 Welcome to the Living Well March Newsletter!Grab a cuppa and read on, or click the links to jump to the articles you're most interested in!Free Training
Three FREE courses covering mental health and behaviour change. Spotlight on: Let's Get Moving
E-Bike Scheme. Better Points. Walk to Work Day. This Girl Can. Your Health
Obesity Podcast. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Nutrition & Hydration Week.
Lung Health Workshops. Children & Young People
Let’s Move. All In Reading. Community Voice
Ginnel Gardeners. Chatter & Natter. Wellbeing Walk. Events
Social Prescribing Day. Puppet Pageant. Easter Activities. Eid Activities. Celebration Recipes.  Free TrainingFREE Living Well Academy Training Courses Making Every Contact Count (MECC) Wednesday 24 March: 10am – 11.30am
Location: Microsoft Teams (online)
Course code: MECC017 Adult Mental Health Aware Wednesday 22 April: 10am – 2pm
Location: Microsoft Teams (online)
Course code: MHFAhalf026 Living Well Introduction to Mental Wellbeing Wednesday 29 April: 10am – 11am
Location: Microsoft Teams (online)
Course code: LWMH006 To book places, click the pink buttons above or send an email to . Please include the course title and course code along with your contact details. Spotlight On:Getting Active in Bradford District!Bradford's Beryl Bikes A new e‑bike fleet is available for people age 16+ to hire in Bradford district! Wouldn’t it be nice if you could leave your front door without needing to search for your car keys? Or without constantly refreshing the timetable to see where your bus, train or tram is? What if you could save a bit of cash and reduce toxic fumes and air pollution in the process? Perhaps you could even look forward to your commute? Sounds good, right? Well, it is good. And it’s Beryl! The scheme is funded via Bradford Clean Air Zone and offers clean, cheap and sustainable travel options. As the weather improves, it means easy, active travel between parts of the district. The e-bikes can be hired in just a few simple steps: - Unlock – Download the Beryl app
- Ride – Have fun and be safe
- Park – In an LNER Beryl Bay or a considerate place in one of the designated zones.
- Lock – Close the lock to end your ride.
Turn Activity Into Rewards Would you like to get rewarded for every journey you make (that's not in a car)? Download the free BetterPoints App and start earning points every time you walk, wheel, cycle or use public transport. You can get rewarded for commuting to work, walking the dog, popping to the shops or heading out for the evening. It’s a simple way to boost your wellbeing, cut carbon and put something back in your pocket. Points can be spent with with businesses like Amazon, Tesco and IKEA, or small independent businesses, or donated to charity - so your everyday journey’s can make a real difference to those who need it most. Ready to start earning? Walk To Work Day: Friday 3 April Walk to Work Day is the perfect reminder that moving more doesn’t have to mean joining a gym or running a marathon. Sometimes it’s as simple as stepping out the door a little earlier and enjoying the journey to work. If you want to give it a go, start by setting your alarm just a bit earlier so you can walk at a relaxed pace rather than rushing. Comfortable shoes are a must, and you might be surprised by how much you notice when you slow down. Bradford district is full of hidden corners and historic pathways – from quiet side streets to hidden ginnels. If a full walk to work isn’t possible, try a “walk part of the way” approach. You could park a little further away, get off the bus one stop earlier, or combine it with the school run by walking children to school before heading to work. Check out the 20 Minute Movement A to Z to find more activities and places to visit in Bradford district! This Girl Can! Movement can boost your energy, lift your mood, help you sleep better, and even build your confidence. Whether it’s dancing around the kitchen, cycling through the park, walking with the buggy, or a few lunges in the living room – We Like the Way You Move! 'This Girl Can' is here to help you get going with an activity you love: moving at home, getting outdoors, finding a class or team sport, making moves as a family and the latest addition of their campaign: Moving when pregnant or with a baby: Introducing gentle movement into your day, when pregnant or with a young baby, can help you feel more balanced, calmer and happier. It’s about carving out a little time for you (and your baby)! Watch the “This Girl Can” video here Back to top Your HealthLiving Well Launches A New Podcast! Our brand new podcast series explores lots of topics and the first one is all about the challenge of obesity. The team discuss: - Deprivation and the impact on life expectancy
- The cost of obesity
- Why obesity is not recognised as a long-term health condition
- Stigma and stereotypes
- What we’re doing to encourage physical activity for children
- The role of GLP-1 weight loss medications (like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro)
- Free local support available from Living Well, including free weight management offers (Slimming World, Apna, Brotherhood) and the BEEP (Bradford Encouraging Exercise in People) programme that helps people to become more active!
