 Welcome to the Living Well July newsletter!
Free offers, support, and local events to help you feel good, get connected, and live well in Bradford district.
Grab a cuppa and read the whole newsletter or click the links below to jump to the stories you're most interested in!
Free Training
Living Well Academy courses. Climate ambassadors.
Spotlight On: Summer Fun
Free HAF park events. Play in the parks (Shipley). Bradford photo walk. HAF summer clubs. Summer reading challenge. Story & rhyme times. Staying safe in open water.
Your Health
Staying safe in hot weather. Healthy food swaps. Safe picnics. Help to stop smoking.
Active Bradford District
20 Minute Movement.
Children & Young People
Children and families service. Oral health update with SEND resources. Sleep Chat service. Healthy snacking with Veg Power. Play streets. Autism ADHD Allies. Public health nursing services.
Community Voice
Grow well to eat well. Meet the Living Well team. Bradford council climate action plan. Bradford Bulls foundation groups. Mind the gap. Leaf project. Dementia information day. Death café. Work clubs. City of culture events.
Free Training
Free training with the Living Well Academy
 Making Every Contact Count (MECC). Tue 16 Sept: 10 – 12pm.
Location: Online. Microsoft Teams (Course code: MECC014).
An approach to behaviour change using day-to-day interactions that people and organisations have with other people supporting them to make positive changes to their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Adult Mental Health Aware. Thurs 11 Sept: 10am – 2pm.
Location: Online – Microsoft Teams (Course code: MHFAhalf022).
Suitable for anyone to build their knowledge and understanding of mental health and give them the confidence to have conversations with those who may be experiencing distress because of a mental health issue. Certificate upon completion.
Adult Mental Health First Aider: Thurs 25 Sept & Thurs 2 Oct: 9am – 4.30pm (2 days)
Location: Face to face course. Central Bradford venue to be confirmed (Course code: MHFA026).
Suitable for people to take on the role of Mental Health First Aider within their organisation. Certificate upon completion. Must attend both course days.
Adult Mental Health First Aider: 13/16/20 & 22 Oct, 10am – 2pm (4 days).
Location: Online – Microsoft Teams (Course code: MHFA027).
Suitable for people to take on the role of Mental Health First Aider within their organisation. Certificate upon completion. Must attend all four course days.
Become a climate ambassador and receive free training
 The Climate Ambassadors scheme is looking for people who can volunteer their time (a minimum of 1 day a year) to support climate action in education settings in Bradford district.
You will receive a free DBS check, safeguarding and full training to give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed in the role. You will also be provided with resources and regular support from the regional hub team based at the University of Leeds.
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Spotlight On: Summer Fun
FREE Summer of family fun in parks!
 Free HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) fun in parks across Bradford district during the summer holidays!
Lots of activities for ages 5-14 yrs with sports games, climbing tower, bouncy castles, sports Inflatables, dance, arts and crafts, adventure play and lots more!
Free, healthy packed lunches available for children who receive benefit-related free school meals (subject to demand).
No booking needed, just turn up and play - 11am to 3pm!
Play in the Parks
 Free play sessions for children of all ages and their families, with lots of fun, games and activities.
All of these events are funded by local Town, Parish and Village Councils. They are free and run from 11am – 3pm. Click the link below for a full list of dates and locations.
Explore Bradford on a Family Photo Walk!
 Join Bradford BID this August for a fun Photo Walk around the city centre! Celebrate local landmarks, greenery, and architecture with the whole family.
Launch Event: Fri 1 Aug at 10.30am. Meet outside Waterstones
Snap photos of 15 iconic spots using your phone or camera. Can’t make the launch? Pick up a checklist from Waterstones anytime in August and join in when it suits you.
Share your best shots with #BradfordPhotoWalk for a chance to win a £100 Bradford City Centre gift card!
HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) summer clubs
 Children who receive benefits-related free school meals are eligible for a free place at a HAF holiday club during the Easter, Summer and Christmas school holidays.
HAF clubs provide free fun activities and a healthy meal for eligible children, including children with SEND or additional needs.
HAF events will take place from 29 July to 2 August. Places are limited so please book early to avoid missing out.
If your child receives benefits-related free school meals, please click here to register and book a place.
