Simple Signposting to Better Health and Wellbeing

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

Register for priority service from your energy supplier

You might be able to get extra support from your energy supplier by signing up to the priority services register if you:

• are disabled or seriously ill
• are recovering from an injury
• have mental health problems
• don’t speak or read English well
• have children under 5, or are pregnant
• have reached your state pension age
• are in a vulnerable situation

Benefits of priority service can include free energy saving advice.  A password protection scheme to protect you from cold-callers.  Your meter moved free of charge if it’s hard for you to use or read.  Bills sent to a relative, carer or friend to help you check them. You might also get advance notice if your supply is going to be interrupted, priority re-connection if your supply is interrupted.  You may also get annual gas safety checks.  Find out more on the Ofgem priority services register website.

To find out if you’re eligible to join the priority service register, speak to your energy supplier.

If you don't know who your current gas and electricity supplier is, this can be checked by contacting:

• For Gas - Meter Point Reference Line - 0870 6081524
• For Electricity - Northern Powergrid - 0845 0707172

Energy suppliers priority service

• British Gas
• EDF
• E.ON Next
• Northern Powergrid

Pension Credit Toolkit

Use this collection of materials to help older people understand how they could get Pension Credit.

 This toolkit is for anyone who works with pensioners. Use it to help older people understand how they may get extra money every week by:

• increasing understanding in your organisation
• helping your customers find out if they could get Pension Credit

The toolkit contains:

• guidance to help you understand Pension Credit
• information to help you support someone applying for Pension Credit
• common reasons why pensioners don’t claim
• ideas for events and dealing with the media
• useful contacts

The Pension Credit toolkit can be accessed here: Pension Credit toolkit - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Apply for energy bill discounts and benefits

See if you are be eligible for three heating related benefits:

• One-off £150 discount off your electricity bill with the Warm Home Discount Scheme. 

• If you’re eligible, your energy supplier will apply the discount to your bill. You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you’re eligible. Contact your supplier to find out.

  This should be paid direct to you if you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or are on a low income and have high energy costs.

  You can still qualify for the discount if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter. Your electricity supplier can tell you how you’ll get the discount if you’re eligible, for example a voucher you can use to top up your meter.

  To find out if you qualify you contact your energy supplier directly.

• £200 or £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2024 to 2025 with the Winter Fuel Payment. You may be eligible if you or your partner get certain benefits. You will not get the extra Pensioner Cost of Living Payment given in 2022 and 2023. It stopped in winter 2023.
• Extra help if temperatures fall below a certain level with the Cold Weather Payment.

Struggling to pay for your gas and electricity?

The price of gas and electricity has increased greatly over recent weeks. If you are worrying about what to do, did you know that there is support available to help you during this time?

You can contact your supplier, to discuss ways to help pay what you may owe. This should be made affordable to you based on your budget. Your energy supplier may have support funds available.

British Gas - British Gas Energy Trust

• They offer a number of schemes to help people who are in arrears. You do not need to be a British Gas customer to apply.

Octopus Energy - Octo Assist Fund

• To apply you would need to be an Octopus Energy customer and are currently struggling with your bills.

OVO - OVO Energy Fund

• You have to either be an existing OVO customer or previous customer. This is designed for people in debt of over £150 and unable to pay their bills

Scottish Power - Scottish Power Hardship Fund

• If you are an existing customer of Scottish Power and having difficulties paying your bills you may be able to get additional support.

National Energy Action - NEA – 0800 3047159 Monday to Friday 10am to 12pm. 

• A charity who specialise in assisting people with help with energy debt.  Giving benefits advice and making the most of your income. Support with gas and electricity accounts including fuel debt and switching suppliers and helping with energy efficiency.  They can also help you apply for trust fund money, Water rates, Warm Home Discount and Priority Services Register details.

If you need extra financial support, you can contact:

Money Advice Service - 0800 1387777 

National Debtline - 0808 8084000

Citizens Advice - 0808 2231133

Step Change - 0800 1381111 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Preparing for Colder Weather

• From keeping your house warm to protecting yourself from common ailments, find out how to stay healthy this winter on NHS Choices.
• Tips for staying warm and well this winter

The UK Health Security Agency has advice on staying well in the cold weather, covering issues such as financial help, healthy lifestyle, flu jabs and heating.

• Cold Weather Alerts will keep you safe and well this winter by keeping you informed

The Cold Weather Alert operates in England from the 1 November to 31 March every year, in association with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The alerts give you advanced warning of adverse weather conditions that could have a significant effect on your health and well-being, enabling you to take extra precautions to keep safe and well. Sign up here.

Local Support Services

Warm Homes Healthy People

Free independent energy advice for those living in the Bradford District area.

Web: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/projects/warm-homes-healthy-people/

Wellbeing Hubs

Wellbeing Hubs are community-based centres where trained, professional staff provide person-centred rapid access to free specialist advice and support. They can support you to reach a happier and healthier life and can help with topics such as:

• Welfare benefits
• Domestic abuse
• Substance misuse
• Refugees and asylum seekers
• Physical health
• Mental health
• Carers support

There are 6 hubs across the district and you can you to any of them:

Find out more:

Web: https://wellbeingnetwork.org.uk/

Green Doctor

Web: Green Doctor, helping UK residents stay warm, stay well, and save energy. - Groundwork

Self-care and National Support Services

NATIONAL SUPPORT - ALCOHOL

Do you think you would benefit from some further support to reduce your drinking to 'lower risk' levels?

• Speak to your GP, a loved one or call Drinkline 0300 1231110 (Mon-Fri 9am - 8pm, weekends 11am - 4pm). The Drinkline service provides free, confidential, accurate and consistent information and advice to callers who are concerned about their own or someone else`s drinking regardless of the caller`s age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity or spirituality
• Cutting back on the booze can be a really effective way to improve your health, boost your energy, lose weight and save money.  Any reduction in the amount you drink every week will be beneficial – and with the right help, it's easier than you think. Download the 'Drink Free Days' app to update and track your drink-free days, get simple and practical tips to help you control your drinking, receive reminders and celebrate milestones.
• Get further information from NHS Choices www.nhs.uk

Organisations that offer support: 

Please see the foot of this section for a list local drug and alcohol services, along the brief details on the support they offer.

SELF CARE - ALCOHOL

Further tips on cutting down

Make a plan
Before you start drinking, set a limit on how much you're going to drink.

Set a budget
Only take a fixed amount of money to spend on alcohol.

Let them know
If you let your friends and family know you're cutting down and it's important to you, you could get support from them.

Take it a day at a time
Cut back a little each day. That way, every day you do is a success.

Make it a smaller one
You can still enjoy a drink, but go for smaller sizes. Try bottled beer instead of pints, or a small glass of wine instead of a large one.

Have a lower-strength drink
Cut down the alcohol by swapping strong beers or wines for ones with a lower strength (ABV in %). You'll find this information on the bottle.

Stay hydrated
Have a glass of water before you have alcohol and alternate alcoholic drinks with water or a soft drink.

Take a break
Have several drink-free days each week.  

NATIONAL SUPPORT - Drugs

Change Grow Live

Local Support Services

Living Well Support

The Living Well website Alcohol section can help you find online support services and local community support services:

Web: https://mylivingwell.co.uk/drugs-alcohol/alcohol/

New Vison Bradford

New Vision Bradford is the alcohol and drug service for adults in the Bradford district

Tel: 01274 296023 (9.15am – 5.15pm Monday – Friday)

Web: Get help - New Vision Bradford

Online referral: (refer yourself or someone else) https://newvisionbradford.org.uk/get-help/#referalform 

Wellbeing Hubs

Wellbeing Hubs are community-based centres where trained, professional staff provide person-centred rapid access to free specialist advice and support. They can support you to reach a happier and healthier life and can help with topics such as:

• Welfare benefits
• Domestic abuse
• Substance misuse
• Refugees and asylum seekers
• Physical health
• Mental health
• Carers support

There are 6 hubs across the district and you can you to any of them:

Find out more:

Web: https://wellbeingnetwork.org.uk/

New Directions

New Directions supports people with drug and alcohol issues, tailoring support so it suits the individual. When an individual accesses their services their aim is to make people feel welcome and supported, they respect and support individual choices, and work to find the right treatment and care options. We'll get to know you as a person. They aim to provide holistic supporting, with physical health, mental wellbeing, lifestyle and relationships as all these factors play a role in someone reaching their goals.

Tel: 01274 296023

Web: New Vision Bradford – Humankind (humankindcharity.org.uk)

Email: Bradford.info@cgl.org.uk

Address: Pelican House, 10 Currer Street, Bradford, BD1 5BA

Getting Clean (Leeds)

Getting Clean works with multiple community projects in Leeds; volunteers make soap, and the funds raised through this is re-distributed to support Getting Clean’s volunteers. Volunteers find making soap to be therapeutic, and also supports their skills, social and practical, as well as giving volunteers the opportunity to support each other.

Web: Home | Getting Clean

For further information or support contact Getting Clean via their online request function: Contact | Getting Clean

For further information see: Leeds addiction recovery: Everyone here is a miracle, says group founder - BBC News

Self-care and National Support Services

National Support Services

Citizens Advice Bureau

Citizens Advice Bureau provides support with welfare benefits, debt management, housing, employment issues, and utility bills and more. They assist with benefit applications, challenges, and housing-related matters such as eviction prevention and tenant rights. Additionally, they offer guidance on debt management, employment rights, and energy efficiency, assisting individuals navigating complex financial and legal challenges.

