 Welcome to our October 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 on, or click the links to jump to the stories you're most interested in!
Free Training
Living Well Academy courses. Talk Money Week webinar with BDCU.
Spotlight On: Health Checks
Cancer screening saves lives. Type 2 diabetes checks. Free NHS health checks. Prostate cancer checks.
Your Health Matters
Living Well with a long-term health condition. John quit smoking – could you? Finding low-cost food options in Bradford district. Movember. Keep well this winter. Stress awareness week.
Active Bradford District
We like the way you move. Anyone for tennis? 5v5 football festival. Swim, bike, run neighbourhoods.
Children & Young People
Sendiverse festival. Bradford doulas. Baby Week Bradford.
Community Voice
Small steps - big progress. Reclaim the Night. What to do with leftover apples. Bingley Community Growing Project.
Free Training
Living Well Academy
 Adult Mental Health Aware
Tue 4 Nov: 10.30am – 2.30pm
Location: Face-to-face (Bradford city centre - venue tbc)
Course code: MHFAhalf024.
Adult Mental Health First Aid (2 days)
Wed 19 & Thur 27 Nov: 9am – 4.30pm.
Location: Face-to-face (Bradford city centre - venue tbc)
Course code: MHFA028.
Adult Mental Health First Aid (4 days)
Tue 2, Thur 4, Tue 9 & Thur 11 Dec: 10am – 2pm
Location: Online (Microsoft Teams)
Course code: MHFA029.
Making Every Contact Count (MECC)
Tues 11 Nov: 10am – 12noon,
Location: Online (Microsoft Teams).
Course code: MECC015.
Talk Money Week 2025
 Join Bradford District Credit Union (BDCU) for a FREE national Talk Money Week special, focused on “Protecting Communities from Financial Harm”.
Wed 5: 1pm – 2.30pm (online)
A dynamic and practical webinar that brings together national experts to tackle the financial threats facing individuals and communities today. From fraud and illegal lending to gambling harm and financial resilience, this session will help you stay informed, protected and empowered.
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Spotlight On: Health Checks
Cancer screening saves lives!
 The NHS has launched a new campaign to encourage everyone in the Bradford and Craven area to take up the offer of breast, cervical, bowel or cancer screening when invited to their appointment.
Many people feel worried or afraid to attend their screening at first, but cancer screening saves lives, and early detection is vital.
The campaign aims to reassure people that their appointment is nothing to be nervous about; it will be “quick and easy”, “it won’t hurt”, “your health is worth it” and “it’s peace of mind”.
Discover what to expect, hear from Bradford residents, and get tips to make your screening more comfortable.
World Diabetes Day: 14 Nov
This year the theme is about removing the stigma of having diabetes, so that we can have more open and honest conversations about what it’s like to live with diabetes.
Dispelling the myths about diabetes can also encourage people who are worried about their diabetes to seek support.
Check your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes here
Free NHS health checks
 If you are age 40 plus you may qualify for a free NHS Health Check.
The NHS Health Check is a free check-up of the health of your heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular health). It can tell you whether you're at higher risk of getting certain health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and stroke.
If you're aged 40 to 74 and do not have a pre-existing health condition, you should be invited to an NHS Health Check by your GP or local council every 5 years.
If you think you are eligible but have not been invited, contact your GP surgery to find out if they offer NHS Health Checks or contact your local council to find out where you can get an NHS Health Check in your area.
Check your risk of prostate cancer in just 30secs
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men over 45. But don’t worry - there’s a lot that you can do and when caught early, prostate cancer can often be successfully treated.
If you learn to understand your risk, then you can start conversations with your doctor earlier, to increase your chance of early detection or, better still, to get peace of mind that you are fine.
If you’re aged 50 plus, you can ask for a PSA test at your GP practice. PSA is a protein produced in the prostate. However, if you are worried about prostate cancer, no matter your age, please speak to your doctor. Black men (including those of dual heritage), men with a brother or father who have had prostate cancer, and men over 50 are considered to be at higher risk.
Check your risk of prostate cancer in just 30 seconds
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Your Health Matters
Living Well with a long-term condition
 We’ve updated the information in our long-term health condition booklets to help people in Bradford district live well with asthma, COPD, heart failure and after a stroke.
If you have a long-term condition, there are things you can do to help you manage your condition and stay as well as possible. These include, making changes to your diet and eating healthily, regular exercise and taking your medication at the right time. It’s also important to stay active and do things that are important to you. It’s about what you can do and want to do, rather than what you can’t do.
The booklets are intended to use alongside guidance from your healthcare professional. We have printed copies that you can collect from our friendly Living Well team when they attend community events and you can also download pdf copies with the links below.
Living Well with Asthma
Living Well with COPD
Living Well with Heart Failure
Living Well after Stroke
Have you quit for Stoptober?
