fakeaway Wraps and see 10 easy healthy food swaps that are all easy to make.
Click the button below to find the info online - you can also download it all to keep!
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National Walk to Work Day: 4 April
 With all the rushing around that most people have to do in the morning (and perhaps hitting the snooze button 5 times before crawling out of bed!) a lot of us barely get to work on time driving in the car… who has time to WALK to work?
You do!!
Walk to Work Day is a chance to change up your routine, add a little more time to it, and see how a brisk walk can lead to a more efficient and energised life overall!
Top Tips:
- Set your alarm time a little bit earlier
- Pack a breakfast you can eat on the go
- Plan the route you’re going to take
- Wear comfy shoes (Remember to take your work shoes in a bag to change into)
You could walk all of the way or get off the bus/train at an earlier stop or park the car a bit further away than usual and walk the rest of the way in!
If it’s really not possible to change your usual commute to work, you could go for a walk at lunchtime and maybe invite some of your work friends to join you!
Being physically active can help to manage stress, back pain, weight and various medical conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and type 2 diabetes and it can help to reduce the risk of developing several cancers (including breast and colon cancer).
Being physically active can improve your mood, decrease the chance of depression and anxiety and lead to a better and more balanced lifestyle. Click the pink button below to watch a short film about walking to work!
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Looking for something free for the kids this spring?
 How about turning your street a safe and fun place for kids to play for a few hours and organising a Play Street Session?
Residents in Bradford Moor had a go at doing this last year and children enjoyed spending the afternoon outside, making new friends and playing in a safe, traffic-controlled street.
If you want to know more about turning your street into a Play Street, please click the pink button below.
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Support road safety in West Yorkshire
 West Yorkshire Road Safety has launched their Vision Zero campaign. They want you to sign and commit to what you can do to help keep people safe on our roads.
Your pledge could be simple things like driving at safe speeds, giving other road users enough space, always wearing your seatbelt and keeping up to maintaining your vehicle. You can also dedicate your pledge in someone’s memory.
On average, around one person a week dies on the roads of West Yorkshire and thousands of people are also injured every year. Behind those figures are families, friends and local communities who are deeply affected.
We all have a role in improving road safety, and together we can bring about change. Everyone has a responsibility to keep people safe on our roads, and we must all work together to create lasting change.
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Focus on: Ramadan
A simple guide to Ramadan by Zakra Yasin and Shaista Begum from Public Health, Bradford Council
Ramadan: More than just fasting
 Ramadan Mubarak, to everyone observing Ramadan this year, and, for all those that are just curious about what it’s all about, please read on to find out more.
It takes a lot of discipline and self-control to take part in fasting for a month and as it can also take approximately 30 days to successfully break a habit, it can be a really good time to make some lifestyle changes to create some long term healthy habits! For example eating less sugar and high fat foods and taking more daily exercise.
So, what’s Ramadan all about?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It started on 28 February this year and will run for 29-30 days. The exact dates change each year as the Islamic calendar follows a lunar calendar.
This month is significant for Muslims because it’s when the Qur’an (the Islamic holy book) was first revealed. It’s a time for self-reflection, gratitude, and strengthening discipline, kind of like a spiritual and physical reset.
Fasting: More than just skipping meals
Fasting (Sawm) means no food, no drink (yes, even water!), from dawn till sunset. But it’s not just about going hungry, it’s about self-control, empathy for those who struggle daily, and a time to reset habits. Think of it as a real-life test of patience!
Here’s what fasting helps with:
✔ Discipline: Sticking to it for a month builds willpower (and let’s be honest, resisting snacks is never easy!)
✔ Empathy: Feeling hunger first-hand helps you to appreciate food and understand what others who are going without may be going through.
✔ Spiritual growth: Many spend more time in prayer, reflection, and giving to charity.
✔ Health benefits: Fasting can promote better digestion, metabolism, and even mental clarity (once you get past the caffeine withdrawal!).
The key parts of Ramadan
🌙 Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Power): One of the last 10 nights, believed to be when the Qur’an was first revealed. Muslims spend extra time in prayer, seeking blessings.