If your child doesn’t receive benefits-related free school meals but has special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) please contact a club directly. Please click here to find your nearest club and contact them to ask about available places.
Summer Reading Challenge
 This summer, Bradford Libraries invite children to step into the magical world of ‘Story Garden’, the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge theme.
Available for free in public libraries, the Summer Reading Challenge helps children stay engaged with reading during the summer holidays. They can discover new books, earn rewards, and enjoy nature-inspired events and activities. Sign up at your local library to begin your adventure.
Bradford Libraries have so much to offer!
Many libraries offer free story or rhyme times that often include a craft activity related to one of the day's stories. It's a great way to introduce young children to libraries and there's time to socialise before and after sessions. Children can join the library, take out books with their own library card, and become members of the Bookstart Bear Club.
Fancy a dip? Stay safe in open water
 Taking a dip in a lake, canal, river or the sea can seem like a great way to cool off during hot weather, but open water swimming can also be dangerous.
Whatever your ability and experience, please be aware of the dangers:
- Even on a very hot day, open water can be extremely cold. You can find yourself struggling to breathe and to swim
- Water is often much deeper than it looks
- Swimmers can find themselves trapped and unable to get out of the water with steep banks
- Underwater or hidden objects can be hazardous, and swimmers can also get struck by boats and other craft
- You might only be planning to paddle, but there can be powerful rip currents (in the sea) or fast flow under the water (in rivers) that could drag you into deeper water
Find out more about open water swimming safely here.
Float to live
 If you do end up in the water and get into trouble, remember these five simple steps – they could save your life.
- Tilt your head back, submerging your ears
- Relax and try to control your breathing
- Move your hands to help you stay afloat
- Your legs may sink but that’s OK – everyone floats differently
- Spread your arms and legs to improve your stability
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Your Health
Staying safe in hot weather
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Lots of us are enjoying the warmer weather, but getting too hot can affect our health. |
Top Tips to stay safe:
- Keep an eye on your local weather forecast and any temperature warnings
- Drink plenty of fluids (water is best). Avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks
- Don't spend too much time outside or exercising during the hottest part of the day (usually between 11am-3pm)
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothes if possible
- If you do need to head out, use suncream (at least SPF30), wear a sun hat and take a bottle of water with you. Walk in the shade if possible
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle
- Keep an eye on family, friends or neighbours who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. If you're at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you
Keep your home cool:
- Keep blinds/curtains closed and windows shut when it’s cooler inside than out to block out the heat and keep your indoor space as cool as possible
- Open windows early morning or late evening when it's cooler. If you can open windows on opposite sides of the house it helps to create cross ventilation
- A damp cloth or splash of water on the back of your neck can be a good way of cooling down if you don’t have a fan
- If needed, move to a cooler part of the house, especially for sleeping
July is national picnic month!
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Enjoy a picnic in local parks and greenspaces with your family! |
Summer is the perfect time to start planning some delicious and healthy picnics. There are lots of ways to make sure that your picnic is lower in fat, sugar and salt, but still super tasty!
- Swap white bread for brown or wholemeal bread
- Swap butter for low-fat sunflower or olive spread or reduced fat cream cheese instead of butter or spread
- swap sugary treats for malt loaf, rice cakes with peanut butter, or fresh fruit salad
- Swap crisps and dips for carrot, pepper and celery sticks with low-fat hummus, baba ganoush, guacamole, raita or tzatziki
- Swap toffee/sugar-coated popcorn for slightly sweet or salted popcorn
- swap cocktail sausages for quorn or vegetarian sausages
- Swap fizzy pop for water, flavour it with chopped up lemon, or other fruits and even herbs like mint!
You can find more ideas for healthy picnic recipes here
Click here to see our favourite recipe for July – Crustless quiche!
Please don’t use disposable BBQs away from home due to fire risks and make sure you put all rubbish in bins or take it home so that other people can also enjoy a clean space.
Keeping picnic food safe to eat
Make sure the food you take for a picnic stays fresh and safe to eat.
Wash your hands before preparing food. If you can’t wash your hands at your picnic site, use hand sanitising wipes or gels to disinfect them before eating. Plan ahead and keep food cool until you’re ready to eat it with a cool bag. (A sandwich bag with ice cubes in can keep food cool if you don't have one). When you finish eating, put any remaining food back in the cool bag.