March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Currently there's no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer, meaning that symptom awareness is our best means of early detection. The key symptoms to look out for include persistent bloating, feeling full quickly, abdominal pain and needing to wee more often. See your GP if you have any of these symptoms, or if you’ve already seen your GP but the symptoms are getting worse. Lots of these symptoms can be caused by different conditions but getting them checked is important. It's also important to note that the smear test, (also known as the cervical screening test), is not used to detect ovarian cancer. This is a method of detecting abnormal cells in the cervix that could lead to cervical cancer and is a common misconception. Remember: if you are aged 40 – 74 you are eligible for a free NHS Health Check Nutrition and Hydration Week: 16 - 22 March Nutrition and Hydration Week is a great time to help us think about how our health and wellbeing can be affected by what we eat and drink. There’s lots of information on our website to help you join in, why not try making some simple food swaps when you’re shopping, cooking, and snacking? Choosing snacks and foods that are lower in salt, fats and sugar can really help to improve your health and wellbeing. Simple food swaps are easy to include in your daily routine and still super tasty, healthy and nutritious! On our website you can find: How to make easy healthy food swaps How to prepare healthier family meals Healthy and tasty snacks and treats Advice on ways to store foods for longer Easy swaps and Eatwell Guides Ideas for healthier lunch boxes Meal planners with shopping lists to help you stay on track Swap your pop Watch step by step films that show how to make delicious fakeaway meals at home instead of ordering expensive takeaways! Fakeaway Curry Film Fakeaway Wraps Film Click here to see some delicious recipe ideas you can make for Easter and Eid Lung Health - We Want to Hear From You Do you smoke? Are you aged 50–74 and registered with a GP? If so, Imperial College London are inviting you to a 2-hour workshop to share your views on NHS Lung Screening in March. Anyone who contributes to the workshops will be offered a £50 voucher for active participation in the workshop. The team would like to hear your views on: - What would make you want to go, or not go, for lung screening?
- What messages would help people attend screening?
Your opinions will directly help to create clearer, more supportive communications. Back to top  Children & Young PeopleLet's Move: Rain or Shine How fit are your kids? Do they move energetically every day for an hour? Yes – brilliant, keep it up! No? That’s understandable. Especially in the long, dark and colder months. Let’s break it down and make it realistic and achievable. - 4 x 15 minutes
- 3 x 20 minutes
- 2 x 30 minutes
Kids need this level of energy every day to help them stay fit, healthy and happier. Joe Wicks’ top 3 tips are: - Make movement fun. Turn the music on 10 minutes tidy up time, Ready. Steady, Go!
- Get outside even when it’s raining – puddle jumping is fun for everyone
- School Run Adventures – Race to lampposts, hop, skip and jump between them.
What will you do? Lets Move! Let's Get Reading - Go All In! Reading transforms lives, opens doors, fuels imagination and gives every child the chance to succeed, regardless of their background. The National Year of Reading 2026 is a UK-wide campaign designed to help us all rediscover the joy of reading. If you’re reading this then you’re well on the way! Children and adults are encouraged to reconnect reading with the things that already inspire you – from playlists and football matches to films, food and family time. It’s about reading that fits how we live, not the other way around. Back to top Community VoiceGarden Ginnels Spring has sprung across Bradford – and it’s time to show our ginnels some love. From Keighley Central to Bowling & Barkerend, Tong, Bradford Moor and the City, our ginnels are the hidden threads that stitch our communities together. Brightening corners in Eccleshill, linking streets in Great Horton, through Bolton & Undercliffe and winding through Heaton and Manningham, they are often unloved and unseen. Not anymore! We're inviting people to roll up their sleeves and transform these everyday pathways into welcoming spaces their whole community can enjoy. A few planters, a sweep and tidy, maybe even a splash of colour – small actions make a big difference. Imagine walking through your local ginnel and seeing flowers, instead of litter, friendly faces instead of forgotten spaces. Cleaner, greener ginnels don’t just look good – they build pride, spark conversation and help everyone feel safer. For more information and to get involved in the Nature and Wellbeing programme please click here to send an email. You can download a copy of the Ginnel Garden Guidebook and lookout for free workshops about how to make a difference in your neighbourhood. Fancy a chat? Age UK Bradford District New weekly Chatty Café ‘Chatter and Natter’ tables are taking place in Bradford in conjunction with Age UK Bradford District. The area will have a volunteer from Age UK Bradford District to welcome anyone interested in joining in for a chat. These are taking place: - Tuesdays 11am - 12noon at Darley street kitchen in the comfy sofa area on the top floor of the market
- Tuesdays 2.30pm - 3.30pm at AWC Garden Centre on Canal Road in the Flower Pot coffee shop
