 Welcome to the July edition of the Living Well newsletter!
Our newsletter is packed with ideas, support, and local events to help you feel good, get connected, and live well across Bradford district.
Grab a cuppa and read on or click the links below to jump to the articles you're most interested in!
Free Offers/Training
FREE Living Well Academy Training Courses.
Spotlight on: Summer Safety
Staying Well in Hot Weather. Water Safety.
Your Health
Breast Screening. NHS Health Checks. Drug and Alcohol Use during Pregnancy: Real-Life Stories.
Active Bradford District
Doe Park Water Activities Centre, Bradford. Cycling Sessions for Women.
Children & Young People
Find Your Thing with Invictus Wellbeing. Free Summer Family Play Activities in Bradford Parks (HAF). 1000 Young Voices Bradford. Run & Bike Sessions for Kids.
Community Voice
Free Health Event at Wibsey. East Riddlesden Hall Mela. Bradford City Mela is Back! New Airedale General Hospital Survey. Help Shape Communities in: Shipley, Bingley, Baildon, Menston and Ilkley.
Free Offers/Training
FREE Living Well Academy Training Courses
 MHFA Accredited Mental Health Aware Training Course!
10 September. 10am - 2pm: Online (Microsoft Teams)
This practical mental health awareness course is designed to give you an understanding of what mental health is and how to challenge stigma, along with basic knowledge of some common mental health issues. It's also an introduction to looking after your own mental health, maintaining wellbeing and can help you to gain the confidence to support someone in distress or who may be experiencing a mental health issue.
After full attendance of this course, you will receive an accredited certificate.
Course code: MHFAhalf028. Course cost: Free of charge.
MHFA accredited Adult Mental Health First Aid Course!
15, 17, 22 & 24 September. (Must attend all sessions to qualify). 10am - 2pm: Online (Microsoft Teams)
This online course qualifies you as a Mental Health First Aider, giving you an in-depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing, practical skills to spot triggers and signs of mental health issues. It gives you the confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress and teaches you to offer enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening. You will gain knowledge to help someone recover their health by guiding them to further support, whether that’s self-help resources, through their employer, the NHS, or a mixture of all of these.
After full attendance of this course, you will receive an accredited certificate.
Course code: MHFA034. Course cost: Free of charge.
To book online, click the pink buttons above or you can send an email to Learning@MyLivingWell.co.uk Please make sure you include the course title, course code and your contact details. Places are limited - sign up asap to avoid disappointment.
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Spotlight on: Summer Safety
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and explore our beautiful countryside. While making the most of the warmer weather, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and take simple steps to stay safe. Follow these practical tips to help you enjoy a safe and enjoyable summer.
Helping Everyone Stay Well in Hot Weather
 Lots of us enjoy warm weather, but when it's too hot for a long period of time, there can be health risks for:
- Older people and those with serious or long-term illnesses.
- People who may find it hard to keep cool e.g. babies, young children and those who are bed bound.
- People who work outside.
- People who are homeless.
- People who live in top floor flats.
- People who live alone or have reduced mobility.
- People who use certain drugs, including those who misuse substances or have addictions.
Please check in on family, friends and neighbours who are vulnerable every day during hot weather.
Ideas to help keep your home cool during hot weather:
- If possible, shade or cover windows with curtains and blinds. Open them at night when the air feels cooler outside, try to get air flowing through the home.
- Use electric fans if the air temperature is below 35°C, but do not aim the fan directly at your body as this can lead to dehydration.
- Turn off lights and electrical equipment that isn't being used and consider cooking and prepping meals at cooler times of the day.
- Move to a cooler part of the house, especially for sleeping if possible.
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If it's cooler in the shade or a public building (e.g. library, supermarket or place of worship), consider visiting if you can travel there safely, without increasing your risk from the heat.
Water Safety
 On hot summer days, many people head to areas with rivers, lakes and canals to cool off. While it may look inviting, cold water can be dangerous and can cause shock, making it difficult to swim or stay afloat.
If you get in to difficulty follow the Float To Live advice from the RNLI. Tilt your head back with your ears submerged under the water, relax to control your breathing, spread your arms and legs, and gently move your hands.