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John from Cutler Heights in Bradford quit with our help - this could you! |
Even if you’ve tried to quit before, this time with the right help and support you CAN quit and we CAN help!
John got in touch with the Living Well Stop Smoking Service to help him quit smoking. He says that the support he received was such a positive experience he's encouraging friends and family to get in touch with them too!
Since quitting John feels fitter, very proud and much more confident. He’s noticed a big improvement in his breathing and is managing everyday tasks a lot better. He’s also financially much better off. You can read John's full story here.
If you would like to quit smoking and enjoy the benefits that John has experienced since quitting, please get in touch with the Living Well Stop Smoking Service.
There’s still time to start your quit journey, it’s never too late to stop smoking. Call 01274 437700 or complete a simple online form.
Are you experiencing food insecurity?
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We want to make sure that families in Bradford district don't go without the food they need. |
We have created a new leaflet to help people experiencing food insecurity to find low-cost and free food options in Bradford district.
The leaflet includes practical information on schemes including NHS Healthy Start, the Nourishing Communities Voucher Scheme, FoodSavers Network, free school meals, emergency food support, and more.
QR codes are included with each scheme for easy access to eligibility checks and applications to help people find nutritious food, budget-friendly recipes, and additional support services.
Click here to download the leaflet
Get ready for Movember!
 The month of November is now well-known around the world as Movember!
Movember has funded over 1,000 men’s health projects since 2003, with a focus on themes including mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
Movember began with a handful of men growing and sporting a moustache to raise money during November each year. It's now become a full month of charity events that anyone of any gender can take part in!
Grow a MoUSTACHE
Patchy, lopsided, itchy or epic – whatever Mo you grow this Movember, your face will raise funds and awareness for men’s health.
Move for Movember
Commit to running or walking 60km over the month, at your own pace. That’s 60km for the 60 men we lose to suicide each hour, every hour across the world.
Host a Mo-ment
Rally a crew and do something fun and easy. Hosting is all about having a good time for a good cause.
Mo your own way
Create your own challenge – it can be anything. A gruelling test of physical endurance or something else entirely. Your epic efforts will help change the face of men’s health.
Watch some of Movember’s informative (and sometimes funny) videos about the importance of different men’s health issues
Keep well this winter
 Each winter, there is an increase in acute respiratory and gastro-intestinal illnesses, however it only takes small measures to reduce the spread of most of these infections. By following advice on good hygiene habits and taking up the opportunity to get vaccinated when offered, you can protect yourself, your children and the wider community.
If you are eligible to get vaccinated against flu, COVID-19 or RSV, you will be contacted by your GP. School aged children will also be offered the flu jab at their schools and parents will have been contacted to request consent for these. These vaccines can prevent you and your family from becoming seriously ill from these infections.
Stress Awareness Week: 3 - 11 November
Feeling stressed is about how we react when we feel under pressure or threatened – it isn’t always a problem but sometimes it can be. For example, when we feel that we are unable to manage or control situations in our lives, when we (or someone close to us) have experienced something upsetting or when we worry too much about things that we can’t change.
Stress can affect us in a lot of different ways, both mentally and even physically. We might feel irritable or angry, impatient, wound up or worried. We may lose interest or enjoyment in things we normally enjoy and might neglect ourselves in other ways too, but there are some simple things that you can do to help manage your stress and cope when you're under pressure (build resilience).
Mind in Bradford have developed a wonderful online self-care activity book to help you to care for your own mental health and wellbeing in your own way.
To find out about more support in Bradford district, click the button below.
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Active Bradford District
We like the way you move!
 We're proud to support This Girl Can’s new campaign “We Like The Way You Move” celebrating the different ways that women choose to move and get active.
The campaign aims to support the many women who do not feel that traditional physical activity is appealing, feasible or worthwhile to them – but who find their own ways to move, on their terms, in their everyday lives because every way of getting active counts.
"Just 10 mins of movement boosts your energy, sleep, confidence and mood. And for the women who have been left out of the sport and physical activity space, starting with 10 mins of movement is a brilliant way to build confidence."
Share ideas, pictures and videos of what getting active looks like for you using #ThisGirlCan and tag us: @MyLivingWell1. Whether it’s a stretch in the living room, a boogie in the kitchen, a kickabout in the park or a swim with friends, every woman’s story helps to show that there is no one way to be active, but that all ways count!
Anyone for tennis?
 The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) have funded a refurbishment programme to make improvements at many of the tennis courts in parks across Bradford district.
To use a tennis court there will be a small charge of £4 per hour (concessionary rates available for people with a valid Bradford Leisure Card). This will be used to ensure that the courts are maintained and to improve other courts in future years.
The venues you can play at are all available to book on the LTA’s website.
