 Welcome to the Living Well October newsletter!
Our newsletter is packed with ideas, support, and local events to help you feel good, get connected, and live well across Bradford district.
There's lots of Halloween activities and events for families too!
Grab a cuppa and read on or click the links to jump to the articles you're most interested in!
Free Offers/Training
LW Academy training courses.
Spotlight on: Ideas for Half Term Fun & Halloween Events and Activities
Autumn walks and fun activities in Judy Woods, Roberts Park and Peel Park with lots of Halloween fun later this month too!
Your Health
Stoptober is here! Help your body fight flu this winter! Locala 'clinic in a van'.
Active Bradford District
1000 Young Voices Bradford survey. Stronger Every Day from the Youth Sport Trust. Let's Move - Get active together
Children & Young People
New Living Well Youth Vaping Toolkit. Bradford Baby Week 2026! SendiVerse Festival Competition. Firework safety
Community Voice
Black History Month. Action for Nature Day at Cartwright Hall and Lister Park.
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Free Offers/Training
FREE Living Well Academy training courses
 Adult Mental Health Aware
Learn about mental health, build confidence to support someone who may be struggling, understand common mental health issues, and discover ways to look after your own wellbeing. You'll receive a certificate on completion.
Date: 9 Nov: 10.30am – 2.30pm. (Face to face)
Location: Venue in central Bradford
Course Code: MHFAhalf029
Mental Wellbeing – Recharging Your Batteries
Discover simple ways to boost your mental wellbeing, learn practical self-care techniques, and gain a better understanding of mental health. You'll leave with helpful tools and information about local support available in Bradford district.
Date: 12 Nov: 10am – 11am.
Location: Online - Microsoft Teams
Course Code: LWMH009
Adult Mental Health First Aid
Become a qualified Mental Health First Aider and gain the skills and confidence to recognise mental health issues, support someone in distress, listen without judgement, and guide people to the right help. Upon completion, you'll receive a Mental Health First Aider certificate.
Dates: 16, 18, 24 & 26 Nov: 10am – 2pm (must attend all 4 sessions)
Location: Online - Microsoft Teams
Course Code: MHFA036
How to book your FREE place:
Click the title of each course to find out more and book online, or send an email to Learning@MyLivingWell.co.uk with the course title, course code and your contact details.
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Spotlight on:
Autumn Half Term & Halloween Fun!
Get out and have some fun this half term, with Autumn walks and fun activities for families (or grown-up children)! We have lots of parks and green spaces to explore. You can also enjoy lots of spooky goings on at Halloween events in Bradford District!
Judy Woods, Low Moor/Wyke (South Bradford)
 Discover Judy Woods, one of Bradford district's largest and oldest woodlands, with over 10,000 years of history to explore. Named after local resident "Gurt Judy" North, the woods offer beautiful trails through beech, oak, birch and sycamore trees.
Things to see and do:
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Follow a picture trail: Choose from three fun trails and see what you can spot along the way.
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Create nature art: Use leaves, stones, acorns and pinecones to make patterns, pictures or mini sculptures. Leave your creation behind for others to enjoy!
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Spot birds: Look out for woodpeckers, owls, nuthatches, blue tits and other woodland birds.
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Keep an eye out for wildlife: You might be lucky enough to spot deer in the woods or bats at dusk.
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Fascinating fungi: See how many mushrooms and toadstools you can find. Remember to admire them without touching.
Top tip: Bring sturdy shoes and a camera/smartphone to capture your woodland adventure!
Roberts Park & Leeds-Liverpool Canal, Saltaire (North Bradford)
 Enjoy a day out at Roberts Park, a beautiful riverside park in the heart of Saltaire, just a short walk from the UNESCO World Heritage village. With open green spaces, a playground, skate park, café and scenic canal paths, it's a great spot for all ages.
Things to see and do:
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Enjoy a picnic: Bring your own lunch or pick up a tasty treat from one of Saltaire's local cafés.
