 Welcome to our November newsletter!
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 MECC
Spotlight On: Men’s Health Awareness Month
Check in with your mate. Movember: Five things men should know about their health. ANDY’S MANCLUB. Men’s Sheds.
Your Health Matters
DrinkCoach. Can food save our health and planet? ANNIE – A new digital advisor for Adult Social Care. Together We Can campaign
Active Bradford District
Smoke and vape-free sidelines. Boost your health with BEEP! Make a difference with GoodGym Bradford
Children & Young People
Baby Week. Best Start in Life. SEND Parent/carer Survey 2025
Community Voice
The mayor’s big ideas challenge. ACAP relaunch. Back the Southern Gateway. Vote for Bradford Markets. Keighley mosque free health check events. Christmas Lights Events
Free Training
FREE LW Academy MECC training
 This free course offers an approach to behaviour change, using the day-to-day interactions that people and organisations already have with other people to support them to make positive changes to their physical and mental health and wellbeing
It aims to encourage people to stay well, to take steps to address the challenges they face, access support they need, and generally cope better in challenging times. This approach can help to reduce health inequalities.
Suitable for:
Anyone who has contact with people and wants to develop Public Health knowledge
Living Well Making Every Contact Count (MECC): course code - MECC015.
Mon1 December 2025, 10am – 12 noon, online (Microsoft Teams).
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Spotlight On:
Men’s Health Awareness Month
Men’s health really matters - physically and mentally. They’re more likely to face serious illnesses and have shorter lifespans, and poor mental health can lead to things like substance use, relationship struggles, and even suicide. But many men don’t speak up because of stigma or lack of support. Talking openly and creating safe, supportive spaces can truly help.
Check in with your mate
 Throughout November there are various national campaigns and awareness days that aim to highlight the importance for men to stay on top of their physical and mental health, including Movember and International Men’s Day.
We’re also encouraging men to ‘Check In With Your Mate’ and find support for mental and physical health if you or a mate is struggling. Call NHS 111 or click the button below to find out more.
Five things men should know and do when it comes to their health
 Spend time with people who make you feel good
Stay connected, your mates are important and spending time with them is good for you. Catch up regularly, check in and make time.
Talk more
You don’t need to be an expert and you don’t need to be the solution. Being there for someone spending time and listening can be life saving.
Know the numbers
At 50, talk to your doctor about prostate cancer and whether you should have a *PSA test. If you’re of African or Caribbean descent, or have a father or brother that has had or has prostate cancer, you need to have this discussion with your doctor at 45. Know the numbers, know the risk – talk to your doctor. Take a 30 second test to check your risk * PSA is a protein specific antigen produced in the prostate, men can have a PSA test via a blood sample. A PSA result can be high for lots of different reasons, including prostate cancer.
Know yourself
Check your body regularly and speak to a doctor if something doesn’t feel right or looks different.
Move more
Find something that makes you feel good and be active every day. Even small things can make a difference, if you have meetings at work, try a walking meeting or park further away from the station and walk. Find more ideas with our 20 Minute Movement
If you would like to lose some excess weight, learn about good nutrition and get more active, you can get 12 weeks free membership with The Brotherhood, a programme designed with men in mind.
ANDYSMANCLUB: It’s ok to talk
 ANDYSMANCLUB is a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free groups where people with similar experiences or challenges come together to help and inspire each other. They want to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation.
What to expect:
Firstly you will be shown the brew and biscuit station. The group has a five question format. The first three are always the same: 1) How was your week? 2) One positive from your week? 3) Anything to get off your chest? If time allows there’s a short break and then questions 4 and 5 which are often funny/inspirational/thought provoking to end the session on a positive e.g. What’s your favourite sandwich? There’s a talking ball that's passed around the group, so if you don’t feel ready to speak yet, you can just pass it along.
Groups are free, completely confidential, without any judgement and no booking is required. Groups are held every Monday from 7pm (except bank holidays).
Men’s Sheds
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Men’s Sheds are about making friends, learning and sharing skills. |
They’re kitted out community spaces where men can enjoy practical hobbies. Many guys come just for the tea and banter – everyone’s welcome.
Social connection: A place to meet like-minded people and build friendships, which can help combat loneliness and isolation.
Practical activities: Work on individual or group projects, making and mending items for themselves, their families, or the community.
Skill sharing: Encourages members to share their skills and knowledge with one another, with everyone being both a teacher and a learner.
Activities: Include lots of things like woodworking, metalworking, electronics repair and creating items like bird boxes or artwork.
Flexibility: Focused on practical hobbies, they are also a space for casual conversation, learning, or just quiet time.