Tel: 0800 144 8848

Webpages:

Benefits - Benefits - Citizens Advice

Housing - Housing - Citizens Advice

Help with debt - Help with debt - Citizens Advice

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - Citizens Advice

Make your home more energy efficient - Make your home more energy efficient - Citizens Advice

Get help with the cost of energy efficiency - Get help with the cost of energy efficiency - Citizens Advice

Government support - GOV.uk

GOV.uk provides financial assistance and support services in the UK. This includes the administration of welfare benefits such as Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance. The platform offers information and resources for managing finances, understanding pensions, and accessing various government support programs.

Additionally, GOV.uk provides guidance on tax credits, housing benefits, and financial aid for families and individuals in specific circumstances. 

Benefits: Benefits - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): You can apply if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.

Web: Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Apply for Universal Credit: Universal Credit: What Universal Credit is - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Emergency Financial Assistance: Emergency Financial Assistance (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Winter Fuel Payment:
If you were born before 25 September 1957 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills.

The amount you get includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’. This is between £150 and £300. You’ll get this extra amount in winter 2023 to 2024. This is in addition to any other Cost of Living Payments you get with your benefit or tax credits.

Web: Winter Fuel Payment: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)

DWP is responsible for providing support and services related to welfare, pensions, and employment.

Financial Hardship Support:

In cases of immediate financial hardship, you may be eligible for hardship payments. Speak to the DWP or Contact your local Jobcentre for information on how to apply.

You can usually only get a hardship payment 15 days after your JSA payment was stopped.

You’ll be able to get your hardship payment straight away if you’re considered ‘vulnerable’ by the Jobcentre. This means you or your partner:

• is responsible for a child or young person
• is pregnant, disabled or a carer
• is homeless
• is under 18
• is under 21 and has recently been looked after by the local authority
• has a chronic medical condition
• has a long-term mental impairment - this includes mental health conditions (such as depression), cognitive impairments (such as dementia) and learning disabilities (such as downs syndrome)

You’ll have to show proof, for example a letter from a doctor or a benefit letter.

Benefits: Benefits - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment: Applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

StepChange Debt Charity

StepChange Debt Charity offers free and confidential debt advice, helping individuals create realistic budgets and negotiating with creditors to freeze additional costs. They assist in setting up Debt Management Plans for structured debt repayment. In cases of severe financial distress, StepChange provides insolvency advice. Online tools and resources, including budgeting calculators, are available. The charity emphasises ongoing support and financial education to empower individuals for a secure financial future.

StepChange Debt Charity can provide guidance if the cessation of benefits has led to financial difficulties.

Web: StepChange Debt Charity - Free Expert Debt Advice.

Life, money and budgeting: Your Personal Situation. Debt & Money Advice. StepChange

Coping with the rising cost of living

Are you struggling to pay your energy bills? If you're on a low income, find out if you're entitled to:

One-off payments to support people with the rising cost of energy bills: Coping With The Cost Of Living. Debt Advice. StepChange

Grants and funding to pay for energy bills: Grants And Funding To Pay For Energy Bills. StepChange

Government help with gas and electricity bills: Government Help With Gas & Electricity Bills. StepChange.

National Debtline

National Debtline is a debt advice charity run by the Money Advice Trust. They offer a free and confidential debt advice service. They have helped millions of people with their debts. They'll talk through options and give clear advice on how to take back control.

Tel: 0808 808 4000 or Live webchat
(Between Monday to Friday 9am-8pm and on Saturdays 9.30am-1pm)

Web: Debt advice | Free debt advice | National Debtline
Cost of living hub: Cost of living library | National Debtline

To find out more advice and information on specific topics visit the Fact Sheet Library.

Web: Fact sheet library | National Debtline

 

The Money Helper Service (Government backed service)

Free and impartial money advice, set up by government:

• Advice and guides to help improve your finances
• Tools and calculators to help keep track and plan ahead
• Support over the phone and online

Tel: 0800 1387777

*Calls are free. We’re committed to providing you with a quality service, so calls may be recorded or monitored for training purposes and to help us develop our services.

Web: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en

Turn2us

Turn2us is a national charity offering information and practical help to people facing financial insecurity.

Apply for a charitable grant: Charitable grants can be given as money, products or services and don't have to be paid back.

Search for charitable grants Or contact Turn2us who can provide free financial advice and support to people in the UK in crisis.

Call the free helpline: 0808 802 2000 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5.30pm)

Web: Turn2us Grants Search

The Trussell Trust

Find your local Trussell Trust food bank, their contact details and opening times.

If you're struggling to afford the essentials or need advice and support you can call one of our free helplines.

Web: Find a Food Bank - The Trussell Trust

No Recourse to Public Funds Network

Other National Support

Mental Health

Please refer to the Mental Wellbeing MECC page for further support.

Web: MECC Link

National Domestic Violence Helpline

The National Domestic Violence Helpline, established in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge, provides immediate and confidential support to individuals facing domestic abuse in the UK. Those in need can access expert advice, emotional support, and information on available resources, guidance on safety planning, and information about local services, including refuge accommodation.

The free 24 hour helpline: 0800 9995 428

Drugs and Alcohol

For alcohol support please refer to the Alcohol MECC page for further support.

Web: MECC Link

Homelessness

Please refer to the Housing and Homelessness MECC page for further support.

Web: MECC Link

Local Support Services

'Help with the Cost of Living' websites for your Local Authority area are listed below.  These provide a valuable source of information on some of more localised support arrangements for where you live.

Local Support Services

Bradford

Cost of Living - Support in the Bradford District

Up to date Cost of Living Support in the Bradford District

Web: https://costoflivingbradford.co.uk/

Wellbeing Hubs

Wellbeing Hubs are community-based centres where trained, professional staff provide person-centred rapid access to free specialist advice and support. They can support you to reach a happier and healthier life and can help with topics such as:

• Welfare benefits
• Domestic abuse
• Substance misuse
• Refugees and asylum seekers
• Physical health
• Mental health
• Carers support

There are 6 hubs across the district and you can you to any of them:

Find out more:

Web: https://wellbeingnetwork.org.uk/

Financial Advice and Debt Management

Bradford Council recommended debt services

Bradford council have a webpage on their website with different recommended services for supporting people with debt.

Web: Help with managing your money and debt | Bradford Council

Bradford Citizens Advice

We provide free, confidential and impartial advice and campaign on big issues affecting people's lives. 

Tel: 0808 278 7828

Web: Citizens Advice Bradford and Airedale and Law Centre

Address: Argus Chambers, BRADFORD, West Yorkshire, BD1 1HZ

Christian’s Against Poverty (CAP)

Providing support to people struggling with debt, their team are able to provide support around budgeting and other financial help.

Tel: 01274 760720

Address: Jubilee Mill, 30 North St, Bradford, BD1 4EW

Web: Home | CAP UK

Responsible Lending

Bradford District Credit Union

Bradford District Credit Union Vision is to be well known locally serving the District for responsible savings, budgeting and lending.

Tel: 01274 434100 

Email: credit.union@bdcu.co.uk

Web: Bradford District Credit Union (bdcu.co.uk)

Address: Ground Floor, City Hall, Bradford, BD1 1HY

Help with Household Bills

Bradford Council 

The Government has announced several different financial support packages to help people with the rise in the cost of living, food and energy bills.

Web: Help with cost of living | Bradford Council

Address: Britannia House, Hall Ings, Bradford BD1 1HX

Groundwork - Warm Homes, Healthy People

The WARM HOMES HEALTHY PEOPLE partners provide free independent energy advice for those living in the Bradford District area. The aims, to save you money and keep you warm. We install small energy efficiency measures and offer support and advice on energy bills. We also provide emergency support and help you with debt and benefits checks.

Tel: 0808 1683547 

Web: Warm Homes Healthy People - Groundwork

Email: info@groundwork.org.uk

Help with Food

If you're struggling to meet the cost of food, there's a range of support available.

Community Shop/Discount Supermarket

The Community Shop is an organisation that sells low-cost food to its members, in order to be a member, you need to be on low income, or some form of benefit, local services and support workers can also contact them and refer service users. Being a member entitles you to shop during opening hours for any products they have on offer, there isn’t a limit on what you can buy or how many times you visit. It has several locations in the UK, the one in Bradford also has a Community Hub and Kitchen selling low-cost meals, e.g. £2 Breakfast, £1 lunch, and in the next few months will start cooking classes and other programmes of support. The Social impact co-ordinator is keen to connect with other local services.

Tel: 01274 020196

Web: Community Shop to Open Bradford Store - Company Shop Group

Email: hello@community-shop.co.uk

Bradford Social Impact Co-ordinator: Meaghan.Greenwood@community-shop.co.uk

Address: Avenue Retail Park, Tong Street Bradford BD4 9RQ

Company Shop Group

Our Company Shop members enjoy a unique way of shopping, offering them surplus products from well-known brands at amazing prices, helping stretched budgets go further.

Our Community Shop provides members with vital access to deeply discounted food, as well as life-changing learning and development programmes; building stronger individuals and more confident communities.

Tel: 01274 754031

Web: Our Company Shop locations | The Company Shop Group

Address: The Peel Centre, Canal Road, Bradford, BD1 4RB 

Bradford Central Foodbank

• Equalities Together in all of their Foodbank sessions to give their clients specialised benefits and housing advice.
• They are starting a new CAP Job Club on Tuesday 14th June at 5.30 – 7.30 including a free hot meal. This club incorporates a 10 week course to help people to recognise their talents and give them the confidence and skills to find and keep a job.

They also run Renew 23 wellbeing café on a Monday between 1.30 and 3.30 which is a safe place for people with mental health issues.

