Welcome to the April Living Well newsletter!
There’s still time to sign up for a FREE seed kit with our Grow Well to Eat Well campaign and we’re excited to tell you about awareness days to help improve your health and wellbeing, free training, community news, events and more!
Click the link above to jump to recipes you can have a go at making!
May is national walking month and we have lots of information about the benefits of walking. Find out about community groups and walking events, get links to walking groups in Bradford district, get info on how to stay active and lots more! (Click the links below to jump to each article).
Grow Well to Eat Well - Ready Set Grow!
 There’s still time to sign up for one of our fantastic FREE seed kits while stocks last!
Have a go at growing at home with a FREE kit that includes:
- A growing tray with seeds (chives, coriander & basil) OR 3 x compostable pots (spring onion, coriander & parsley)
- Soil
- Instructions
To get your free seed kit please click the button below and scroll down to ‘Get your FREE growing kit’ you will need to complete a short form to select where you would like to collect your kit from.
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Are you living with a heart condition?
 Keighley Healthy Living, in partnership with the Airedale Cardiac Rehabilitation Team, have launched two support groups for people living with heart conditions.
Join a supportive community to connect with others with similar conditions and share your experiences in a safe, welcoming environment, with occasional guest speakers.
If you have been newly diagnosed and want to learn how to live well with your condition, you’re living with an existing heart condition, are willing to offer support to others, or you would like to expand your support network you will be made welcome.
Keighley Group – second Thursday of every month: 10am-11.30am
Sangat Community Centre, Marlborough Street, Keighley, BD21 3HU
Skipton Group - Third Monday of every month: 6pm - 7.30pm
Quaker Meeting Room, The Ginnel off Newmarket Street, Skipton, BD23 2JA (Down the ginnel next to The Art Shop on Newmarket Street).
There’s no need to book, just turn up - carers welcome. For more information call 01535 677177 or click the pink button below to send an email.
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New all things stroke website launched!
 The West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT) has launched a new website, to support local patients, their families and carers with resources and support relating to stroke.
Designed with local stroke survivors, the voluntary sector, and healthcare professionals, the website acts as a ‘one-stop-shop’ and online directory for stroke advice and information, as well as support groups which you can filter to find options nearest to you.
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Allergy Awareness Week 22 - 28 April
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Air pollution is often thought of as being something that’s outside, like fumes from traffic or factories. |
However, there are things inside our homes like cigarette smoke, cooking/heating fumes, mould and using sprays or aerosols that can pollute the air. These can cause allergic reactions like wheezing and coughing or make conditions like asthma and COPD worse.
These tips can help:
- Don’t smoke or vape inside.
- Keep rooms aired, open windows (even if just for a few minutes) to help prevent mould.
- Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms if you have them, to remove cooking fumes/moist air.
- Swap aerosols for to pump action or roll-on cleaning and personal products.
- Avoid or reduce the use of appliances like wood burning stoves.
- Fix leaks or water damage in your home.
- Keep your home warm (heated to 18 degrees).
If you own your home, are on a low income and you’re struggling with home repairs, the council may be able to help, please click here for more information.
If you rent your home and you’re struggling to get your landlord to carry out repairs, please click here for more information.
If you’re struggling with bills or need advice on keeping your home warm while managing energy bills, please click here for more information.
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National Salt Awareness Week 12 – 18 May
In the UK we eat on average 8.4g of salt per day – that’s 2.4g more than the recommended maximum daily amount of 6g (for adults)! Lots of the salt we eat is hidden in everyday foods like breakfast cereals, bread, processed meats, cheese, and ready meals; you can check the food label to see how much salt is in the food you buy and whether this it’s low, medium or high.
Reduce salt in your diet by cooking fresh food yourself so you know how much you're using. 1 teaspoon of salt is approximately 5g, so try and keep it to a minimum, instead add flavour with black pepper, garlic, chilli or lemon juice.
Busting the Salt Myth!
There's been a lot of hype in the press and on social media about Pink/Himalayan/Celtic salt being a healthier option. Don’t believe the hype! They have almost the same sodium chloride content as regular salt, so they can still affect your blood pressure and be bad for your health.
If you’re worried about your blood pressure, please click the link below to find a pharmacy that offers FREE blood pressure checks
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Focus On: Physical Activity
May is National Walking Month!
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Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier. |
Being more active releases ‘feel good’ hormones and can have a positive effect on mental wellbeing and sleep quality, it’s good for children, young people and adults. It can help us feel better about our bodies and improve self-esteem and can help us cope with difficult times. The health benefits of walking also include reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, obesity and diabetes.
Moving more is better for your health than long periods of sitting. 20 minutes of brisk walking every day counts towards physical activity levels, why not join our 20 Minute Movement and share your journey with us #20MinMove
How fast do I need to walk?
Brisk walking is still being able to talk but not sing the words to a song!