🤲 Charity & Community: Generosity is a big part of Ramadan, whether it’s donating money, food, or time to those in need.
🌅 Iftar & Suhur: The fast is broken at sunset (Iftar), usually with dates and water, followed by a meal. Suhur is the pre-dawn meal to help sustain energy throughout the day. Islam encourages balance in all aspects of life, including physical wellbeing, and fasting can serve as a natural way to cleanse the body and reset unhealthy habits.
🎉 Eid al-Fitr: The big celebration at the end of Ramadan with prayers, feasts, and giving to charity to mark the month’s end.
For non-fasting friends and colleagues: How you can be supportive
👀 Be mindful of energy dips: The first few days can be tough! If someone seems a little slower in the mornings or has a mid-afternoon slump, now you know why.
🕰 Flexibility helps: If possible, a bit of flexibility with working hours can make a huge difference, especially for those juggling fasting and late-night prayers.
🍽 No need to tiptoe around food: We know people still need to eat! No one expects you to hide your lunch, just try to be mindful, especially in smaller spaces.
💬 Ask, but don’t assume: Some people love sharing about Ramadan, others prefer to keep it personal. If you’re curious, a simple “How’s fasting going?” is a great conversation starter.
For those fasting: Making it work for you
💧 Stay hydrated at night: Water, water, and more water! Dehydration is the biggest struggle, so get those fluids in when you can. Try to avoid coffee and fizzy drinks as these can lead to more dehydration.
🍽 Go for balanced meals: Keeping meals light but filling helps avoid energy crashes. In the morning aim to eat foods with a high fibre content to keep you fuller for longer ( oatmeal, chickpeas or lentils). In the evening try not to over-eat and control your portion sizes, eat slowly and chew your food well, (this helps you to know when you are full). Try not to eat too much fried, fatty and sugary foods and include lots of fresh vegetables, lentils, beans, salads and fruits.
💤 Get enough rest: with early Suhur, Tarawih and Tahajjud (night prayers), keeping a good sleep routine helps. Power naps can be a lifesaver!
🏃♂️ Keep moving (but listen to your body): Light exercise like walking can help with energy levels, but don’t push too hard, your body is running on reserves! Save any more vigorous physical activity until after you have broken your fast.
🧘♂️ Mental focus & mindfulness: Fasting can help with mental clarity (once your body adjusts), and taking time for self-reflection is one of the biggest benefits of Ramadan.
People with chronic conditions, who are currently ill, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or menstruating, are exempt from fasting. If you have a chronic condition like Diabetes, and you still want to fast, please consult your doctor before doing so.
Diabetes UK offer lots of information for people living with diabetes who are fasting for Ramadan on their website.
Ramadan in a nutshell…
At its heart, Ramadan is about more than just fasting, it’s about reflection, gratitude, and community. Whether you’re observing it or supporting those who are, understanding what it’s about helps us all work together in a way that’s inclusive and respectful.
Wishing everyone observing Ramadan a blessed month and for everyone else, thanks for being supportive and understanding!
Click here to see some recipes for delicious meals and snacks you can have a go at making!
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Community Events & Groups
Firbank Green community orchard
 This is the second phase of the development of a community allotment/orchard in the Fagley area.
Bringing back into use a green space that was unfortunately used for fly tipping. One of our Living Well Community Health Development and Engagement workers has been working with the volunteers to formalise the group and develop partnerships for the second phase.
The third phase will include the involvement of local schools in the area and the development of an educational space, in close partnership with Incommunities.
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FREE WOW health checks
Come along to this FREE event for health checks including blood pressure, height, weight and cholesterol.
Saturday 12 April 2025 10am-2pm Victoria Hall Queensbury, BD13 1AB
Find out about your risk of developing diabetes, get information about healthy eating, physical activity and more. Meet the social prescribers who can talk to you about other support near you (from health to housing to debt).
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Dad Matters Bradford: Walk n Talk
 Dads and their little ones can join other Dads to enjoy this walk n talk! Dad Matters support fathers to have the most successful relationships with their families, to help them better understand their baby, their role as a dad and how the transition to fatherhood may affect them and their family.