New Directions operate a drop in session on a Wednesday (11-2) to help people with addictions. Bradford Central foodbank can also supply occasional grants to support worthy individuals; as do Maxin Dixon solicitors on a Tuesday (11-2) providing free legal advice on family matters.

Web: Bradford Central Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis

Tel: 0300 102 0120

Email: info@bradfordcentral.foodbank.org.uk

Address: The Jubilee Centre, Jermyn Street, Bradford, BD1 4EJ

Renew 23 wellbeing café:

Web: The Light Church, Bradford

Tel: 01274 776189

Email: office@thelightchurch.org.uk

Address: The Light Church: 86 Captain Street Bradford BD1 4EL

Bradford North Foodbank

We don’t think anyone in Bradford should go hungry. That’s why we provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in food crisis. We are part of the Trussell Trusts nationwide network of foodbanks, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK. Although we get practical support from the Trussell Trust to help us operate professionally we are an independent local registered charity.

Tel: 01274 292256

Email: info@bradfordnorth.foodbank.org.uk

Web: Bradford North Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis

Address: Bradford North Foodbank, Unit 12, Newlands House Two, Inspire, Bradford Business Park, Bradford, BD10 0JE

JKN Outreach

The Community Kitchen was started by JKN Outreach in November 2018, it’s open every Sunday 3:00pm-4:30pm, and serves hot meals, you do not need a referral to attend. The Community Kitchen also offer a food bank service on a Sunday, providing a food parcel with 3-4 days’ worth of food, this can be arranged over the phone or collected in person while attending the Community Kitchen. The Community Kitchen can also provide some clothing and toiletry items.

Tel: 07800 794 561

Web: JKN OUTREACH - JKN Institute

Email: outreach@jkn.org.uk

Address: 15-17 Spring Gardens (off Manningham Lane), BD1 3EJ (You do not need a referral to attend)

Fountains Church

Fountains Church in Bradford run a social enterprise called ‘Grace Kitchen,’ the team gather food from local sources, such as St James’ Wholesale Market, and prepare meals as part of their foodbank service, known as their ‘pay as you feel’ basis, minimum spend is £1. They are open: Tuesday 12:30-13:30, Thursday 12:30-14:00, Saturday 17:45-19:00, Sunday 17:45-18:30. Fountains Church also holds activities like Renew Wellbeing, amongst others and holds church groups and services.

Tel: 07800 794 561

Web: Fountains Church Bradford (fcb.church)

Email: hello@fountainsbradford.org

Addresses:

• Fountains Church Bradford, Glydegate Square, Bradford, BD5 0BQ
• Fountains Church Bradford, Morley Street, Bradford, BD5 0BQ

CV/employment support:

National Careers Service 

Hold free CV groups and classes, if you email them, they can book you onto local classes/make 1:1 appointments.

Email: national.careers.service@educationdevelopmenttrust.com

Web: Careers advice - job profiles, information and resources | National Careers Service

Smart Works

Smart Works accepts referrals from organisations such as: Job Centres, mental health charities, women’s refuges, homeless shelters, the prison service, care service and youth organisations; for women who need help to prepare themselves for a job interview. Each client receives a bespoke dressing consultation with two trained volunteers, to find a beautiful and high-quality interview outfit that will fill her with confidence. This is free of charge and the clothes are hers to keep. This is followed by a one-to-one coaching session with an expert interview coach, where each client receives valuable interview preparation, unlocking her potential and enabling her to succeed at interview. We are proud that 72% of clients secure a job in a month. Once a woman gets the job, she is welcomed back for a Second Dressing and receives a capsule working wardrobe to last until her first pay cheque.

Web: HomePage - Smart Works

Tel: 020 7288 1770

Nearest Smart Works: 0113 234 6503 (Leeds)

Partnerships enquiries: partnerships@smartworks.org.uk

Fundraising and donation enquiries: donate@smartworks.org.uk

Address: Unit 1, Canonbury Yard, 202-208 New North Road, London, N1 7BJ

Women's Wellness Essentials

Hey Girls

Hey Girls is an organisation that provides period products to those in need through many partnerships across the UK; for every period product bought through Hey Girls, they match this in donations.

Web: Our Story | About | Hey Girls

Support for Complex Needs

Equality Together

Equality Together work with and support people with complex needs including disabled people, their families and carers, anyone with mental health problems, those with age related disabilities and those who are sick and unable to work. Equality Together provide advice about Welfare benefits, access to Social Care, Housing, Mobility and Accessible Transport, they can also check what a person is entitled to receive.

Tel: 01274 594173

Email: enquiry@equalitytogether.org.uk

Address: Manningham Mills Community Centre, Lilycroft Road, Bradford, BD9 5BD.  

Web: Home - Equality Together

 

Self-care and National Support Services

National Support Services

Dementia Connect 

Dementia Connect, Alzheimer's Society's dementia support service, is free, easy to access, and puts you in touch with the right support. From local help to phone and online advice. 

Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia advisers can support you directly by phone or face to face, as well as connect you to a range of local services.

Web: Dementia Connect for healthcare professionals | Alzheimer's Society (alzheimers.org.uk)

 

Dementia Toolkit

This set of resources is based on research, and the expert experiences of people with dementia and their carers.

Web: Living with Dementia Toolkit

 

The NHS

It's normal for your memory to be affected by stress, tiredness, certain illnesses and medicines. But if you're becoming increasingly forgetful, particularly if you're over the age of 65, it's a good idea to talk to a GP about the early signs of dementia. Memory loss can be annoying if it happens occasionally, but if it's affecting your daily life, or it's worrying you, or someone you know, you should get help from a GP. 

Web: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/diagnosis/

 

The Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. We campaign for change, fund research to find a cure and support people living with dementia today.

Web: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

The dementia guide: Living well after your diagnosis

Caring for a person with dementia: A practical guide

Tel: Dementia Connect Support Line: 0333 150 3456

 

Other Key links

Dementia UK - Dementia Helpline (support from dementia specialist admiral nurses):  0800 888 6678

Tide - Together In Dementia Everyday: Telephone: 0151 237 2669 Email: carers@tidecarers.org.uk

Carers UK- Making life better for carers: Telephone: 020 7378 4999

 

Self Care

We can’t change our age or our genes, and there is currently no way we can completely prevent dementia. However, there are some simple steps we can all take to help lower our risk.

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (like high blood pressure and stroke) are also risk factors for dementia, so what is good for your heart is good for your brain. Looking after your health, cutting out smoking and being physically active on a regular basis will help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. It’s likely you’ll be lowering your risk of dementia too, particularly vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

For good heart health:

• don’t smoke
• keep cholesterol and blood pressure under control
• be active and exercise regularly
• maintain a healthy weight
• eat a healthy balanced diet
• drink fewer than 14 units of alcohol per week.

Web: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/reducing-the-risk/

Herbert Protocol

The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme that encourages carers, family and friends to provide and put together useful information, which can then be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing. 

Carers and / or relatives and friends can complete a form in advance, including important information about the missing individual such as the contact numbers, medication needed, locations the person was last seen and so forth also a photograph can be provided. 

West Yorkshire Police - The Herbert Protocol Missing Person Incident Form | West Yorkshire Police - For patients known to wander

South Yorkshire Police - Herbert Protocol - SYP (southyorks.police.uk)

North Yorkshire Police - People with dementia at risk of going missing (Herbert Protocol) | North Yorkshire Police

Humberside Police - The Herbert Protocol | Humberside Police

Please see below for more information and contact details in your local area. 

Local Support Services

Wellbeing Hubs:

Wellbeing Hubs are community-based centres where trained, professional staff provide person-centred rapid access to free specialist advice and support. They can support you to reach a happier and healthier life and can help with topics such as:

• Welfare benefits
• Domestic abuse
• Substance misuse
• Refugees and asylum seekers
• Physical health
• Mental health
• Carers support

There are 6 hubs across the district and you can you to any of them:

Find out more:

Web: https://wellbeingnetwork.org.uk/

Alzheimer’s Society Bradford, Airedale and Wharfedale

Alzheimer's Society offer information, practical ideas and support to people with a diagnosis of dementia and their carers. 

Tel: 01274 586008 or 07803 115653

Web: www.alzheimers.org.uk

Address: 3rd Floor, 39-41 Commercial St, Halifax HX1 1BE, UK 

Carers Resource (Bradford)Carers’ Resource provides support for carers, no matter what their age, race, religion or needs. Follow the links to discover what support we can offer you as a carer, or as someone who might work with carers.

Please note there is a professional referall link for MECC  https://www.carersresource.org/contact/professional-referral/ 

Web: Carers' Resource (carersresource.org)

Dementia Forward (Craven) An experienced and established team supporting people with dementia and those who care for them through a range of services. We can support you whether you have a diagnosis, are worried about memory problems or care for someone affected by dementia.

Tel: 0330 578592

Web: Welcome to Dementia Forward, Dementia Forward, North Yorkshire's leading dementia charity

Email: info@dementiaforward.org.uk

Bradford City Admiral Nurse Team

District nurses provide a service for anyone over 18 that has a specific Nursing need. The service is for people who are housebound whose care is most appropriately delivered in their own home. As part of the treatment plan patients may be asked to attend health centres or clinics as and when their condition allows.

Tel: 01274 256131

Web: https://www.bdct.nhs.uk/services/admiral-nursing-service/ 

Email: helpline@dementiauk.org 

Face It Together Group 

An involvement group for people with dementia, who work to help the local community, businesses and other organisations understand what it is like to have dementia and how they can best support people in our situation.(Run by Alzheimer’s society but is connected to the DEEP Network)

Tel: Judith Baron or Ross Collard - 01274 586008 or 07483926212

Web: https://www.dementiavoices.org.uk/group/face-it-together/

Email: bradford@alzheimers.org.uk 

Bradford Young Carers

Carers’ Resource delivers services for young carers across Bradford. 