If you have a long term health condition, walking can also help. Check out the support available here. There are tips on where to begin and also information relevant to long term conditions.
You can also find lots more information about walking on our website, with details about how to get started, where to go, groups you can join and lots more! Just click the pink button below.
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Manningham Library Women’s Walking Group
Every Wednesday, 9.45am – 10.45am, meet outside Manningham Library main entrance, Carlisle Road Bradford BD8 8BB
A relaxed paced walk for women of all ages that lasts for about 1 hour. Followed by refreshments afterwards in the library so you can relax and socialize.
Myra Shay Walkers
Every Thursday, 10:00am – 10:45am, meet by the top entrance of Myra Shay Park (below Lapage Primary School), Bradford BD3.
A gentle stroll around this lovely green space and time for some relaxation, gentle exercise and a friendly chat. Prams/pushchairs welcome.
Walk and Talk
11 May at 10am at Roberts Park (meet at Salt School car park)
Create Strengths Group “Walk and Talk" sessions are part of a mental health project focusing on combating social isolation. They want to encourage people to get outdoors, enjoy the natural greenery, and also have meaningful conversations.
Combining physical activity with social interaction can boost mental wellbeing, promote positive connections, and help people to build emotional resilience.
It’s Walk to School Week 19 – 23 May!
 May is National Walking month, and we want to encourage as many children as possible to walk, wheel, cycle or scoot to school and join in with this year’s Walk to School Week!
If you usually drive your children to school and can’t walk the whole journey, you can still join in by parking a little further away and maybe walking at least some of the way.
Walking is one of the easiest (and free!) ways to improve health and wellbeing. Starting the day with a walk to school helps children to feel wide awake and ready to learn when they arrive.
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Stronger for Longer!
 As we get older, our bodies naturally go through some changes. From the age of 40, we start losing muscle mass, which can affect how we move and function in everyday life. But don’t worry, it’s not all downhill from here, strengthening activities are key to keeping us feeling strong, active, and independent for years to come.
Strengthening activities do more than just build muscle! They can improve your mood, help maintain a healthy weight, improve sleep, and boost your overall wellbeing. If you’re managing a health condition, they can also help reduce risks and keep you feeling in control of your body.
Watch our short film about the benefits of staying Stronger For Longer!
To help you get started, please click the pink button below to find some simple exercises you can do at home, with step-by-step instructions.
A new printed booklet will be available soon at your local library and you can also pick up a copy at any of the community events where you see Living Well team. If you would like some copies for a community group or a service please email us.
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FREE training opportunity with JU:MP
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Free Children and Families Physical Activity Training! |
JU:MP is offering a free training opportunity supporting children and families in Bradford to lead more active, healthier lives. The training will build knowledge, skills and confidence to support children and families to move and play more.
Training will take part in two sessions which will be held on 30th April and 7th May 2025. If you would like to book a place, please click the button below to send an email.
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Helping more women feel they belong in physical activity
 Did you know, only one in ten women on lower incomes feel they completely belong in the world of exercise? It’s just one of the findings of new research for This Girl Can.
Research found that 84% of women were looking for practical support like childcare, flexible timings or women-only facilities to help them feel more welcome in physical activity settings.
We want ALL women to feel they belong in the world of physical activity. Where every woman, regardless of her background, age, shape, size or ability, feels being active is ‘for women like me’.
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Meet the Living Well Team
Nature’s Hope – a FREE family friendly day for nature
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Come and meet local organisations doing wonderful work in Bradford district. |
Saturday 24 May. 11am – 3pm, Lister Park gardens (Cartwright Hall), BD9.
Learn about how you can help and get involved. Our friendly Living Well team will be there so pop along and say hello!
Stalls, nature themed art & crafts, forest school, talks and workshops, poetry corner, story time and a pop up interactive nature art gallery
To find out more follow City of Nature CIC on Facebook or click the button below to send an email to Adele for more info.
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WOW Community Partnership event
Wednesday 23 April, 10am – 3pm at The Beacon, Wibsey Park, Bradford, BD6 3QD
Come along and get a free health check, including blood pressure checks and (where appropriate) blood tests. The primary care team will be there to answer questions about health and well-being and the Living Well team will be there to talk to you about services and offers too! Pop along and say hello at this drop-in session, it’s open to everyone and there’s no need to book!
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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 16, 23 and 30 April so come along to meet them and find out how we can support your health and wellbeing.
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Community News Info, Events & Groups
Bradford Community Group hosts Gardener’s Question Time on Radio 4
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A community group from Bradford was featured on BBC Radio 4’s Gardener’s Question time. |
Lister Community Action Group (LCAG) hosted the programme at Valley Parade where gardening experts Matthew Pottage, Marcus Chilton-Jones, and Juliet Sargeant answered residents’ questions, with Kathy Clugston hosting.
Over 370 people attended with questions asked by residents about their own gardens as well as community orchards, allotments and other green spaces across the district.
