 Welcome to the Living Well August newsletter!
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
Living Well Academy Training Courses. Parenting & Wellbeing Courses for Bradford Families. Slimming World Offer.
Spotlight On: Eating Well
Make Mealtimes Tasty and Fun This Summer! Look Out for Healthier Choices on Local Menus! Discover Global Flavours at Home!
Your Health
Quit Smoking for a Healthier Heart! Pauline's Story: From Facebook Post to Life-Changing Results.
Active Bradford District
BEEP Exercise Referral Service. Keighley Walking Festival 2026. MAMA-Move (Muslim and Motherhood Activity) Research Study. All Aboard BetterPoints Challenge. Free cycling lessons, events and bike workshops.
Children & Young People
Keep Kids Active This Summer! Final Week of FREE Play in Park Events! Free Child Car Seat Check Events. Find Nearly New School Items.
Community Voice
Age Is No Barrier: Meet Stuart! Say hello to the Living Well Team at Events Across the District. Harmonic Fields on Baildon Moor.
Free Offers/Training
Free Living Well Academy training courses
 Mental Wellbeing: Recharging Your Batteries
1 October: 10 – 11am
Online - Microsoft Teams
Course code: LWMH008
This is a friendly one hour session that helps you to understand and look after your mental wellbeing.
You'll learn what good mental wellbeing looks like, things that can affect the way you feel, and simple ways to take care of yourself. The session introduces practical tips, tools and offers information about local support services that can help you stay well and build resilience.
Making Every Contact Count (MECC)
6 October: 10 – 11am
Online - Microsoft Teams
Course code: MECC020
This course is about using everyday conversations to help people improve their health and wellbeing.
A quick chat can encourage someone to make healthier choices, get the support they need and feel more confident in managing life's challenges. Making the most of these everyday opportunities, means MECC helps people stay well and live healthier lives.
How to book your FREE place:
Click the pink buttons for each course to book online or send an email to Learning@MyLivingWell.co.uk with the course title, course code and your contact details.
Free parenting and wellbeing courses for Bradford families
 Looking for support with parenting, family life or emotional wellbeing? Togetherness (formerly In Our Place) offers a free online library of expert-led courses for parents, carers, grandparents, teenagers and adults in Bradford district.
There are 17 flexible, self-guided courses covering everything from pregnancy and child development to teenage years, relationships and emotional wellbeing, so you can learn at your own pace, whenever it suits you.
- Free for people who live in Bradford district.
- Available 24/7 online.
- Courses available in multiple languages.
Something for everyone!
Parents & carers: Build confidence and better understand your child’s development.
Grandparents: Get practical tips to support children and young people in today’s world.
Teenagers: Explore emotions, decision-making and brain development through self-paced learning designed especially for teens.
How to book your FREE place:
Click the button below to register, use your postcode and access code BDPARENTS.
FREE Slimming World offer
 If you’re an adult living in Bradford district and you would like to lose some weight, this free offer could be for you!
To qualify for 12 weeks FREE membership, you need to have a BMI of 25 or more and be a new customer (Not had a membership with Slimming World for at least 3 months).
Check your BMI here
Call 01773 546247 or click the button below to get this offer and find other options you may be interested in.
Pauline from Wilsden signed up for this 12 week free offer and her amazing story is available to read later in this newsletter. Click here to read Pauline’s story for inspiration!
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Spotlight on: Eating Well
Healthy foods and drinks give your body energy, help you stay active, and feeling your best so that you can enjoy summer fun! Eat lots of colourful fruit and vegetables, choose healthy snacks, and drink plenty of water, especially when the weather is hot.
Make mealtimes tasty and fun this summer!
 Making healthy snacks, colourful salads, fruit kebabs and fruity drinks can be a fun way to try new foods and learn new skills.
Cooking with family and friends helps build confidence, encourages healthy eating, and makes mealtimes more enjoyable. Best of all, you get to eat your tasty creations afterwards!
Find lots of easy to follow recipes on the NHS website
Healthy eating doesn't need to be dull. Whip up tasty, affordable family meals with easy step-by-step recipes.
There’s lots of recipes for healthy tasty meals on our website
Recipes that are easy to follow that the whole family will enjoy!
Fancy swapping your usual takeaway for a homemade Fakeaway?
Check out the step-by-step recipe cards on our website to make your own burgers, sweet and sour chicken, nuggets, baltis or kebabs! Every bit as tasty and probably cheaper too!
Swap your pop!
Water is much better for us than fizzy drinks and it can taste just as good without adding sugar and other preservatives. Find some easy to make flavour options on our website and read about the benefits of drinking more water for the whole family!
Look out for healthier choices on local menus!
 Finding a healthier takeaway option is now easier for people living in Bradford district.
Takeaways, cafes and other food businesses taking part in the Living Well Takeaways programme are making small changes to their recipes and cooking methods so that they can offer healthier meals, without compromising on taste.
Look out for the ‘Better For You’ logo on menus. Every dish with this logo has been assessed by a qualified nutritionist so that you can be sure it:
- contains less than 600 calories.