This service offers:

• 1-1 Support around caring issues
• Regular age appropriate youth groups
• Regular trips allowing young carers to have a break

Tel: 01274 449660

Web: Bradford Young Carers – Harrogate, Craven and Bradford Young Carers – Carers' Resource (youngcarersresource.org)

Address: 15 Park View Court, St Paul’s Road, Shipley, BD18 3DZ

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

There is a wealth of information and ways to prevent falls on the following websites

• Saga - Discover ways to stay fit at https://www.saga.co.uk/magazine/health-wellbeing/wellbeing/falls-guide

• Age Uk - Information on falls prevention, exercise classes and handyman services in some areas.  Call free on 0800 169 6565 or see https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/fitness/falls-prevention/

• The effective assessment of an individual’s risk of a fall would be a multifactorial intervention considering falls history, visual impairment etc. This assessment would enable the referral of an individual to effective interventions targeted at specific risk factors

• Your GP may carry out some simple tests to check your balance. They can also review any medicines you're taking, in case their side effects may increase your risk of falling. Your GP may also recommend:
  • having a sight test if you're having problems with your vision, even if you already wear glasses 
  • having an electrocardiogram (ECG) and checking your blood pressure while lying and standing
  • requesting a home hazard assessment, where a healthcare professional visits your home to identify potential hazards and offer
  • advice doing exercises to improve your strength and balance (try some exercises for older people)

• NHS Choices - Find this leaflet and other resources at https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/keep-your-bones-strong-over-65/

Local Support Services

Falls Prevention Team

This is a specialist team who provide expert knowledge in falls prevention, falls assessment, strength and balance for people at risk of falls.

Web: https://www.bdct.nhs.uk/services/falls-prevention-team/

Stay on Your Feet

Self Care Information to prevent falls including simple exercise videos to improve strength and balance.

Web: https://www.bdct.nhs.uk/self-care/falls-prevention/

Self-care and National Support Services

If someone is in crisis and needs urgent help, especially if experiencing suicidal feelings:

• Call Samaritans for free on 116 123 – whatever you are going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Text SHOUT to 85258 for confidential support if you prefer to talk to someone over text message.
• Go to your nearest A&E or call 999, in an emergency or if you’re worried that you can’t keep yourself safe.

Support for gambling harms

Share sources of information and support appropriate to the person’s requests. These can include:

Chapter One

Chapter One is an information and support hub for everyone affected by gambling.

This is your place to find information that will help you understand the causes of gambling harm, and where to access the right help. The valuable resource contains details on help for an individual and others that might be affected by gambling.

Website: https://www.chapter-one.org/

*Chapter One has been developed by experts, research and lived experience and is free from gambling industry influence.

Free and confidential support is available from NHS specialists

NHS Northern Gambling Service

This Service provides specialist addiction therapy in the north of England - the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, and North West. Clinics are located in Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Blackpool, Preston, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

Call the NHS Northern Gambling Services team (NHS Team) on 0300 300 1490. If you get through to voicemail, leave your name and phone number, and someone will call you back.

Website: Home - NHS Northern Gambling Service

Other Support services

National Gambling Helpline and Support

The National Gambling Helpline provides advisors who are available 24/7 online or via the telephone. They can signpost you to a range of confidential and free support services, such as counselling and therapy, as part of the National Gambling Support Network.

You can speak to an advisor or refer yourself to the National Gambling Support Network by contacting 0808 8020 133.

The National Gambling Helpline and Support Network is commissioned by the charity GambleAware, which receives voluntary donations from the gambling industry.

Website: https://www.begambleaware.org/ngsn

Peer support: Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous is described as a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others do the same.

Gamblers Anonymous operates local meetings of people who are affected. Each local group operates slightly differently. It is not a ‘treatment’ option, as it is not a registered mental health support service, but some have found Gamblers Anonymous meetings helped them to stop gambling.

Website: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

Peer support: GamLearn

The Gambling Lived Experience and Recovery Network supports and empowers those who have experienced gambling-related harm.

Website: https://www.gamlearn.org.uk/

Peer support: GamFam

GamFam is a charity empowering individuals and families to reduce the impact of gambling harms and move towards a more positive future. GamFam offers free online peer support, including structured peer support groups for affected others and separate groups for those directly in recovery.

GamFam have created an opportunity for anyone affected by gambling harms to share experiences in a safe space, with no fear of judgement. Structured peer support groups provide information and support to help those affected learn and understand about gambling disorder.

GamFam is not a clinical service, it is an organisation that has lived experience at the heart of everything they do. Following a referral someone will reach out within a maximum of 24 hours with access to a group usually within a week.

Online Referral Form: GamFam Referral Form (office.com)

Gambling with Lives

A charity set up by families bereaved by gambling that provides support, raises awareness of gambling disorder’s devastating effects, and campaigns for change.

Website: https://www.gamblingwithlives.org/

Blocking tools and self-exclusion

Physical premises:

See Chapter One for guidance on how to self-exclude from physical gambling venues.

Online tools:

Gamstop
Signing up stops someone being able to use gambling websites and apps for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.
https://www.gamstop.co.uk/

Gamban
Signing up blocks access to gambling websites and apps on your devices.
https://gamban.com/

Gambling Commission
Information on how to block gambling payments with your bank.
https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/page/i-want-to-know-how-to-block-gambling-transactions 

Avoiding marketing

Visit account settings with gambling operators to unsubscribe from marketing emails.

Support with debt/financial concerns

If you have got into difficulty with money - these services can offer advice:

Citizens Advice - 0300 330 1313 - www.citizensadvice.org.uk

StepChange Debt Remedy - 0800 138 1111 - www.stepchange.org

*see this helpful guide for information about language and gambling harms:

Language guide by ecgmca - Issuu

Local Support Services

If someone is in crisis and needs urgent help, especially if experiencing suicidal feelings:

• Call Samaritans for free on 116 123 – whatever you are going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Text SHOUT to 85258 for confidential support if you prefer to talk to someone over text message.
• Go to your nearest A&E or call 999, in an emergency or if you’re worried that you can’t keep yourself safe.

Support for gambling harms

Share sources of information and support appropriate to the person’s requests. These can include:

Chapter One

Chapter One is an information and support hub for everyone affected by gambling.

This is your place to find information that will help you understand the causes of gambling harm, and where to access the right help. The valuable resource contains details on help for an individual and others that might be affected by gambling.

Website: https://www.chapter-one.org/

*Chapter One has been developed by experts, research and lived experience and is free from gambling industry influence.

Free and confidential support is available from NHS specialists

NHS Northern Gambling Service

This Service provides specialist addiction therapy in the north of England - the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, and North West. Clinics are located in Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Blackpool, Preston, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

Call the NHS Northern Gambling Services team (NHS Team) on 0300 300 1490. If you get through to voicemail, leave your name and phone number, and someone will call you back.

Website: Home - NHS Northern Gambling Service

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

NHS Better Health - Lose Weight

Lose weight - Better Health - NHS (www.nhs.uk) – information and advice, and links to offers from approved partners

NHS Weight Loss Plan app, a 12-week programme following NHS advice on losing weight safely. Available from the App Store and Google Play. To find out more you could watch our app demo

Healthy Steps email programme:

Healthy Steps is a budget-conscious email programme designed to encourage families to take steps to improve their health and wellbeing. ​It provides regular reinforcement and feedback to help families set and achieve goals. Particular focus on lower income families with children aged 5-11​.

The programme invites families/parents/carers to complete a quiz, leading to a recommendation of the best NHS approved health options for your family. There are currently three on offer: sugar reduction, 5 A Day or planned cooking​. Those who sign up will get eight weekly emails with hints and tips on their chosen theme, as well as weekly challenges. Built-in feedback loops means that they will also be provided reinforcement and encouragement after set-backs to help them in their journey through Healthy Steps.

Local Support Services

Living Well Support

The Living Well website ‘Eating Well’ section contains lots of information to help you make healthy food choices and maintain a healthy weight.

Web: https://mylivingwell.co.uk/eating-well/

Self-care and National Support Services

If you think the person you are concerned about is in immediate danger or needs urgent care, please call 999.

Whilst there are some amazing national services available, we recommend a local first approach.  A list of local services can be found at the foot of this text

Street Link is a national service which can be used by members of the public if they see people sleeping rough. Referrals can be made using the hotline (0300 500 0914) or online at Street Link.

This service aims to connect rough sleepers with appropriate services, both statutory and voluntary. Local resources for rough sleepers vary greatly across the country. They can include day centres, contact and assessment teams, soup kitchens and soup runs. Details of such resources can often be obtained by contacting local authorities.

Street assessment teams give rough sleepers information about available health care, night shelters and hostels, and other resources for homeless people. Some hostels and night shelters will only take referrals from a contact and assessment team worker. Some outreach teams will work with people on a long-term basis.

Information on over 9,000 services - hostels, day centres and other advice and support services for homeless people and those at risk of homelessness can be found at: www.homelessuk.org/

Not sure which local authority area to choose?  If you know a postcode you can check which local authority area here.