Community focus: Many sheds work on projects for the local community and are also a place to discuss health and wellbeing matters.
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Your Health Matters
Do you want more control with alcohol?
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DrinkCoach helps people to assess and change their drinking habits. |
Feeling stressed, anxious, or low and turning to alcohol? Drinking every day - even just a little? It could be a sign it’s time for a change.
Visit DrinkCoach to take a quick 2-minute test to check your drinking.
People who live in Bradford district can also get free, confidential online coaching sessions with personalised advice. Choose your coach, book up to 6 sessions, and get support that fits your schedule, (includes evenings and weekends). Ready to feel more in control? DrinkCoach can help.
Can food save our health and our planet?
 A new report warns that global food production is harming our health and the planet. It recommends the Planetary Health Diet, mostly plant-based, with more fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts, and less meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.
This diet could:
- Cut emissions by 50%
- Save forests and wetlands
- Prevent 15 million deaths a year
- Lower early death risk by 27%
Governments are being urged to tax unhealthy foods and support fresh produce. The diet sets daily goals to help people and also help the planet to thrive.
Read the commission
Find out what we are doing about this in Bradford district
Easy food swaps you can make and lots of healthy meal ideas
ANNIE – A new digital advisor for Adult Social Care
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ANNIE is designed to transform how people access Adult Social Care support across the district. |
Available 24/7 via WhatsApp, Annie offers instant, multilingual assistance, supporting over 40 languages through text and voice notes.
The new digital solution platform will help people across the district who maybe searching for local voluntary services, community activities, exploring technological solutions or equipment. Annie will be able to help find information quickly at the tap of a screen offering greater independence for people in the comfort of their own home.
To start chatting with Annie just message Annie 24/7 via:
Together We Can - Stay well this winter
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Winter brings health risks like flu, RSV, COVID-19 and even loneliness for some. |
The NHS is urging everyone to take these simple steps:
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Keep warm to prevent illness
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Wash hands for 20 seconds to stop germs spreading
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Check in on older or vulnerable neighbours and friends
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Get vaccinated if you’re eligible
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Use the right service NHS 111 online (or call 111) for urgent, non-emergency advice
For minor winter ailments, rest at home, stay hydrated, and ask your pharmacist for help, they can even provide treatment for some conditions without a GP visit.
Together we can protect ourselves, each other, and our NHS. To find family health tips, information about local and online services, GP practice and pharmacy finder, and mental health support, just click the button below.
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Active Bradford District
Smoke and vape-free sidelines
 An Under-11s football tournament was held at the Co-op Academy on 25 October, in partnership with Bradford City FC Community Foundation.
Watch this fantastic film about the day!
The event was set up to launch the ‘Smoke and Vape-Free Sidelines’ pledge and encourage local junior clubs to sign up. It was a great turnout, with 10 teams taking part on the day.
The pledge was well received by coaches, players and families. All the teams that took part were provided with a banner to display in their club. BCFC will be contacting more junior clubs to sign up to the pledge. If your club would like to sign the pledge and receive a banner, please click the button below.
Boost your health with BEEP!
 Bradford Encouraging Exercise in People (BEEP) is a free 52-week programme helping inactive people get moving. It’s ideal for anyone, especially those with long-term health conditions, looking to improve their wellbeing.
Regular activity can ease pain, reduce stress, boost confidence—and help you meet new people!
Click here to watch a short film about BEEP
To join the BEEP programme all you need to do is:
- Live in Bradford district
- Be 16 years or older
- Be currently inactive
- Have a long term medical or mental health condition and/or a BMI above 25
If you answered yes to the above, ask at your local GP practice to take your first step!
Here's what some of our BEEP service users had to say:
Stay active and make a difference with GoodGym Bradford
 Looking for a way to keep fit while doing good for your local community? GoodGym Bradford could be just what you're looking for!
This inspiring group of volunteers combines exercise with community support by walking, running, or cycling to carry out local tasks. From gardening and planting to clearing weeds and painting, they help improve spaces across the Bradford district.
Recent efforts include volunteering at Northcliffe Community Garden, where they've made a real impact.
Whether you're keen to get involved or just curious about upcoming opportunities, click the button below to register a task or sign up for future events.
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Children & Young People
Baby Week 14-20 Nov
 Baby Week Bradford is back with the theme Caring for you…Caring for baby.
If you would like to find out about all the fun events and activities that will be taking place across Bradford district, please click the link below.
Best Start in Life - supporting families every step of the way
 Calling all parents and carers! Best Start in Life is here to help you and your child thrive, from pregnancy through to starting school.