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Feed the ducks and geese: Take some frozen peas along and watch the birds on the river and canal.
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Spot the squirrels: Look out for busy squirrels darting through the trees.
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Get active: Have fun in the play area, use the skate park, or explore the paths by bike or scooter.
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Go on a mini treasure hunt: Can you find the alpacas, Titus Salt statue, cannons, bandstand and the hidden gnome garden near the cricket pavilion?
Top tip: Extend your visit with a stroll along the canal towpath or into nearby Hirst Wood for even more beautiful views.
Peel Park, Cliffe Road, BD3 (East Bradford)
 Peel Park was Bradford district's first public park, opening in 1852. With easy-to-follow paths, beautiful gardens, a lake, play areas, a BMX track and plenty of open space, it's a great place for a family day out.
Things to see and do:
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Go on a rainbow walk: How many colours can you spot in the trees, flowers, birds and wildlife around you?
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Totem and play trail: Features wooden creatures and 9 wooden play challenges including a wobble bridge, Hawkley Trail, wildlife finger maze and so much more. Download a trail leaflet.
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Take on an autumn scavenger hunt See if you can find a cobweb, acorn, colourful leaf, conker, feather, stick, squirrel, muddy puddle and more.
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Get active Enjoy the play areas, BMX track and open spaces for running, games and exploring.
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Top tip: Bring a list of things to spot and turn your visit into a fun nature challenge for the whole family!
Top tip: Bring a list of things to spot and turn your visit into a fun nature challenge for the whole family!
Spooky Halloween fun for the whole family!
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Lister Park Lantern Parade |
HallFri 30 Oct: 4.30pm
Lister Park, Manningham, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD9 4NR
The parade will be accompanied by live music from the 'Peace Artistes', 'Drum Machine' and 'Banda da Rua'. There will also be performances at the front of Cartwright Hall. The parade will set off at 5.30pm. Cartwright Hall galleries will open late and there will be a room inside Cartwright Hall for anyone wishing to experience the parade in a quieter way.
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Wizard Spectacular at Centenary Square |
Sat 31 Oct: 11-4pm
Bradford BD1 1SD
Step into a world of magic this Halloween as Bradford BID invites families to a free, spellbinding celebration! Cheer your favourites on in the Battle of the Wizards comedy-illusion show, join the potions workshop to brew up mystical concoctions or craft a unique wand at the make-a-wand workshop, there will also be roaming magical characters like Dreyo the Dragon and Ord the Ogre
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Halloween and Hyacinths |
Sat 31 Oct: 11-3pm
Bowling Hall Road, BD4 7LP
Spooky stories, crafts, characters and activities for all the family. Decorate pots and plant hyacinth bulbs to take home, visit the craft station in the main hall, to make waxy bookmarks using natural dyes and creating tissue Halloween hyacinths. There will be face painting for little witches and warlocks, with magical book characters making appearances during the day.
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Spooky BIMoween |
Sat 31 Oct: 11-3pm
Bradford Industrial Museum Moorside Mills, Moorside Road Eccleshill, Bradford, BD2 3HP
Follow a Halloween trail, hunt for skeleton rats hiding around the museum and see if you can discover the ghosts in the machines. Get creative with Halloween crafts, transform your look with face painting, then show off your best monster moves at our spooky disco.
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Ghost Hunt & Halloween Fun |
Sat 31 Oct: 3-5pm
Harold Park Low Moor, BD12 0EW
Follow a trail of hidden clues and solve the Halloween challenge for a chance to win a prize. Alongside the trail, there will be a fancy dress parade judged at 4pm, so come dressed in your best Halloween costume. Visitors can also enjoy a BBQ, tea room, DJ, game stalls and a spooky graveyard scene.
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Giant Bat & Ghost Streamer Workshop |
Sat 31 Oct: 12-4pm
Darley St market, Bradford
Create and decorate giant bats, ghosts and pumpkins with local artist Nicola Storr at this fun family Halloween workshop in the Market Courtyard at Darley Street Market.