Local Support Services

Bradford

Cost of Living Site

Up to date Cost of Living Support in the Bradford District

Web: https://costoflivingbradford.co.uk/

Wellbeing Hubs

Wellbeing Hubs are community-based centres where trained, professional staff provide person-centred rapid access to free specialist advice and support. They can support you to reach a happier and healthier life and can help with topics such as:

• Welfare benefits
• Domestic abuse
• Substance misuse
• Refugees and asylum seekers
• Physical health
• Mental health
• Carers support

There are 6 hubs across the district and you can you to any of them:

Find out more:

Web: https://wellbeingnetwork.org.uk/

Housing Options Service

The Housing Options Team which provides advice and assistance to those in housing need. 

They offer a free and confidential service. Our specially trained team can help with all sorts of housing related problems. Together we can look at your situation and decide on the best way to help you tackle your problems to enjoy trouble-free housing.

Services offered: Assessment of entitlement to housing for people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. Assistance with finding accommodation for people in priority need. Temporary accommodation may be available while enquiries are made about eligibility. General housing advice and information for private tenants, housing association and council tenants and homeless people.

Any approach to Housing Options as homeless or threatened with homelessness will result in an assessment of needs and circumstances. This will progress on to working with the person to agree a Personal Housing Plan where the service is satisfied that they are eligible and homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days.

Tel: 01274 435999

Email: housingoptions@bradford.gov.uk

Address: Britannia House, Bradford, BD1 1HX.

Duty to refer

The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 introduced a duty on specified public authorities to refer service users who they think may be homeless or threatened with homelessness in the next 56 days to local authority homelessness/housing options teams. Before making a referral, written consent from the individual to make the referral and consent to share their contact details with that authority is needed.

Details on how to refer are available at here. 

Referrals should include:

• Customer name.
• Customer date of birth.
• Contact details including telephone number, email address and postal address.
• A brief description of the customer’s housing circumstances including the reason that he/she is homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days. 

Email: dutytorefer@bradford.gov.uk

Bradford Homelessness Outreach Partnership (HOP)

The HOP is a commissioned outreach service which includes a team of specialists in housing, healthcare and dual diagnosis supporting rough sleepers. The aim of this service is to provide better and faster access to a range of services including housing.

The HOP complete daily outreach to identify those rough sleeping but will also actively seek referrals from all agencies. 

Lead Coordinator, Claire Flannigan, Tel: 07852041419

Email: bradfordhop@hortonhousing.co.uk

Salvation Army Day Centre

The commissioned day centre based at Bradford the Orchard: 371 Leeds Road, Bradford, BD3 9NG provides support and essential services to homeless and vulnerably housed people aged 18+. Open 08:30 – 15:00 7 days a week, services and support includes;

• Free meals
• Laundry and washing facilities
• Clothing store
• Support with referrals to emergency and long term housing
• Access to training
• Job searches
• Cookery classes
• GP surgery every Thursday

The Orchard accept referrals for their three separate projects, the Lifehouse, Bradford Day Shelter, and Bradford Orchard corps, through: theorchard.referrals@salvationarmy.org.uk

Tel: 01274 397 211

Church & Community Hub: 01274 397 215

Homeless Accommodation Phone: 01274 397 211

Day Shelter: 01274 397217

Email: theorchard@salvationarmy.org.uk

Debt Advice: thqdas@salvationarmy.org.uk

Finding a Home to Rent in Bradford

Bradford Council help on applying for a home to rent from different stages.

Find a home to rent here.

Horton Housing (Bradford Homeless Partnership)

Horton Housing offers temporary and emergency accommodation for people in the Bradford District who are or at risk of becoming homeless. Find out more about Horton Housing here.

Tel: 01274 370689 

Address: Horton Housing Association
Chartford House
54 Little Horton Lane
Bradford
West Yorkshire
BD5 0BS

Household costs through winter

Bradford Council has been allocated funding from the Government’s Household Support Fund to help residents who would otherwise struggle to buy food, keep their home warm, pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living costs this winter.

Find out more about how to access this support here.

The Bradford & District Warm Homes Healthy People Project

The WARM HOMES HEALTHY PEOPLE partners provide free independent energy advice for those living in the Bradford District area. The aims, to save you money and keep you warm. We install small energy efficiency measures and offer support and advice on energy bills. We also provide emergency support and help you with debt and benefits checks.

The Warm Homes Healthy People partnership offer:

1. Free help towards repairs to existing heating systems, food parcels, winter warmth packs and emergency heating.
2. Free information and advice on switching tariffs and energy suppliers, grants and discounts, using heating controls and equipment, dealing with debt, benefits advice, home energy checks to help reduce bills, and help with fuel debt.
3. Installation of free simple energy saving devices.

To make a referral for yourself or someone else, or find out more click here. or call 0808 1683547 (Freephone).

The West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership has produced a range of resources on Affordable Warmth for residents in Bradford, Calderdale, Leeds, Kirklees and Wakefield available here.

Find out more about the project here.

Tel: 0808 1683547

Web: Warm Homes Healthy People - Groundwork

Better Homes Bradford 

A council endorsed energy efficiency scheme to help private homeowners across Bradford district live in warmer, healthier homes and also reduce the cost of rising fuel bills. 

Find out more about the Better Homes Bradford here.

Tel: 0800 597 1500 or 0113 897 0977

Web: Better Homes Bradford | Bradford Council

Bradford Cyrenians (support for men and women)

Bradford Cyrenians is an organisation that provides a range of hostel, supported housing, floating support and other services for vulnerable communities. They a service that supports men who are survivors of domestic abuse and a service that provides accommodation-based support services to male and female ex-offenders. They provide a homes 4 life service run on the housing first model. They have accommodation and floating support services for lone parents.

Referrals: 01274 480120

Tel:  01274 481039

Email: reception@bradfordcyrenians.org.uk

Address: 255 - 257 Manningham Lane, Bradford, BD8 7EP

Web: Bradford Cyrenians - Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness

End Furniture Poverty

End Furniture Poverty was created in 2015 to raise awareness of the issue of furniture poverty; their aim is to develop solutions so everyone had access to essential furniture they need for a secure life. The organisation provides both new and pre-loved furniture to those in need.

For further information or support contact End Furniture Poverty via their online request function Contact - End Furniture Poverty

Web: Home - End Furniture Poverty

Helping Hands, Bradford

Helping Hands is a compassionate and selfless organisation dedicated to improving the lives of those in need. During these challenging times, many individuals are struggling to make ends meet, which is why Helping Hands steps in to provide essential support. 

Helping Hands is primarily a foodbank, however they also cover all household items from white goods to furniture, toiletries, cleaning supplies, baby items and any other needs an individual has, from mental health to housing difficulties.

Tel: 0796 854 8576 

Email: helpinghands.bradford2020@yahoo.com

Web: Helping Hands Bradford (helpinghands-bradford.co.uk)

Self-care and National Support Services

Give reassurances that there are lots of sources of support

If you are worried that this person is in crisis, please see section for Suicide Prevention

 If no immediate risk take the following steps:

Encourage them to ring:

Samaritans - (All age groups)

Tel: 116 123, open 24 hours a day.

Papyrus - (Young people)

Tel: 0800 068 4141

Text: 07860039967

Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

Lines are open 24 hours every day of the year (Weekends and Bank Holidays included)

SELF CARE 

• Encourage the person to contact their GP. Their GP will be able support the person in many ways

• Mind 'The charity for better mental health' has an extensive range of self help resources available

• The NHS have has a range of self-help tools available

• Andy's Man Club provides a weekly talking group, a place for men to come together in a safe environment to talk about issues/problems they be have faced or currently been facing.  Meetings take place regularly in different locations across the region, where applicable these can be found in the local support and contact details section.
• For Men -CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer accredited, confidential and free support to men anywhere in the UK through a helpline and web and webchat service.  They talk through any issue with you and offer support, advice and signposting.
• Quell - Free, safe and anonymous mental wellbeing support for adults across the UK
• Kooth - is your online mental wellbeing community. Access free, safe and anonymous support, for 11-25 year olds
  

Better Health - Every Mind Matters

Better Health Every Mind Matters website​. NHS-assured information & advice on common mental wellbeing concerns: anxiety, stress, low mood & poor sleep​

Tips to manage mental wellbeing based on Mind’s ‘5 ways to wellbeing’. 

Plus self-help CBT techniques section​ Life’s challenges - practical tips on dealing with drivers of poor mental health eg coping with money worries and job uncertainty, maintaining healthy relationships and loneliness​

The Mind Plan – free, personalised plan. Answer 5 quick questions on how you’ve been feeling over the last 2 weeks and you’ll get recommendations on practical self-care actions that could help. You can customise the plan and get it emailed to you​

​Free email support programmes – complete the Mind Plan to sign up for regular emails with further tips on building wellbeing actions into everyday life, or go to the “anxiety” page to sign up for a tailored email programme with expert advice and practical tips to help deal with anxiety

Support Services - Adults

Adults can self-refer to Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services. IAPT is a national NHS programme, which offers evidence based psychological therapies or interventions approved by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). IAPT is primarily for treating people with mild to moderate mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

IAPT treatments are delivered via a stepped care model where patients are initially offered low intensity therapies, such as computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) and guided self-help. If these treatments are unsuccessful, or not appropriate for individuals, higher intensity therapies are utilised and include one to one cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT). Please see local support and contact details for further information.

Support Services - Veterans

Veterans Combat Stress is the UK's leading mental health charity for veterans. They offer free, confidential 24-hour support to Service and ex-Service personnel who are experiencing mental health issues, including feeling suicidal.

Tel: 0800 138 1619

Web: https://www.combatstress.org.uk/help-you

Support Services - Perinatal

PANDAS Foundation

The PANDAS Foundation is here to help support and advise any parent who is experiencing a perinatal mental illness. We are also here to inform and guide family members, carers, friends and employers as to how they can support someone who is suffering.