It’s really important to remember the 4Cs. Click the links below to find out more:
Cleaning / Chilling / Cooking / Cross-contamination
Ready to quit smoking?
 Relying on willpower is the least effective way to quit smoking, but with the right support, you’re up to three times more likely to quit for good.
The Living Well Stop Smoking Service can give you free confidential support to keep you motivated to quit. You will get one-to-one support from a friendly trained advisor who will create a 12 week personal quit plan designed with you, to work for you.
The only impossible journey is the one you never begin. You CAN quit and we CAN help - so start your journey today!
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Active Bradford District
Join the 20 Minute Movement to get moving!
 The 20 Minute Movement is helping people across Bradford district get more active in ways that work for them - no gym required!
Whether you're managing a long-term health condition, looking for community-based activities, or just need a little motivation, there’s something for everyone.
We will be sharing lots of ideas and inspirational stories on social media during August, follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram @MyLivingWell1 to find out more!
There will be an update in our next newsletter with links to resources and stories featuring real people who have changed their lives by moving more. No matter your starting point, the 20 Minute Movement can help you take that first step - your way!
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Children and Young People
Helping children live healthier lives
 The free Living Well Children and Families service supports children and young people aged 2–19 who are above a healthy weight.
Taking a “Health First” approach, the team focuses on improving physical and emotional wellbeing, not just weight. Friendly, trained advisors work with parents (for children under 13yrs) or directly with young people (13yrs+) to build healthy habits around food and activity. They understand the challenges families face and aim to make healthy living easier and more achievable.
To find out more, click the pink button below, call 01274 435 660 or email us.
Brushing up with The Living Well Children and Families Service and the Oral Health Team
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The team received training on keeping young teeth healthy! |
The Living Well Children and Families Team learned about keeping young teeth healthy and how families can access useful support, including free toothbrushes.
Living Well and the Oral Health team will work together to help young children who have dental decay to reduce their sugar intake, choosing snacks and drinks that are healthier for their teeth…and bodies!
Click here for videos and other information about healthy teeth and diet for babies, infants and young children
Click here for “Brush DJ” 2 minute songs that you and your children can have fun brushing your teeth to!
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toothPASTE a free, online resource! |
Autism-informed, non-judgemental, easy to use resources have been developed with parents and professionals to support autistic children’s oral health.
They include small, practical steps to help with toothbrushing, reducing sugary foods and drinks, and attending dental appointments.
Help for parents to discuss children’s sleep
 Parents/carers of children aged 2-11 years in Bradford district can have a 20-minute phone call with a qualified sleep practitioner, to discuss any sleep issues their child may be experiencing.
Sleep chat sessions will take place on the following dates between 10am-12pm on Tue 17 Sept, Wed 2 Oct, Tue 12 Nov and Wed 4 Dec.
To book a chat or for more info please click the button below to send an email.
Healthy snacking with Veg Power
 The Living Well Schools team is supporting Veg Power’s 'Attack the Snack' and 'Full of Beans' campaigns to get more children eating fruit and veg snacks more often during the summer holiday.
Snacks can be a helpful way to provide extra energy but most shop-bought snacks are high in fat, sugar and salt. Attack the Snack encourages kids to make some healthy swaps!
Beans are little powerhouses of goodness, they’re good for health and full of protein, fibre and vitamins. They’re good for the planet and pretty good news for stretched family budgets too!
Turn YOUR street into a Play Street!
 Residents and community groups in Bradford district can apply for permission to temporarily close their street to traffic to create a ‘Play Street’.
This creates a space for 1-3 hours where children and families who might not have access to parks, green spaces or other play areas, get outside and play, socialise, and have fun right on their doorstep!
The council will do all the checks necessary and even provide traffic signs and cones needed if your street is suitable.
Self-Help and Support for Children and Young People with Autism, ADHD and Neurodiversity
 The West Yorkshire Partnership are offering new resources for neurodivergent children and their families, designed to empower children and young people to feel independent and supported as they navigate life’s challenges.
There’s support about school transitions, sleep, eating and a variety of top tips and suggestions that can help children and young people find what works best for them.
The content is fully accessible for different learning needs, in a range of formats, including videos (with and without subtitles and background audio), booklets (with images and plain text), and audio recordings.