Being a parent brings incredible moments of joy alongside natural worries and questions. Whether you're expecting your first baby, understanding your child’s early health, navigating their first day in childcare, or preparing for school, the Best Start in Life website brings together a range of trusted information and support in one easy-to-access place.
Explore the Best Start in Life website for resources and information. Sign up for emails and newsletters for regular updates and guidance. Check the map to see if your child’s school offers a free breakfast club. Find out how you can save money on early education and childcare.
Join the conversation! Annual SEND Parent/carer Survey
 Are you a parent/carer to a child or young person aged 0-25 with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), living in the Bradford district?
Please complete this year’s SEND parent/carer survey and help influence improvements to local SEND services. You could win a £30 Amazon gift voucher for taking part. The closing date is 19 December.
If you have any questions, please mahum@pfba.org.uk
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Community Voice
The Mayor’s big ideas challenge
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Are you aged 16-26 yrs and want to make local life better? |
Share your ideas for how to make life healthier and happier for young people in West Yorkshire.
The challenge is a special competition that helps to develop your ideas that could benefit your community.
You could:
- Win prizes worth up to £625 for the winning ideas
- Get £100 in vouchers if you finish the programme
- Learn about research, design, innovation and problem solving
- Add key skills to your CV
You don’t need qualifications, experience or to be a budding entrepreneur to enter – you just need an interest in making things better for local young people like you.
ACAP relaunches with new hub and renewed mission
 Bradford’s African Caribbean Achievement Project (ACAP) has relaunched, celebrating 30 years of service and unveiling a new arts and culture facility.
Funded by BD25 and community donations, the space will host creative programmes, workshops and events that promote wellbeing and cultural pride.
ACAP also launched ASH Support Hub, a welcoming space in Bradford’s university district offering:
- Peer support and domestic abuse recovery
- One-to-one consultations
- Neurodivergent support (RISE Together)
- Arts and wellbeing workshops
- Job clubs, IT lessons, early years support
- Groups like Black Carers United, Reggae Choir, and Young Lions (mentoring for Black boys)
ACAP is also reviving walking, swimming, yoga and outdoor exercise to help the community stay active and connected.
Claudia McFarlane, CEO, ACAP said: “This is an exciting chapter for ACAP, we look forward to serving the community for the next 30 years and ensuring representation in Public Health.”
Back the Southern Gateway!
The Southern Gateway is set to transform Bradford, connecting communities with better rail infrastructure and faster journeys.
£4.5bn in planned transport investment including a new city centre station and Mass Transit line - real change is coming.
This project will unlock space for homes, businesses, green areas, and community hubs, creating opportunities where they’re needed most.
Whether you’ve got time to spread the word, share on socials, or just want to stay in the loop, every voice counts.
To get involved email southerngateway@bradford.gov.uk for campaign materials, updates, and ways to show your support.
Vote for Bradford Markets!
 Voting is open for Britain's Favourite Market - please show your support for one of our Bradford Markets
Britain’s Favourite Market is an online voting award with a final judging, and voting is open now!
You can vote EVERY day until midnight on 12 December 2025
Please support the fabulous traders at our markets - vote now, vote tomorrow, vote every day!
Keighley mosque free health check events
 Find out about free services to help you live a healthier, more active life!
Blood pressure checks, height/weight checks and CO2 smoking checks. Vaccinations, men’s health, healthy eating, being more active and lots more!
Meet the Living Well teams; BEEP Exercise Referral Service, Stop Smoking Service, Community Health Development Team. Along with Modality, neighbourhood wardens and community champions.
21 Nov: 12 – 2pm (Men Only)
Shahjalal Jami Masjid & Quraniah, Temple Row,, Keighley, BD21 2AH
5 Dec: 1.30 – 3.30pm
Markazi Jamia Mosque. 75 Emily Street, Keighley, BD21 3EG
12 Dec: 1.30 – 3.30pm
Al-Hidaayah Foundation, Bridge Street, Keighley, BD21 1AA
Christmas lights switch on events
 Step into Christmas at one of the many Christmas lights switch-on events taking place throughout November and into December.
Sat 22 Nov
Bingley, Ilkley, Keighley Town Centre and Shipley Town Centre
Sun 23 Nov
Haworth
Sat 29 Nov
Addingham, Baildon, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Wibsey (Christmas Market and events from 11am with the lights switched on at 4pm) and Clayton
Sun 30 Nov
Idle Village and Silsden
Sat 6 Dec
Thackley
Click the button below for more information about events and activities taking place this festive season.
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