Tel: 0843 2898401 (0900 - 2000 hrs, 7 days per week)

Web: http://www.pandasfoundation.org.uk/

Support Services - Carers

The Carers Trust

It is important that you take care of your own health, even if you are busy looking after someone else's health.  Being healthy is not only important for you, but it also helps the person you care after too.  The website contains some helpful guides on relationship management and information on self-care and respite care.

Support Services - Children and Young People

Children and Young People can contact the 'The Mix which is a leading support service that can help young people to take on any challenge they are facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. 

• Tel: 0808 808 4994 (Freephone)
• Web: http://www.themix.org.uk/

For Parents

YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline, which parents/careers can call if they are worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving.  They also run a group called Parents Say, for parents whose children are accessing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

Web: https://youngminds.org.uk/

Talk about the Five Ways to Wellbeing.  The mental health equivalent to the dietary advice to have ‘5 a day’ fruit and vegetables for physical health.

1. Connect - With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community.

• As being well connected is good for your mental wellbeing… Is there anything you could be doing more of?
• Can you think of connections that you would like to make or remake?

2. Be Active - Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity that you enjoy; one that suits your level of mobility and fitness.

• What activities do you engage in on a regular basis? How would I like to develop this?
• Are there any minor adjustments you can make in your life that can help you to be more active?

3. Take Notice -  Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are on a train, eating lunch or talking to friends. 

• How can you practice slowing down and pausing more often?
• What difference will incorporating this into your daily life make?

4. Keep Learning - Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. 

• What would you like to learn about? What interests you? What do you value? What would you find useful?
• What do you need to do to make learning something you look forward to?

5. Give - Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. 

• Do you notice what it’s like for you when you give to others?
• What else could you give others that you hadn’t thought of before?

Local Support Services

In an emergency or if someone is in immediate risk of serious harm or injury contact the emergency services. Telephone 999.

Living Well Support

The Living Well website ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing’ section contains lots if information to help you look after your mental health.

Web: https://mylivingwell.co.uk/mental-health/

Wellbeing Hubs

Wellbeing Hubs are community-based centres where trained, professional staff provide person-centred rapid access to free specialist advice and support. They can support you to reach a happier and healthier life and can help with topics such as:

• Welfare benefits
• Domestic abuse
• Substance misuse
• Refugees and asylum seekers
• Physical health
• Mental health
• Carers support

There are 6 hubs across the district and you can you to any of them:

Find out more:

Web: https://wellbeingnetwork.org.uk/

The Cellar Trust

The Cellar Trust was established in the mid 1980’s in Shipley, they offer different mental health services to adults across the Bradford District, this includes Airedale, Wharfdale and Craven. The Cellar Trust run peer support groups, they have a 24-hour crisis support service, they have a pathway to employment team, as well as services like counselling and therapy. The Cellar Trust work with Project 6 to provide support for people with substance misuse. They also have a safe space which provides same day support for children, young people and adults suffering with mental health issues, they can provide a safe space to anyone aged between 7 – 18 to stay overnight, with a qualified member of staff present.

Web: Home - The Cellar Trust

Together Women, Bradford

Provides support with:

• Counselling
• Stressbusters
• Job centre support
• Women’s wellness group
• Probation sessions
• CGL group
• Substance misuse group
• Peer mentoring scheme and training

Tel: 01274 301 470

Web: Bradford Women's Support Centre | Together Women

Address: Carlisle Business Centre, Unit 13, 60 Carlisle Road, Bradford, BD8 8BD

Rosebuds, Women’s Health Matters, Leeds

Women’s Health Matters support disadvantaged women and girls so they may have a fair chance at a better life. They recognise the struggles women in their communities were having with mental health, domestic violence, poverty, and loneliness. Their ethos is about working together with women and girls to make their lives safer.

Women’s Health Matters works intensively with around 750 women each year in and around Leeds. These women are most at risk, including those experiencing domestic violence, sexual and emotional abuse, those with children in care or at risk of being removed, young mums, women seeking asylum, women with learning disabilities, and women with complex needs or mental health and wellbeing needs. We take a woman-centred holistic approach, creating a safe, nurturing environment to help women recover their confidence, explore their own needs and regain control over their lives.

Women’s Health Matters specialise in group work, peer support, and providing one-to-one support. 

Tel: 0113 276 2851

Email: admin@womenshealthmatters.org.uk

Referrals: referrals@womenshealthmatters.org.uk

Web: Our Services | Women's Health Matters (womenshealthmatters.org.uk)

It’s Worth Talking About

The organisation was formed in March 2020 to support men’s mental health in the Keighley area, peer support groups give people the platform to talk about life’s changes with others who are going through their own. The organisation has now expanded multi-group, multi-sex organisation covering the Worth and Aire Valley.

Tel: 07706024336 (19:00-21:00 Mon – Thu, 09:00-10:30 Sunday)

Address: Woodville Activity Centre, Woodville Road, Keighley, BD20 6JA

Equality Together

Equality Together work with and support people with complex needs including disabled people, their families and carers, anyone with mental health problems, those with age related disabilities and those who are sick and unable to work. Equality Together provide advice about Welfare benefits, access to Social Care, Housing, Mobility and Accessible Transport, they can also check what a person is entitled to receive.

Tel: 01274 594173

Email: enquiry@equalitytogether.org.uk

Address: Manningham Mills Community Centre, Lilycroft Road, Bradford, BD9 5BD.

Web: Home - Equality Together

Self-care and National Support Services

National Support

Do you think you would benefit from some further support to spend more time in Nature and Greenspaces?

Nature and Mental Health

• Thriving With Nature | Mental Health Foundation Guide containing suggestions for seasonal activities to help people engage with nature, and personal stories.
• Walking with Nature: Notice three good things - Paths for All | Paths for All Connect with nature on your walks by noticing three good things in nature. Free Guide.
• Natural Environment- National Academy for Social Prescribing | NASP Helping People Connect with Nature for Better Health and Wellbeing  
• Bring people closer to nature | The Wildlife Trusts Materials and resources available and offer a Wellbeing Through Nature course

Nature and Physical Activity

• Parkrun UK Free, weekly events around the country. Events are in parks and open spaces. Walk, run, jog, volunteer or spectate.
• Places to visit | Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (ywt.org.uk) Discover Nature reserves near you. Includes address/map, accessibility and difficulty levels.  
• Home | National Trust Ideas for days out, parks, discover and learn about nature

Nature and Community

• Social Farms & Gardens | (farmgarden.org.uk) UK wide charity supporting communities to farm and garden.
• Ramblers Bringing people together to enjoy walking and outdoor pursuits. Includes Walking for Health and Wellbeing walks.
• Wildlife Actions - Quick Wins for Wildlife.pdf (ywt.org.uk) Things you can do at home/in your community to connect with nature.

Nature and Conservation 

• The RSPB Wildlife Charity: Nature Reserves & Wildlife Conservation Find a place to visit with birds and wildlife.
• TCV | The Conservation Volunteers Connecting people and greenspaces on their doorsteps

Can you think of opportunities that you may have to connect with and spend time in nature? Suggestions include: 

Outdoor: 

• Walks in nature
• Bird watching
• Conservation volunteering
• Green gym
• Volunteering for local charities – nature based, animal-based
• Gardening, growing and horticulture activities
• Art and nature – creative activities
• Watching nature
• Visiting nature and local greenspaces
• Open water swimming
• Horse riding
• Cycling

Indoor: 

• Decorate with plants and flowers. Use of window-sills, side-boards, and hanging plants from above can bring a welcome burst of green and colour indoors.
• Use natural textiles around the home to create a more natural feel.
• Grow herbs on window-sills. Most supermarkets sell a range of herbs or try growing from seed. Most herbs just need sunlight and moisture.
• Do a nature table. Decorate a focal point e.g. a crate or box with natural objects.
• Listen to nature sounds such as birdsong and sea waves. Use apps like Spotify or Alexa to listen to a mixture of sounds. RSPB have a ‘Birdsong’ radio app.
• Let natural light in and open windows.
• Watch nature documentaries and films.
• Use the colour green as much as you can. It is calming and soothing.
• Do seasonal displays e.g. leaves and conkers in the autumn and consider doing artwork with a nature theme.

Local Support Services

Greenspaces in Bradford District

Information about numerous parks, green spaces, and woodlands within the district, including park's facilities such as play areas, sports facilities, walking routes, and gardens. It also covers woodlands and recreational grounds, highlighting amenities and activities available for visitors.

Access to war memorials managed by the council and offers ways for the community to get involved in park activities and events.

Web: https://bradforddistrictparks.org/parks-and-greenspaces/

Great Outdoors

Uncover secret countryside spots and get back to nature, escape to Bradford & district.

Web: https://www.visitbradford.com/things-to-do/great-outdoors

Living Well - Move More

Walking routes and information to be active in the community

Offering various ways to stay active in Bradford. It highlights walking groups, popular walking routes, accessible countryside sites, sports facilities, and organised activities like dance classes and parkruns.

Includes apps for fitness and navigation, such as Couch to 5k and Go Jauntly, and provides information on the BEEP exercise referral program.

Web: https://mylivingwell.co.uk/physical-activity/move-more-get-active-in-your-community/

Better Start Bradford

The Better Place project has been working together with local people to improve outdoor spaces for families with young children in our area of Bradford.

Whether you’re expecting a baby, have children aged 0-3 or work or volunteer in maternity or early years, there is an event, activity or training session for you.

Includes Calendar of Outdoor activities.