- is not high in fat, saturated fat, salt or sugar.
- includes at least one portion of fruit or vegetables.
When you see the ‘Better For You’ logo, you can be confident you're choosing a healthier option!
Discover global flavours at home!
 Explore tasty recipes from around the world and bring global cuisine into your kitchen.
Created by the British Nutrition Foundation, these recipes are simple, affordable, healthy, and designed to build practical cooking skills, while celebrating different cultures and encouraging inclusivity. They were created to use in school’s but they’re also perfect for you to try at home!
Recipes are available for lots of cuisines including: African, Middle Eastern, Eastern Asian, Caribbean, South American and Eastern European.
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Your Health
Quit smoking for a healthier heart!
 Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart health, and it's never too late to stop.
Quitting can improve your heart health, reduce your risk of serious illnesses, boost your mental wellbeing, and save you money too!
Most people make several attempts before quitting for good, but every try brings you closer to quitting for good. With the right support, you're three times more likely to quit successfully.
The Living Well Stop Smoking Service offers free, personalised support, including:
- A tailored quit plan designed around your needs.
- Stop-smoking medications, including Varenicline (Champix), Cytisinicline and Bupropion (Zyban), subject to suitability following assessment.
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).
- A free 12-week vaping kit to support your quit journey.
- Ongoing support from trained stop-smoking advisors.
(Prescription charges may apply for some treatments if you usually pay for them).
Thousands of people across Bradford district have already quit with our support. When you're ready, we're here to help (please spread the word to friends and family too).
Pauline's story: From Facebook post to life-changing results
 After seeing Living Well's free 12 week Slimming World offer on Facebook, Pauline decided to take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle.
Starting at 12st 3.5lb, 69 year old Pauline joined her local Slimming World group and went on to lose more than 2 stones, reaching and maintaining her target weight!
As a result, her BMI dropped from 31.2 to 25, her blood pressure returned to normal, and she dropped two dress sizes. Pauline says:
"Life is just so much better all round. All I can say to anyone thinking of giving it a go is: DO IT! You have nothing to lose except weight!"
Pauline said that without the free Living Well offer she may never have taken that first step.
Read more about Pauline and her incredible story here.
Want to find out how you can access 12 weeks of Slimming World for free? Click the button below for more information.
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Active Bradford District
BEEP your way to better health!
 Would you like to be more active? Bradford Encouraging Exercise in People (BEEP) is a free 52-week support programme designed to help people who are currently inactive build healthier, more active lifestyles.
BEEP is especially beneficial for people living with long-term physical or mental health conditions, helping to improve fitness, wellbeing and overall health.
To get a referral you need to:
- Live in Bradford district.
- Be aged 16 or over.
- Be currently inactive.
- Have a long-term physical or mental health condition and/or a BMI over 25.
Paul from Low Moor aged 68 knew something needed to change. Since joining BEEP he says he feels like a completely different person:
“I feel more alert, more confident – just better in myself.”
Read more about Paul's amazing story here.
Take the first step today and discover how BEEP can support your journey to a healthier, more active you! Click the button below to find out more, or ask your GP practice for a referral. Your GP, nurse or another healthcare professional can complete the referral form and help you get started.
Keighley Walking Festival 2026
 Lace up your walking boots, the Keighley Walking Festival 2026 is back!
This popular event is a fantastic opportunity to explore Keighley and the surrounding areas, meet like-minded people, and discover some of the amazing local groups and organisations in our community.
With an even bigger programme of free guided walks this year, there's something for almost every age, interest and fitness level. Choose from a variety of activities including Nature Walks, Wellbeing Walks & Picnics, History Walks, Introduction to Hiking, Tai Chi Walking, Photo Walks, Walk and Talk sessions, Bat Walks, Foraging Guides, Toad Patrols, Yoga Walks, and much more! You need to wear suitable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing, bring water and a snack, and arrive at least 10 minutes before the walk starts.
Ready to get involved? Click the button below to view the full programme and find out how to take part. Happy walking!
MAMA-Move research study
 Are you a Muslim woman aged 18 or over? The University of Leeds would like to hear about your experiences of physical activity.
They want to understand how faith, culture, and everyday life influence the activities you take part in. Your views will help shape better, more inclusive support for Muslim women to be active.
Click here to complete the MAMA-Move (Muslim and Motherhood Activity) survey. It takes about 10 minutes to complete and is completely anonymous.
All Aboard: Earn points to get rewards!
 Looking for affordable family days out this summer? August is the perfect time to explore with ‘All Aboard!’ a new BetterPoints challenge that rewards people for travelling sustainably across West Yorkshire.
Even better, children aged 5–15 years can travel free on participating bus services throughout August, making it easier for families to enjoy days out without the extra travel costs.
Download the free BetterPoints West Yorkshire app, search 'BetterPoints' in Google Play or the App Store. Start earning rewards by recording your journeys by bus, train, walking, wheeling or cycling, every trip earns points!
Get bonus rewards for visiting some of our district's most popular attractions, you'll get extra points and be entered into weekly and grand prize draws worth hundreds of pounds!