Have your say about Public Health Nursing Services in Bradford district
 Bradford’s Public Health Nursing service want to hear from parents and carers of babies, children and young people aged 0 - 19 yrs in Bradford district, to help shape and improve the service.
Share your views about existing services, how they work for you, and what you would like to see in the future.
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Community Voice
Grow Well to Eat Well update
 Since April, we've given nearly 1,000 free herb-growing kits to people in Bradford district to encourage them to grow their own food and enjoy getting outdoors.
Kits have also been shared with community groups in Keighley, Oakworth, Bingley, Undercliffe, Queensbury, West Bowling and at the Nature’s Hope event in Lister Park.
There are only a few kits left, so if you would like one (or some for a community group), please email us with your contact details.
Click the pink button below to learn more about growing your own food with our helpful tips and guides.
Come and say hello to the Living Well team!
The team will be at the following events offering advice about eating well, moving more, managing your weight, help to stop smoking and more!
Wellbeing Day: Wed 16 July, 12.30pm - 4pm at The Beacon at Cliffe Castle Park, Keighley, BD20 6LH. Come along for lots of useful information about health and wellbeing from qualified and experienced professionals, including health checks and more. No need to book, just drop-in!
FREE Family Fun Day “Hope Not Hate”: Thurs 31 July, 11am – 4pm at Odsal Stadium, BD6 1BS. Live music and stage acts, arts and crafts, sport and physical activities, family games and so much more!
Have your say!
Bradford Council have drafted a climate action plan which details the projects, programmes and activities that will support their vision of achieving Net Zero by 2038, making significant progress by 2030. They aim to create a sustainable, healthy, vibrant and resilient district, ready to seize opportunities and work together to overcome the challenges of a changing climate.
Bradford Bulls Foundation
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Active Ageing free programme helping older adults stay healthy & make new friends. |
Soup and a Social: Fridays, 1pm – 2.30pm, at Bulls Foundation Hub at Odsal Stadium, BD6 1BS.
Dementia Café: on home game days (18 July, 1 August, 8 August), 6pm - 7pm, at Odsal Stadium, BD6 1BS.
Physical Activity Club: Mondays, 10am - 11:30am, at Odsal Stadium, BD6 1BS.
Part of the Active Aging programme which includes Digital Literacy Club, Mental Health and Rugby Reminiscence. Visit the website for more info.
Mind The Gap
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Empowering people with learning disabilities and autism with performing and live arts. |
Art Club: Thursdays 10.30am - 12.30pm at Equality Together, Manningham Mills, BD9 5BD.
Get It in Writing: writing honestly about you! Thursdays 1.30pm - 3pm at Bradford New Church, Ashfiled Ave, BD18 3AL.
Make Space: Take part in visual art, poetry or movement activities. First Thursday of every month 6pm - 7pm, relaxed online sessions.
Sensory Art Garden: Tuesdays 10.30am to 12.30pm at Westbourne Green Community Health Care Centre, Heaton Road, BD8 8RA.
Please email to book places
Leaf Project: Tuesdays, 1.30 – 3.30pm, Shipley Library (BD18 3QH). A free creative project for adults run by HIVE. Free sessions and free resources. Email shipley.library@bradford.gov.uk or call 01274 437150.
Dementia Information Day: Wednesday 23 July 2025, 11.30am - 1.30pm, City Library (BD1 1SD). A short presentation about Dementia followed by an opportunity to talk to different teams, services and groups about what they can offer to people with Dementia and their families or carers. Refreshments provided. Email city.library@bradford.gov.uk or call 01274 433600.
Death Café: Third Tuesday of every month (no meeting in August), 5.30 – 7.00pm, City Library (BD1 1SD). A safe space to talk about death and all things related. Free. Everyone welcome. Hot drinks provided. Visit the Facebook page or call 07914 495626
Work Clubs: Bradford Libraries are helping unemployed people in their search for work. Drop into a free work club to learn basic computer skills, create or update a CV, log onto Universal Jobmatch, and set up an email account. Find out more
FREE events in Bradford district!
There are lots of FREE events across Bradford district taking place all the time as part of Bradford 2025 City of Culture.
Stay up to date: Follow us on social media
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