Web: Better Place | Better Start Bradford

Get Out More - Find spaces to breathe

The "Spaces to Breathe" initiative offers free guides to 20 nature sites around Bradford, Shipley, and Keighley to promote physical and mental well-being. The booklets provide maps, access instructions, and tips for engaging with nature. The guides highlight urban and rural spots, encouraging locals to explore green spaces nearby.

Address: Cevil Ave, Bradford, BD7 3BW

Web: Find Spaces to Breathe in Bradford, Shipley & Keighley - Get Out More (getoutmorecic.co.uk)

Horton Community Farm

Horton Community Farm (HCF) offers urban food growing, nature conservation, and community-focused activities in Bradford. Services include educational programs for children, mindfulness gardens, support for refugees and asylum seekers, and volunteer opportunities. They also organise corporate volunteer days and various community events aimed at improving well-being and environmental sustainability.

Web: Horton Community Farm – Urban food growing, nature, education, wellbeing and community. (hcf.org.uk)

Self-care and National Support Services

Self-Care - Adults

Healthy brushing advice: (Click here for further information)

• brush at least twice daily, last thing at night and at least on one other occasion with a fluoridated toothpaste
• spit out after brushing and do not rinse (Spit, Don’t Rinse!), to maintain fluoride concentration levels
• use fluoridated toothpaste (1,350-1,500ppm fluoride)

Eat Well (See Act section of MECC Link – Healthy Eating)

Quit Smoking (See Act section of MECC Link - Smoking)

Reduce your Alcohol intake (See Act section of MECC Link - Alcohol)

Finding a dentist

Routine dental care:

• The NHS website enables you to find local NHS services, including dentists. You will need to contact the dental practice directly and check whether they are currently accepting NHS patients

Urgent dental care:

• call your dentist: some practices offer appointments at short notice
• if you don't have a dentist, find one using NHS 111

Self-Care Children

Healthy brushing advice: (Click here for further information)

• brush at least twice daily, last thing at night and at least on one other occasion with a fluoridated toothpaste
• spit out after brushing and do not rinse (Spit, Don’t Rinse!), to maintain fluoride concentration levels
• use fluoridated toothpaste:
  • Children aged up to 3 years: use a smear of toothpaste containing no less than 1000 parts per million fluoride
  • Children aged over 3 years use a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste containing 1350 -1500 parts per million fluoride

Try and keep within the recommended intake of free sugars which is no more than:

• 19g (5 sugar cubes) per day for 4 to 6 year olds
• 24g (6 sugar cubes) per day for 6 to 10 year olds
• 30g (7 sugar cubes) per day for 11 years and older

Finding a dentist

Routine dental care:

• The NHS website enables you to find local NHS services, including dentists. You will need to  contact the dental practice directly and check whether they are currently accepting NHS patients
• Take your child to the dentist when their first teeth come through
• Take your child with you when you visit the dentist, so they may receive preventive dental care

Urgent dental care:

• call your dentist: some practices offer appointments at short notice
• if you don't have a dentist, find one using NHS 111

Local Support Services

Bradford District Oral Health Improvement Team

The team offer a range of programmes which include fluoride varnish applications and a toothbrushing programme which is delivered in primary and special schools. They offer advice, support and online training to promote oral health, particularly to key groups such as children, vulnerable adults and older people.

Web: https://www.bdct.nhs.uk/services/oral-health-improvement/

Community Dental Care

The team offer a service for people who are unable to access dental treatment by a ‘high street’ NHS dentist due to their additional needs. Our staff have expertise in the care, management and understanding of people with learning disabilities, challenging medical conditions and people who are housebound.

Web: https://www.bdct.nhs.uk/services/community-dental-care/

Finding an NHS Dentist

You can use this website to find a dental surgery that's convenient for you and phone them to see if there are any NHS appointments available.

Web: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/how-to-find-an-nhs-dentist/

 

Self-care and National Support Services

 Self Care

Get Active - Better Health

The 'Get active - Better Health' - NHS (www.nhs.uk) - website includes access to free online exercise routines you can do at home and offers from approved partners

Active 10 walking app - track your walking habits to increase the number of brisk minutes, which is when the health benefits will be greatest. No Lycra required, and there are lots of benefits of getting out into local green spaces like parks for your mental health too. Available from the App Store and Google Play

Couch to 5k app - easy to follow, flexible programme to get you running 5k in as little as 9 weeks, or longer if you want. Listen to your preferred music player as you run, between motivational messages from your chosen celebrity “coach”. Track your achievements and collect awards as you progress. Available from the App Store and Google Play

How to be more active - Regular physical activity is good for our bodies and minds, but it can be difficult to get started – especially if we're not particularly sporty or have not done any exercise for a while.

Home workout videos - We could all do with a boost to feel better right now – and you don't even need to leave the house to do it! Exercise is great for your mind as well as your body, so clear some space and follow along with our 10-minute home workouts.

Park Run

Why not join a Parkrun in your local area? Did you know that one of the best things about Parkrun and Junior Park run is that you can run, or jog or walk entirely at your own pace. This makes it accessible for those who never could envisage running 2k or 5k and creates an environment where people feel welcome.  For those who don’t wish to run, jog or walk there is always the opportunity to volunteer to support your local Parkrun. There is probably a Parkrun local to you…visit http://www.parkrun.org.uk/ for more information.

Local Support Services

Living Well Support

The Living Well ‘Physical Activity’ section contains lots if information to help you be active across Bradford district.

Web: https://mylivingwell.co.uk/physical-activity/ 

Wellbeing Hubs

Wellbeing Hubs are community-based centres where trained, professional staff provide person-centred rapid access to free specialist advice and support. They can support you to reach a happier and healthier life and can help with topics such as:

• Welfare benefits
• Domestic abuse
• Substance misuse
• Regugees and asylum seekers
• Physical health
• Mental health
• Carers support

There are 6 hubs across the district and you can you to any of them:

Find out more:

Web: https://wellbeingnetwork.org.uk/

Self-care and National Support Services

Good vision is not an indicator of healthy eyes. Regular visits to your optician will help you keep your sight as good as possible for as long as possible (usually every two years is recommended unless advised otherwise by your optician).

The majority of sight loss due to refractive error can be corrected simply by wearing the right prescription glasses.

Many forms of cataract are treatable.

If detected and treated early, some sight loss due to glaucoma, AMD and diabetic retinopathy could be avoided.

Useful Resources:

If you work or volunteer for a group/organisation, you can request a free vision screening pack from https://www.pocklington-trust.org.uk/project/eyes-right-toolkit/. This tool provides participants with a quick vision screening (test).

You can download an eye health leaflet from Wakefield Council’s preventable sight loss page. http://www.wakefieldjsna.co.uk/site/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Wakefield-Eye-Health-leaflet.pdf

NHS Eye tests for Children:   https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/eye-tests-in-children/

NHS Vouchers:  https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/help-with-health-costs/free-nhs-eye-tests-and-optical-vouchers/

NHS tips for older people from Age UK: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/conditions-illnesses/eye-health/

Using a display screen at work: https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/eye-tests.htm#article

Local Support Services

Bradford Macular Centre

This unit provides outpatient and day case services to adults and children as well as support and advice to inpatients with a variety of eye conditions.

Web: https://www.bradfordhospitals.nhs.uk/bradford-macula-centre/

Visual Impairment Services

Services for anyone living in the Bradford Metropolitan District who is experiencing difficulties due to a visual impairment or blindness

Web: https://www.bradford.gov.uk/adult-social-care/disabilities/services-for-people-who-have-a-visual-impairment/

Self-care and National Support Services

Provide the details in the Self-Care section below and offer support to help navigate and access the local services – most services have moved to initial contact via phone due to the pandemic, with some elements accessed online (see specific area for contact details/ websites).

 Self-Care

• For information about sexual health, STIs, HIV and contraception visit https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/ or https://www.brook.org.uk/
• The Sexual Health Helpline provides advice and information on all aspects of sexual health, call free on 0300 123 7123 (open from 9am-8pm, Monday-Friday and Saturday-Sunday 11am to 4pm). Calls will be treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence.
• This website https://www.contraceptionchoices.org/ is designed to help people decide which method of contraception might suit them best and provides honest information on the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
• For information about HIV prevention and treatment visit https://www.startswithme.org.uk/ and for HIV PrEP see https://prepster.info/ including how to talk about PrEP here.

Local Support Services

Sexual Health Services

Information on clinical services, outreach support, online services and help through GPs and pharmacies can be found here:

Web: https://www.bradford.gov.uk/health/improve-your-health/sexual-health-services/

The Lotus Project/The Bridge Project

The Lotus and Bridge Projects offer several different avenues of support:

The Lotus Project provides support to sex workers - a support worker will work with you to create an agreed support plan, they have onsite shower and washing facilities and provide hot food and drinks; drop-in support sessions are also available.

The Vault is a recovery group for those recovering from addictions.

Web: The Lotus Project - The Bridge Project

Email: info@thebridgeproject.org.uk

Address: 35 Salem Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 4QH

My Body Back

My Body Back is an entirely volunteer run organisation working with the NHS to provide clinics and workshops, the offer cervical screenings, maternity care, workshops and other sexual health services to victims of sexual violence. Although this service is based in London, they are able to provide support to women across the country.