If someone else is in difficulty:
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Phone: Call 999 immediately
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Float: Tell the person to float on their back.
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Throw: Throw something to help them float (e.g a football)
Water Safety - Especially for Teenagers
 With the soaring temperatures, now is the time to talk to young people about the dangers of cooling off in open water.
Sadly, many young people have lost their lives in open water incidents already this year. Behind every one of those headlines is a family, friends, classmates and a community changed forever.
Teens often overestimate their abilities and underestimate hazards. Click the button below to understand some of the risky behaviours teenagers commonly take around open water, so that you can have a conversation with them to make them aware of the risks and what to do if they find themselves, or their friends, in trouble.
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Your Health
Breast Screening
 Breast cancer can affect anyone, regardless of who you are, or where you come from.
Around 1 in 7 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Men, as well as trans and non-binary people, can also be at risk.
While this may sound worrying, finding breast cancer early can make a big difference. Attending your breast screening appointment every three years can greatly improve the chances of successful treatment and survival.
Breast screening is free on the NHS. You should automatically receive an invitation when you turn 50. If you do not receive an invitation, contact your local breast screening service to arrange an appointment.
Find your local breast screening service
Watch a video about breast screening
NHS Health Checks
 If you're aged 40 to 74, you may be eligible for a free NHS Health Check.
These checks can help to spot early signs of things like heart disease, stroke and diabetes, giving you the chance to take action before they become more serious.
Last year, 12,550 NHS Health Checks were carried out across the district, helping people learn more about their health and make positive lifestyle changes.
If you think you're eligible but haven't been invited for a check yet, contact your GP practice to ask about booking.
Read Aliya’s inspiring story to see how an NHS Health Check helped her take important steps towards better health.
Drug and Alcohol Use during Pregnancy: Real-Life Stories
 Public Health Bradford has created a film to raise awareness of the risks in pregnancy, for pre-conception and expectant mothers who use alcohol and drugs.
Every Baby Matters, a working group of health professionals including midwifes and health visitors, are reporting an increase in pregnant women who are substance using.
The film features real life experiences of those affected by alcohol and drug use during pregnancy and the impact it has on baby development. Click the pink button below to watch the video.
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Active Bradford District
Doe Park Water Activities Centre
 Doe Park Water Activities Centre, located at Doe Park Reservoir in Denholme, is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and try something new this summer.
There are lots activities for all ages and abilities, including kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, dragon boating, raft building, archery, high ropes, climbing and abseiling!
Paddle and Play Sessions
These sessions are perfect if you want to get out on the water and explore at your own pace. You can hire sit-on-top kayaks, open canoes and paddleboards.
Staff are on hand to provide basic guidance and help you get started safely. While the sessions are not instructor-led, a safety boat is always on the water, making them a fun and reassuring option for beginners.
Tuesday evenings, 6pm - 7.30pm & Saturday mornings, 10am - 11.30am
Women Only Cycling Sessions
 Wednesdays: 10 - 11am at Wyke Community Sports Village, Wilson Road, Wyke, BD12 9HA
The first session is free, then £3 thereafter. These sessions are open to ALL levels - bikes and helmets are available to borrow free of charge.
Just turn up to a session, or click the button below to send an email to Rebecca if you have any questions.
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Children & Young People
Find Your Thing
 Age 11 to 19? Try something new this summer! Meet new people, get active, get outdoors and get creative.
Find Your Thing is a free wellbeing activity for young people aged 11 to 19, to help them explore different activities, build confidence and find something they enjoy.
Take part in sports and games, creative activities, community projects, and supported trips to green spaces and local places of interest. These weekly two hour group sessions are held throughout the summer holidays.
The programme is designed to help young people:
- Build confidence
- Develop positive peer relationships
- Explore their local community
- Increase independence
- Try new activities
- Access new opportunities
Please note the first sessions start from 24 July, so please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out - places are on a first come, first served basis.
Come along, meet others and give it a go!
Free Summer Fun For Families in Parks!