Saturday 22 March 2025, 10.30am – 12.30pm, Cliffe Castle Park, Spring Gardens Lane, Keighley, BD210 6LH
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Meet the Living Well Team
Your Space drop-In sessions
Support and information on a variety of topics, for asylum seekers and refugees that have had a positive decision in the last 6 months.
Every Wednesday 10am – 12pm at Bevan House, 14 Piccadilly, Bradford, BD1 3LS.
The Living Well team will be there on 19 and 26 March so come along to meet them and find out how we can support your health and wellbeing.
Community events and support across Bradford district
Visit FYI’s What’s On search portal to find a range of (mostly free and low cost) events, groups and other activities across the district.
Visit Bradford 2025 City of Culture What’s On page to see exciting and innovative events you might be able to take part in across Bradford district; some have a cost but others are free or low cost.
Click here to read a news article about Bradford 2025’s commitment to improve the health and wellbeing of Bradford residents through its Creative Health programme, which will consist of 30 innovative cultural and creative projects.
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Do you know a child who needs support to have a bed of their own?
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More than 1 million parents in the UK give up their beds so that their children have somewhere to sleep. |
Zarach the children’s bed charity, wants to make sure that every child in Bradford has the opportunity to succeed at school because every child deserves a safe, warm place to rest their head each night, waking up energised and ready to learn.
Referrals need to be made by schools for a child to receive a new bed and mattress, duvet, pillow, bed sheets, and cosy pyjamas.
How can I refer a child for support?
If you think that you (or someone you know) is in need of support from Zarach, please inform your school’s pastoral team who can make a referral. If you’re a teacher or school staff member and know a child who could benefit from our help, please click the button below.
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Tasty recipes
Date balls
(similar to truffles but packed full of natural ingredients)
Ingredients:
- Dates
- Reduced fat margarine/plant-based spread (optional)
- Mini cupcake cases
Topping ideas:
- Desiccated coconut
- Cocoa powder or high cocoa content melted dark chocolate (70% or higher)
- Chopped pistachios
- Chopped thinly sliced almonds
Method:
- Take the stones out of each date, chop them roughly and place in a pan for heating (it’s up to you how many you use depending how many you want to make).
- Put a small amount of reduced fat margarine/plant-based spread in a pan with the chopped dates. Use a medium heat to warm it up and mix into a gooey texture. (The spread is optional). Try not to burn the mixture, you are just aiming for a soft doughy texture.
- Cool the mixture enough to handle without burning yourself - due to the natural sugar content in the dates it can get extremely hot to the touch!
- Shape the mixture into small truffle sized balls and then roll each in the topping(s) of your choice – try making lots of different ones so that you can see which flavours you prefer!
- If using melted chocolate, roll the date balls in the melted choccy and then leave to harden.
- Place the date balls in the cupcake cases and put in the fridge for about an hour, then store them in an airtight tin to use as and when you like.
Dates are a natural food but they are also high in natural sugars, so please enjoy them in small quantities!
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Chana Chaat
Easy Chole Chaat with yogurt
Ingredients:
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400 gm canned chickpeas drained
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2 small potatoes - peeled, cooked and chopped into cubes
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1/2 tsp of roasted coriander powder, cumin powder and black salt (or rock salt)
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1 tsp of red chilli flakes and chaat masala powder
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2-3 tsp tamarind chutney
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1 tomato - chopped
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1 cup natural yogurt
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2 tbsp milk
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1 tbsp sugar
- Salt to taste
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1 small onion thinly sliced
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Chopped coriander leaves for garnish
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Green chilli sauce (optional)
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Chaat masala for sprinkling
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1/2 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder
Method:
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Put the chickpeas and potatoes into a serving dish and mix together
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Add the roasted coriander powder, cumin powder, black salt, red chilli flakes, chaat masala powder, tamarind chutney and tomato.
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Before serving, whisk the yogurt, milk, sugar and salt together and spread over the top.
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Sprinkle the toppings and serve immediately.
- You can add more or less spices according to your taste.
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