Free cycling lessons, rides and bike workshops
 Cycling lessons and rides are available for complete beginners through to more confident riders wanting to develop their skills.
Ride events are held across Bradford district, including wellbeing rides, one-to-one cycling sessions and free bike maintenance training.
Click the button below for the full calendar of events. You can book lessons and rides and if you don't have a bike you may be able to borrow one along with a bike helmet.
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Children & Young People
Keep kids active this summer!
 Activate is a 5-minute animated workout series that gets families moving with exciting adventures, brilliant music and themed episodes.
It's designed to get families moving, build strength and have fun together.
The episodes are free to watch on YouTube and BBC iPlayer, just search ‘Activate with Joe’ to get moving, or click the button below.
Final week of FREE play in the park events!
 The weather has been glorious for this year's Play in Park events! Join the fun for the final week of free activities for children aged 5 to 14 years.
Enjoy sports games, a climbing tower, bouncy castles, sports inflatables, dance, arts and crafts, adventure play and lots more!
No need to book, just come along and play! Children need to register their name and school on arrival.
- 18 August: 11-3pm at Peel Park.
- 19 August: 11-3pm at Horton Park.
A limited number of free packed lunches are available for children who receive benefits related free school meals.
Don't miss this great opportunity to enjoy outdoor play, make new friends and have fun before the summer holidays end!
Free child car seat check events
 Did you know that more than half of children's car seats checked across West Yorkshire last year were not fitted correctly? A car seat that is correctly fitted can make a huge difference in keeping children safe on the road.
To help families travel safely, Vision Zero and Good Egg Safety CIC are offering free child car seat check events across West Yorkshire. The checks take just a few minutes by experts who will make sure your seat is fitted correctly.
- 27 August 11am-4pm: Asda, Manor Lane, Shipley.
- 10 September 11am-4pm: South Hawksworth Street Car Park, Ilkley.
- 15 October 10am-3pm: Asda, Rooley Lane, Bradford.
- 12 November 10am-3pm: Sedbergh Youth & Community Centre, Odsal.
No need to book, just pop along for a quick check and help keep your little ones safe on every journey.
Nearly new school uniforms and supplies
 Looking for affordable school uniforms and supplies for September?
Click the button below to find your nearest school uniform swap shop and discover other ways to save money on school uniform costs.
If you have good quality school clothes, coats or shoes you no longer need, why not donate them and help reduce waste going to landfill?
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Community Voice
Age is no barrier: meet Stuart
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Former league badminton player Stuart inspires others! |
Staying physically active as you age is a great way to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
Stuart aged 78, leads a friendly social badminton group that encourages people of all ages and abilities to enjoy exercise, build friendships and have fun.
Supported by the Living Well Community Health Development Team, the group is a fantastic example of how staying active can benefit health and wellbeing at any stage of life.
Join them every Thursday, 1.45pm to 3.15pm, at Heaton Tennis and Squash Club. Drop in, say hello and give it a try!
Harmonic Fields at Baildon Moor
 Harmonic Fields comes to Baildon Moor turning the landscape into a one-of-a-kind outdoor music experience from 9 to 13 September.
Created by composer Pierre Sauvageot, it features a variety of wind-powered instruments, including vibrating drums, windmill xylophones, harmonic cellos, bamboo flutes and musical boxes. Sounds are brought to life by the wind and by performers known as ‘wind farmers’.
Wander across the moor and enjoy the music at your own pace. Bracken Hall Countryside Centre and Museum will also be open throughout the weekend, offering free family activities.
Come and say hello to the Living Well team!
 Cartwright Hall Summer Celebration
Friday 14 August: 3pm – 7pm.
Cartwright Hall, Lister Park, North Park Road, BD9.
A free, family-friendly event for the whole community. Includes hands-on activities exploring nature, wildlife and wellbeing, creative workshops and experiences for all ages, and opportunities to connect with local groups and discover new interests.
Leeds Road Festival
Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 August: 12pm – 8pm.
Bradford Moor Park, Killinghall Road, BD3.
A celebration of community, culture, food and fashion. Includes live entertainment, mouth-watering food, cultural showcases, shopping, family activities, and a funfair.
Peel Park HAF event
Tuesday 18 August: 11am – 3pm.
Peel Park, Cliffe Road, BD3
Includes a variety of fun activities, including sports, music, arts and other exciting opportunities to learn and develop skills.
Horton Park HAF event
Wednesday 19 August: 11am – 3pm.
Horton Park, Horton Park Avenue, BD7.
Includes a variety of fun activities, including sports, music, arts and other exciting opportunities to learn and develop skills.
Shipley Glen Tramway Community event
Wednesday 19 August: 12pm – 4pm.
Shipley Glen Tramway (Bottom Station), Higher Coach Road, Baildon, BD17.
Lots of activities, stalls and fun, plus you can ride the Victorian tram (12.30pm – 4.30pm) up to the Glen for a short walk to visit Brackenhill Countryside Centre, where there will be free drop-in nature and craft sessions for children from 2-4pm.
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