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Halloween Spooktacular |
Sat 31 Oct: 11-4pm
Keighley Town Centre
Fantastic family-friendly Halloween celebration with inflatable axe throwing, Halloween crazy golf, face painting, an award-winning magic show and spooky Wednesday Addams walkabouts, taking place across Keighley Market, the Airedale Centre and Cavendish Street.
Halloween activities and events
There's lots of Halloween activities and events happening in Bradford district this month, click the button below to find out more.
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Your Health
Let's Quit Smoking Together This Stoptober!
 Stoptober is here and this could be the quit attempt that changes your life.
Imagine waking up breathing easier, feeling healthier, having more energy and extra money in your pocket every week. That future can start today.
You don't have to do it alone. Our free stop smoking service is here to support you every step of the way, giving you the tools, advice and encouragement you need to succeed. Even if you've tried before, don't let that hold you back. Every quit attempt brings you closer to becoming smoke-free.
Start with one goal: 28 smoke-free days. If you can quit for 28 days, you're five times more likely to quit for good.
The benefits begin almost immediately. You'll improve your health, feel more in control, and many people find quitting reduces stress and anxiety rather than adding to it. You'll also be protecting your family and friends from second-hand smoke and saving hundreds, even thousands, of pounds each year.
You CAN quit! We CAN help!
The Living Well Stop Smoking Service offers free support to help you quit, including:
Free 12-Week Vaping Kit
Free for people who want to switch from smoking to vaping as part of their quit attempt.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Patches, gum and lozenges are available. Prescription charges may apply if you normally pay for prescriptions.
Stop Smoking Medications
Following an assessment with a Stop Smoking Advisor, you can get clinically approved medications to help you beat cravings including Varenicline (Champix), Cytisinicline and Bupropion (Zyban) (subject to suitability).
One-to-One Support
Regular guidance and encouragement from a dedicated stop smoking advisor.
Stop Smoking App
Free stop smoking app gives you helpful tools and rewards, and the confidence to overcome cravings and become smoke-free for good.
Ready to quit?
Call 01274 437700 or click the button below.
Help your body fight flu this winter!
 Flu spreads more easily in winter when we spend more time together indoors, and it can cause serious illness. It is important to get protected, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu before, as immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year. If you are vaccinated and catch flu this winter, you are likely to have milder symptoms and recover faster, cutting your risk of being hospitalised.
To find out if you are eligible and to book an appointment, you can visit the NHS website or app, speak to your GP or pop into your local pharmacy.
Stay strong. Get vaccinated.
Sexual Health & Contraception Clinic Van
 The Locala Sexual Health Clinic Van brings free, confidential sexual health and contraception services closer to people across Bradford and Kirklees.
The van has private clinic rooms and offers many of the same services available at a sexual health clinic, making it easier to get the support you need closer to home.
Services available:
- Sexual Health screening
- HIV Testing
- Treatment for STIs
- Contraception (excluding coils)
- Sexual Health advice
- C-Card and Condoms
Click the button below to find out when the clinic in a van will be in your local area.
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Active Bradford
1,000 Young Voices Bradford – Have Your Say
 1,000 Young Voices Bradford is giving young people the chance to share their views on sport and physical activity in their local area.
Led by StreetGames and Active Bradford, the project aims to make sure young people's voices help shape future activities, opportunities and funding across the district.
Get involved!
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Share your views: Tell us what you enjoy, the challenges you face, and what activities you'd like to see in your community.
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Help shape local opportunities: Your feedback will help influence future sports sessions, activities and resources for young people in Bradford.
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Make a difference: Have your say and help create a more active and inclusive future for local young people.
Stronger Every Day
 Stronger Every Day offers free resources to help schools, families and young people with disabilities build strength, balance and confidence through simple activities that can be done throughout the day, not just in PE lessons.
The aim is to make physical activity easy, enjoyable and part of everyday life.
Current national guidance recommends that disabled young people are physically active every day and take part in strength and balance activities at least three times a week.