5v5 multi faith football festival
 Tournaments to be held at Speedball, Duncombe Way, Bradford, BD8 9SY
Junior Tournament (Under 13s & Under 16s) Tue 28 Oct: 2pm – 5pm
Women’s Tournament (16+) Tue 28 Oct: 5pm – 7pm
Men’s Tournament (18+) Thur 30 Oct: 8pm
For rules and regulations and to ask for a registration form please click the button below to send and email.
Swim, bike, run neighbourhoods
 British Triathlon and Active Bradford launched a new three-year partnership aimed at inspiring children, families, and communities across Bradford to get active through swimming, cycling, and running.
The launch event took place recently at Green Lane Primary School in Manningham. Children and their families tried free activities including mini triathlon games, water safety games and information, cycle coaching with adapted bikes for accessibility, and a range of family-friendly activities delivered by JU:MP and Living Well.
The partnership will work to develop Swim, Bike, Run Neighbourhoods in Keighley and Holmewood, with wider opportunities for activity across the district. It will aim to ensure that physical activity becomes a positive, lasting part of everyday life for families across Bradford.
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Children & Young People
Sendiverse festival
 Taking place during October half-term (Mon 27 to Fri 31 Oct) there are over 50 FREE activities happening across Bradford district!
A whole week dedicated to imagination, creativity, and the incredible talents of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across Bradford and Keighley!
Activities include a sound bath, circus skills, Bollywood dancing, arts & crafts Sessions, nature walks, film-making and much more!
The Festival will end with a celebratory Big Bang event on Sat 1 Nov: 11am to 4pm at The Life Centre, Wapping Road, BD3 0EQ.
Bradford Doulas
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Empowering Bradford mums during pregnancy and early parenthood. |
For the past fourteen years, Bradford Doulas have been providing practical and emotional support to vulnerable women and their families, during pregnancy, birth and the early days of parenthood.
You can find out what Bradford Doulas do here.
Baby Week Bradford is back 14-20 November!
 The theme this year is: Caring for you…Caring for baby!
Highlighting the fact that self-care is a must when caring for your baby. Make room for yourself and your baby through activities, events and information around:
- Personal care
- Good health and nutrition
- Improved mental health
- Making little moments to make time for yourself
- Making the most of support networks
- Being active, playful and bonding with baby
There'll be plenty of ways to get involved, indoors and outdoors across Bradford district whether you're an expectant family, a family with children aged 0-3 years, or a member of the maternity and early years workforce. Together we'll explore why self-care is so important for babies’ development and future health and uncover the benefits for all of us of caring a little more about ourselves.
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Community Voice
Small steps, big progress: a young person’s journey to moving more
 The Living Well Children & Families Service is celebrating a brilliant success story from a determined 15-year-old who’s made incredible progress towards a healthier lifestyle.
Starting with less than an hour of activity a week and feeling discouraged by breathlessness and low confidence, she took her first steps, literally, with short daily walks alongside her mum. With gentle support from her Living Well Advisors, those walks soon turned into regular journeys home from school.
By her fourth session, she’d made a bold leap: joining her local Parkrun! She completed her first event walking with her sister and now plans to keep going, aiming to improve her time each week.
She’s a shining example of how small changes, encouragement, and support can spark confidence and joy in moving more. A true inspiration!
Watch our short film here
If you would like more information about how you can access the Living Well Children & Family Service please click here to send an email or click the button below to find out more.
Reclaim the Night
 Staying Put are inviting people to take to the streets of Bradford to peacefully stand together against gender-based violence and harassment in a Reclaim the Night march.
The march will take place on 26 October starting at 4pm at the University of Bradford - the Multi- Faith Prayer Room in Carlton Building.
The march will circle around the campus and then out into the city centre and around Centenary Square. Bring banners, placards and your voice to raise awareness and show collective strength.
Everyone is welcome, especially those who stand in solidarity with women and girls for the right to feel safe on the streets after dark.
This is a free event but the organisers kindly ask you register to attend.
Wondering what to do with leftover apples?
 Tonnes of home-grown apples go to waste across Bradford district. Working with four community hubs in Bradford district, Fruit Works Co-operative have established a coordinated juicing equipment library and service avoids apples going to waste.
The juicer will be shared across four community hubs in the district. You can take your surplus apples to: Wibsey Community Gardens, Woodville Community (Keighley), Inn Churches Storehouse (Central Bradford) and Kirkgate Community Centre (Shipley).
The juicer can also be hired out for £30 a day, so a group of friends could produce fresh juice with their leftover fruit.
Fresh herbs and edible plants from Bingley garden group
 A Bingley Community Growing Project is connecting people through gardening and growing edible plants.
From playgrounds to parks, walking trails to train stations, it sees people learn hands-on knowledge of growing different types of plants for all to enjoy. It hopes to nurture kind and connected communities through the power of food and bring people together outdoors.
You can find fresh herbs and edibles at Bingley or Crossflatts station - take a small pinch home to add to your food!
You can read the full article in the T&A here.
Please click the pink button below to find out more about the Bradford Good Food Strategy.
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