For more information call AGE UK Bradford District on 01274 391190. Shipley Library Warm Space Chatty Table - Tuesdays 10.30am - 12.00noon The Chat Table at Shipley Library is a welcoming space for anyone who wants to pop in and share a friendly conversation. In March, hot drinks are available during the Chat Table sessions as part of Shipley Library’s Warm Spaces offer. MIND Bradford ‘Tea and Talk’ Groups Tea ‘n’ Talk groups are for adults who might be feeling lonely, socially isolated or simply benefit from some friendly company and conversation with others. Groups are facilitated by volunteers and each group runs for up to two hours, some weekly, some monthly. Mindful activities such as jigsaws and colouring are available at each group. Click the button below to find groups in your area. Wellbeing Walk Join a free Wellbeing Walk, every Wednesday, setting off at 10.30am from Parkside Sports Centre, Parkside Road, BD5 8EH. Everyone is welcome and they are a great way to explore the local area. Walks are adapted for all abilities. They're friendly, fun and a good way to meet new people. No equipment needed, just some comfortable shoes. We'd love to meet you! For more information contact: 07929 167958 or 01274 768066. Bradford Trident also offer other sports/activities that you can join in with, just click the button below to find out more. Back to top EventsSocial Prescribing Day Come and meet the team from Hale at the Broadway in Bradford on Thursday 26 March 10am - 2pm to learn about all the things the team can do to help support you and your family to live well. There will be information on all sorts of areas that impact us including mental wellness, healthy living, family & parenting, local activities you can get involved with, LGBTQ+ information, drugs and alcohol and sexual health as well as money saving ideas and how to stay warm. Also on offer are free blood pressure checks and the opportunity to win some great goodies too! Puppet Pageant Puppet Pageant, Saturday 28 March 2pm – 5.30pm. A free, joyful and colourful celebration of the Cecil Green Arts Puppet Play Festival taking place in the streets of central Bradford. Expect music, performance and puppets. - City Park: 2pm - 2.45pm
- Broadway: 3.15pm - 4pm
- Darley Street Market: 4.30pm to 5.30pm
Easter Holidays Fun and Activities in Bradford District - Family & Nature:
- East Riddlesden Hall: Easter adventures in nature trails (£3.50 per child) featuring activities like wellie wanging and egg & spoon races.
- Parks Trails: Council-run parks across the district are hosting Easter trails.
- Farm Fun: Robertshaw’s Farm Shop (13 - 18 April) features Clover the Easter Bunny, lambs, and pony rides.
- Culture & Entertainment:
- Crafts & Markets:
- Support & Community:
- HAF Programme: Over 100 free holiday clubs offering food and activities for eligible children.
Eid Celebrations Eid at Darley St Market
21 March 12pm - 4pm Come and take part in a adults-only wooden Mandala-making coaster workshop where you can design a pattern inspired by South Asian heritage and culture and create a funky mandala design! All materials are provided. For a younger audience there will be a free paper lantern making workshop. Children must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. Alongside these workshops there will be snacks served by market traders and special pop-ups. There will also be free Mehndi and face-painting at the market. Celebrate Eid at The Broadway Bradford!
22 March 12pm - 5pm Stunning henna designs. Live dhol drummer performances. A vibrant celebration filled with culture, music, and tradition. Don't forget to head to City Park for the City of Culture Open Iftar at 4.45 PM. Eid in the Park The Eid in the Park event at Infirmary Fields off Lumb Lane is one of the highlights of the calendar at IB the Centre. It is the biggest Eid in the Park event in Bradford, and dependent on weather. Regular updates are posted on the Facebook page in the lead up to Eid. If the weather does not permit, prayers are held at the centre. Delicious Eid & Easter Recipe Ideas Chaat as a Light Festive Addition to the Eid TableChaat brings together yoghurt, herbs, spices, fresh vegetables, and bright chutneys, making it a refreshing addition to richer Eid dishes. Ingredients: - Boiled chickpeas (2 cups)
- 1 large boiled potato, chopped into cubes
- Chopped onion, tomato, and cucumber
- Thick yoghurt, lightly salted (1 cup)
- Tamarind chutney (2 tbsp)
- Mint-coriander chutney (1 tbsp)
- Roasted cumin powder (½ tsp)
- Chaat masala (½ tsp)
- Salt to taste
- Pomegranate seeds and fresh coriander
Method: - Toss the chickpeas, potatoes, and chopped vegetables together and season with salt, cumin, and chaat masala.
- Spoon over the yoghurt.
- Drizzle both chutneys.
- Finish with pomegranate and coriander.
- Serve chilled.
Chocolate Easter Nests Love making traditional Easter nests with your children but worry about all the refined sugar? These healthy Easter cookies are made with bananas and oats but still deliver on the Easter excitement thanks to the mini eggs on top! The recipe couldn’t be easier – making it perfect for little ones to join in! Ingredients: - 2 bananas
- 3 tablespoons of honey
- 150g oats
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- Mini eggs to decorate
Method: - Mash the bananas and stir in the honey before adding the oats and cocoa powder.
- Combine the mixture to make a dough with your hands, then divide it into evenly-sized balls.
- Place the balls on greaseproof paper and using the back of a teaspoon, gently press down in the centre of each ball to make a well.
- Bake in a medium oven for about 12 minutes on 180°C (350°F / Gas Mark 4).
- Allow to cool then decorate with mini eggs on the top.
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