 Looking for things to do with the kids this summer? Enjoy activities in parks across the district - for FREE!
- Sports games
- Climbing tower
- Bouncy castles
- Sports inflatables
- Dance
- Arts and crafts
- Adventure play
- And lots more!
Sessions start at 11am and finish at 3pm. There's no booking needed, just register on the day when you arrive. Click here to see the list of dates and locations.
Children who get free school meals can also receive a free healthy packed lunch (while supplies last).
These events are funded by the Department for Education as part of the Holiday Activities and Food programme.
Come and say hello to our Living Well team at the Summer HAF events!
 Keep an eye out for the pink and blue gazebo and come say hello to our friendly team!
They will be there to offer information about healthy eating, physical activity, stopping smoking and lots more healthy lifestyle advice.
1000 Young Voices Bradford
 Street Games and Active Bradford are proud to be teaming up to launch 1000 Young Voices Bradford, a community-led project putting young people’s voices at the heart of sport and physical activity in their local area.
They’re listening to young people’s thoughts, feelings and ideas to give them real influence over local decisions around funding, opportunities and resources so that they can help to shape a more inclusive, active future for the city.
Click here to complete the survey.
Kids Run & Bike Sessions
 Mondays: 5 – 6pm at Wyke Community Sports Village, Wilson Road, Wyke, BD12 9HA
First session free, £2 thereafter. Open to all children aged 8 – 14 years, bikes and helmets are available to borrow free of charge (but feel free to bring your own).
To book a session click the button below to send an email or call 07367 201992.
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Community Voice
It’s Mela Time at East Riddlesden Hall!
 19 July: 12noon - 4pm at East Riddlesden Hall, Keighley BD20 5EL
Enjoy high energy dance performances and get beautiful henna designs, join friendly volunteers for herb planting, bouncy castles, food stalls, traditional games, hands on crafting activities, and music throughout the day. Whether you’re coming to take part, watch or just soak up the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone!
After 13 Years, it's Back... Bradford City Mela!
 1 & 2 Aug: 12noon - 9pm at City Park and Centenary Square, Bradford BD1 1SD
Experience the launch of a bold new cultural celebration and the revival of Bradford’s much-loved Mela tradition.
Bringing together music, dance, food, fashion, art, and live performance, the event will celebrate the richness, creativity, and diversity of Bradford’s communities through a vibrant weekend of culture and entertainment. Rooted in the spirit of the historic Bradford Mela while reimagined for a new generation, Bradford City Mela 2026 aims to create an inclusive and unforgettable experience for audiences of all backgrounds!
FREE Health Event
 Wed 5 August: 10am – 2pm at Wibsey Park, Reevy Avenue, BD6 3QD
Come along for free blood pressure & cholesterol checks, find out about your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, get advice about health eating and physical activity. You can also meet the Social Prescribers who can help you learn about all of the services available in your community.
Just drop in on the day or click the link below to send an email if you would like to ask for more info.
New Airedale General Hospital Survey
 Airedale NHS Foundation Trust is pleased to share the proposed outline design for the new state-of-the-art Airedale General Hospital and would like your feedback.
The design goes beyond replacing the existing building. It aims to improve care, enhance patient and visitor experience, create a light, accessible environment, and make it easier for people to get the care they need.
The new hospital has been designed to:
- Transform care
- Improve patient and visitor experience
- Meet the needs of local communities
- Support efficient, effective services
- Maximise green space and the benefits of its rural setting
- Embrace innovation and new technology
- Be sustainable and environmentally friendly
Community feedback has helped shape the plans, including proposals to increase green spaces and ensure the hospital is easy to access and navigate.
Share your views on the plans – complete the survey
(Closes at midnight on 24 July).
Help Shape Our Communities!
 You know your area best! Could you spare a few minutes of your time to help make Shipley and nearby towns even more friendly and connected?
This short survey is open to adults living in Shipley, Bingley, Baildon, Menston and Ilkley. It won’t take long (around 5 mins) to complete, and your answers will stay confidential. By sharing your thoughts, you’ll help us to build on local strengths, connect people and organisations, shape services that reflect what matters to you.
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