Let's Move! Get Active Together
 Looking for simple ways to help your family move more? Let's Move! is a government campaign encouraging families to get active together through fun, everyday activities. Over half of children aged 7-11 in England aren't getting the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, but even 10 minutes of movement a day can make a difference.
Whether it's a family walk, a dance around the kitchen, or trying a new activity together, the focus is on having fun, building confidence and creating healthy habits rather than getting it perfect. When parents and carers join in, children feel more confident and motivated to keep moving
For ideas, tips and inspiration, click the button below and discover how small steps can lead to big benefits for the whole family.
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Children and Young People
Start the conversation about vaping
 Talking to young people about vaping can be challenging, but the right information can make all the difference.
Our Youth Vaping Toolkit provides free resources for parents, carers and professionals to help them have informed, supportive conversations about vaping. It includes information on why young people vape, the risks involved, and practical tips for helping them quit.
Whether you're supporting a child at home or working with young people, the toolkit can help you start the conversation with confidence.
You're invited to Bradford Baby Week: 14-20 November!
 Join us for a week of activities for 0–5-year-olds and their families across Bradford district, celebrating this year's theme: ‘Chat, Play, Read with Me... Together We Build the Best Start’
Don't miss our FREE Family Fun Days!
Darley Street Market
Sat 14 Nov: 1-4pm
Airedale Shopping Centre
Thur 19 Nov: 10-1pm
With sensory play, baby raves, storytelling, outdoor adventures, free goodie bags and more, they're the perfect opportunity to play, learn and explore together, while finding out about local support and services available.
The celebrations continue throughout the week with dance classes, tea parties, play sessions, toddler takeovers, and lots of other activities. There'll also be health checks, vaccination clinics, and lots of tips designed to help give children the best start in life.
So whether you're a parent, grandparent, carer, parent-to-be or professional working with 0-5s, there's something for everyone!
SENDiVERSE Festival Competition
 SENDiVERSE Festival returns this October half-term, with 71 activities across Bradford district, most of them completely free.
Designed for children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), their families and communities, there's plenty to enjoy, including sports, arts and crafts, sensory activities, outdoor adventures, storytelling, music and much more.
Competition time!
Children and young people with SEND aged 4-25 can enter the Made of Me art competition by creating a colourful piece of artwork that celebrates what makes them unique.
There are prizes of up to £50 in vouchers to be won. Click the button below to find out how to enter.
Bonfire Night is nearly here!
Enjoy fireworks safely and responsibly to help keep yourself, your family and your community safe.
Remember:
- You must be 18+ to buy or carry fireworks in public.
- Only buy from trusted retailers and look for the UKCA or CE safety mark.
- Follow the instructions and make sure you have enough space.
- Be considerate of neighbours, pets and anyone who may find fireworks distressing.
- Fireworks must not be used between 11pm and 7am (except on certain special occasions).
Report concerns:
Let's enjoy Bonfire Night safely and respectfully.
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Community Voice
Discover Nature at Lister Park
 Come along to a free family friendly Action for Nature Day packed with nature activities, wellbeing walks, wildlife talks, hands-on workshops, seed planting and fun ways to learn about local wildlife.
Cartwright Hall & Lister Park, BD9
Thur 29 Oct 2026: 11am - 4pm
Look out for our Living Well team in the pink and blue gazebo. We'll be on hand to chat about simple ways that spending time in nature and the outdoors can help boost your health and wellbeing.
Come along, get involved and enjoy a great day out in the park!
Black History Month
 Black History Month is here to celebrate the achievements, culture and lasting impact of Black communities past, present and future.
Discover a vibrant programme of events across Bradford district, including live music, dance and theatre performances, international cuisine, museum tours, art exhibitions, guest speakers, film screenings, creative workshops, sports activities and community celebrations.
There’s something for people of all ages, backgrounds and interests with all events taking place in safe, accessible, environmentally respectful venues.
Find out what's on and join the celebrations!
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