Also featured was the work that LCAG have done to ‘re-green’ their neighbourhoods, a project made possible in part due to the Community-Led Gardening & Food Growing Grants from the council’s Public Health team, who are working with Lister Community Action Group and Street Space to develop a ‘how to’ guide for people who would like to ‘re-green’ their neighbourhoods. If you would like to get involved, please click the button below to send an email
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Flourish Cafe
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The Flourish Coffee Shop is an accessible friendly space. |
This cafe supports members of the alcohol and drug recovery community. Customers can use the ‘pay it forward’ scheme donating food or drink to someone in drug or alcohol recovery. Please do consider visiting the cafe when you’re out for lunch or for meetings.
Mon - Fri 9.30am to 3pm. 14 North Parade, Bradford, BD1 3HT
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Bingley Fest 2025: 3 – 5 May
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Three days of exciting events across Bingley at various local venues! |
There will be lots of fun activities to try out; walking, tennis, skateboarding, tai chi, canoeing and much more!
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Bradford Sports Awards – 8 May
 Bradford Sports Awards celebrates local sporting achievements and looks to bring communities closer. The awards will be taking place at Bradford City, Valley Parade on Thursday 8 May, 6pm-11pm, and you can be there!
The evening features inspiring stories, sporting highlights over the past year and awards from seven different categories. Hosted by BBC's Tanya Arnold, celebrating the sporting achievements of athletes, of all levels, coaches, teams, administrators and volunteers.
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Weaving stories: Bradford Cathedral launches next season of events and installations
Find information on all the major events from May to August by clicking the button below. You can also find details of the Advent and Christmas dates already announced including G4 and the next collaboration concert between the choir and the Black Dyke Band, as well as events happening in April, including a premiere of 'Gideon: a play with music'.
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Bradford 2025: The Beacon is now open!
The Beacon is a venue like no other – a stunning performance space that will be touring the district during Bradford 2025. This super-versatile venue can be built and rebuilt anywhere – and it can be found for month-long stays in Wibsey Park, Bowling Park, Cliffe Castle Park and Lister Park. There’ll be weekday shows and weekend festivals. There will also be clubs, classes, family activities, neighbourhood get-togethers and more!
BBC Introducing at The Beacon, 25 April 2025: Whatever your experience or genre, sign up on the night and showcase your skills and talent! Outstanding acts could potentially hear their performances broadcast on BBC Introducing in Leeds and Sheffield, along with some of the best up-and-coming talent from West and South Yorkshire.
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Healthy (but tasty) Easter treats!
If you have a go at making these delicious recipes please share your pics on social media and tag us - we would love to see your creations! @MyLivingWell1
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Easter bunny pancakes |
What you will need:
- 50g self-raising flour
- 50g wholemeal flour
- 2 small eggs
- 150ml skimmed milk
- Oil for frying
- Raisins for bunny paws, to serve (optional)
- 1 banana sliced into rounds for the tails
- Extra chopped fruit to serve (optional)
How to make them:
Step 1: Put both types of flour into a large bowl. Separate the eggs into yolks and whites. Add the egg yolks to the flour and a little of the milk, then whisk the mixture into a thick paste. Add the rest of the milk, (a little at a time) to loosen the batter.
Step 2: In another bowl whisk the egg whites until they hold in place and make stiff peaks. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter mixture, don’t whisk it as you need keep in as much air as possible.
Step 3: Heat a large non-stick pan on medium heat and wipe it with some oiled kitchen paper. Using a large spoon add a generous dollop of batter to the pan in a round shape, for the bunny body. Add a smaller round for the head, two small ovals for feet, and two long thin strips for ears. Fit all the bunny parts into the pan or cook them in batches.
Step 4: Flip the pancakes after a minute or two, once the edges are set, the base is golden brown, and bubbles start to pop on the surface. Cook for another minute until golden brown.
Step 5: Put the bunny body in the middle of the plate, position the head, ears and feet just overlapping to look like the back of a bunny. Add a banana slice for the tail, and raisins (if using) for the feet pads.
Step 6: Repeat with the remaining batter. Decorate with extra chopped fruit.
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Chocolate dipped fruit |
What you will need:
- Left over chocolate eggs
- Wooden BBQ skewers
- Chopped fruit (strawberries, satsuma segments, bananas, apples, grapes)
How to make them:
Step 1: Chop the fruit into chunks
Step 2: Break up the chocolate eggs into a microwaveable bowl and microwave in short bursts on a low setting. Be careful as melted chocolate will be very hot!
Step 3: Thread the fruit onto the skewers (if you haven’t got any you could just use forks)
Step 4: Dip the fruit skewers into the melted chocolate and enjoy! (If the chocolate starts to set before you have finished, just pop the bowl back into the microwave and repeat step 2, being careful not to burn your fingers when it has just melted!)
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