Web:My Body Back Project - Rape and sexual assault support in London

For further information or support contact My Body Back via their online request function Contact - My Body Back Project - My Body Back Project

Self-care and National Support Services

NATIONAL SUPPORT

• Call the free Smokefree National Helpline to speak to a trained, expert adviser on 0300 123 1044. All lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm*
• Better Health quit smoking website which includes information about the benefits of quitting, advice on various quitting aids and a local stop smoking service lookup tool 
• NHS Quit Smoking App (Apple) or NHS Quit Smoking App (google/android) - a 28-day programme that provides practical support, encouragement, and tailored clinical advice on your mobile/tablet. Includes a savings calculator so you can see how much money you're saving.
• Get a free Personal Quit Plan Quitting smoking is easier with the right support. Give up for 28 days, and you're 5 times more likely to quit for good – get your plan now!
• You can also speak to your doctor, pharmacy team or local Stop Smoking Service for expert advice on stop smoking medicines.

SELF CARE

• Download the NHS Quit Smoking app from apple or google/android
• Get further information from the National Health Service www.nhs.uk/quit
• Consider using e-cigarettes to stop smoking
• Get daily email support - If you would like some extra support, you can sign up for 28 days of stop smoking advice and tips – delivered straight to your inbox.  Sign up for email support
• Find your online community - You do not have to do it alone – join others going through the same thing in a friendly and supportive environment.  Join the Quit Smoking Support Group on Facebook

Emphasise that quitting will the best thing they will ever do and the NHS Smokefree service can provide the friendly and helpful support they need to quit for good

Local Support Services

Living Well 

In Bradford district there are lots of options to help you quit smoking from GP surgeries, pharmacies and also our Living Well Advisors. They all offer a free, personal service that helps you to quit using the method that’s right for you including prescribed stop smoking medications. They can also help with stopping smoking in pregnancy.

Web: https://mylivingwell.co.uk/smoking/support-to-quit

 

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

Although most people need some kind of social contact to maintain good mental health, everyone has different social needs. The person may be someone who is content with a few close friends, or they may need a large group of varied acquaintances to feel satisfied.

Loneliness in Older People

• The Silver Line is the only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.  Call 0800 470 8090.  The Silver Line can also put you in contact with community activities in your local area

• Age UK has a befriending service to support loneliness in later life, this is where a volunteer visits an older person once a week in their own home.  There is also telephone befriending Telephone befriending, where a volunteer befriender will phone an older person.

• https://www.reengage.org.uk/ Re-engage works with people aged 75 and over who live alone; those who are especially vulnerable to loneliness.  Call our freephone number 0800 716 543 Email info@reengage.org.uk 

• NHS Choices has a range of advice on Loneliness including volunteering, continuing education and how to engage with social media and computers.

Loneliness in Younger People

• It is recognised that Loneliness is not something that is exclusive to older adult, indeed many younger adults in particular can experience loneliness and a recent report from the office for national statistics highlighted Britain as the loneliness capital of Europe.  

• Whilst on the outside young people can be very well connected on social media but if this replaces face-to-face contact then it can add to a feeling of loneliness.  Some people also present an idealised version of themselves online and we expect to have social lives like those portrayed in the media.

• Helplines can reduce loneliness, at least in the short term

• The Samaritans are available around the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This number is FREE to call on 116 123

• Get Connected is a free confidential helpline for young people, where people can seek help with emotional and mental health issues often linked to loneliness.

• There are also support services on websites such as Mind's that can remind you you're not alone.

• It doesn’t really matter who you talk to first. Some ideas would include: a friend, family member, anonymous listening service like Nightline or the Samaritans, student union welfare rep, personal tutor, students support services staff member, counsellor, or doctor. Decide who is the best person for you to talk to first. Be realistic about what each person can offer. If it doesn’t work out, try someone else. Talk to more than one person.

Local Support Services

ALE Bradford

HALE provides access to a variety of activities, groups and programmes such as befriending and community connectors that all aim to reduce isolation and improve mental health and wellbeing.

HALE’s services have made an impact in the local community:

• 85% of people attending our social groups tell us they have experienced an improvement in their health
• 70% of people from our social prescribing scheme have experienced improved mental health.

Tel: 01274 271088

Web: https://haleproject.org.uk/contact/

Bradford and District Befriending Network

Details of befriending services across the district.

Web: https://bradforddistrictbefriending.org/befriending-organisations/

Age UK Bradford and District

Age UK Bradford and District Wellbeing and Engagement team provides support across the district to individuals and communities at risk of social isolation and loneliness for people over the age of 50. For more information or support please contact a member of our Customer Service Team.

Tel: 01274 391190

Web: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/bradfordanddistrict/

Men in Sheds 

Men's Sheds are community spaces for men to connect, converse and create,  The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, for groups of men to enjoy together and could be woodworking, cycle repairs, gardening, furniture renovation etc, depending on what the group is interested in. They are great places to spend time with others making social connections and are supportive of people with long term health conditions. 

For more information on the location and contact details for Men's Sheds in your local area see: https://menssheds.org.uk/find-a-shed/

Allerton Community Café 

The Allerton Community run café prides itself on fair and affordable café prices; they also have facilities such as: library, ICT suite, community garden, disabled access wet room, community utility room, kitchen facilities, hall space, playing field, outdoor seating. As well as providing services for the local community, for example: emergency food parcels and mental health support.

Tel: 01274 488 499

Email: Info@cafewest.org.uk

Address: Cafe West, Wanstead Crescent, Allerton, Bradford, BD15 7PA

Web: Home | Cafe West Healthy Living Centre

Millside Centre

Millside Centre is based in Bradford and their aim is to support vulnerable people in the Bradford area, they have several groups designed to support vulnerable members of the community, e.g; the Befriending Project, Job Club, Football Fitness and Friendship – Men only, Ladies’ fitness, singing and knitting groups and they offer counselling. Information around all the groups Millside runs are on their website.

Tel: 01274 409661

Email: info@millsidecentre.org

Web: Millside Centre » Millside Centre

Shine, West Bowling

Shine is an organisation based in St Stephen’s Church in West Bowling, Bradford; that offers support based on the community’s needs, offering support like: Advice drop in, Clothing bank, Pop up pantry, Gamblers anonymous, Exercise groups for women, Sing Shine and Creative Threads (as well as many other groups/classes/support).

Tel: 01274 738490

Email: info@shinewestbowling.org.uk

Address: St Stephen's Church, Donisthorpe St, West Bowling, Bradford, England, BD5 7BX

Web: Shine, West Bowling (shinewestbowling.org.uk)

Self-care and National Support Services

Self Care

Following the COVID pandemic Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are currently being offered this year on the NHS to help protect vulnerable groups at risk of flu & COVID-19 and its complications. These viruses can be unpleasant, but if you're otherwise healthy, it'll usually clear up on its own within a week.

But flu and COVID-19 can be more severe in certain people, such as:

• anyone aged 65 and over
• children and adults with an underlying health condition (such as long-term heart or respiratory disease)
• children and adults with weakened immune systems

Visit the following websites for full information on seasonal vaccines and who can is entitled to this and why.

Flu vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

COVID-19 vaccination - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

What else can I do to protect myself against the flu and COVID-19?

You have probably already heard of Catch it, Bin it, Kill it.  This is still great advice!

During flu season you should get into the habit of washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water, particularly after spending time amongst large groups of people, or having contact with someone who is sick.

You should also keep shared surfaces (such as door handles and telephones) clean, and avoid sharing food, crockery, cutlery, or towels with any people who have the flu.

You can often treat flu or COVID-19 symptoms without seeing a GP and should begin to feel better in about a week

Flu symptoms can include:

• a sudden fever – a temperature of 38C or above
• an aching body
• feeling tired or exhausted
• a dry cough
• a sore throat
• a headache
• difficulty sleeping
• loss of appetite
• diarrhoea or tummy pain
• feeling sick and being sick

The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active.  If your symptoms are not improving or getting worse you should ring NHS 111.

 

COVID-19 symptoms can include:

• a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
• a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
• shortness of breath
• feeling tired or exhausted
• an aching body
• a headache
• a sore throat
• a blocked or runny nose
• loss of appetite
• diarrhoea
• feeling sick or being sick

The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu. 

COVID-19 Symptoms and what to do - NHS

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-symptoms-and-what-to-do/

Cold and flu symptoms are similar, but flu tends to be more severe.

Flu	Cold
Appears quickly within a few hours	Appears gradually
Affects more than just your nose and throat	Affects mainly your nose and throat
Makes you feel exhausted and too unwell to carry on as normal	Makes you feel unwell, but you're OK to carry on as normal (for example, go to work)

How to treat flu or COVID-19 yourself

To help you get better more quickly:

• rest and sleep
• keep warm
• take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains
• drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (your pee should be light yellow or clear)

Please note that Antibiotics do not work for viral infections such as colds, flu, COVID-19, and most coughs and sore throats.  In most cases your pharmacist should be the first point of call as they can help advise you on appropriate colds and flu remedies to help manage symptoms such as fever, headache, aches and pains, and fatigue.

National Support and Information Services

Key Websites:

NHS Conditions - Flu https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/

NHS Conditions - COVID-19 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/

Local Support Services

NHS Flu Vaccinations

Flu vaccination offered every year through the NHS to help protect people at risk of getting seriously ill from flu.

Adult Flu Vaccination Information:

Web: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/

Childrens Flu Vaccination Information:

Web: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine/

Web: https://www.bradford.gov.uk/health/improve-your-childs-health/flu-vaccinations/

Self-care and National Support Services

National Support Services

NHS Stay well this Winter

Cold weather can be seriously bad for your health. That's why it's important to look after yourself, especially during the winter. If you start to feel unwell, even if it's a cough or a cold, don't wait until it gets more serious. Seek advice from your pharmacist.

Web: https://www.nhs.uk/staywell/

 

Self Care

Staying Warm

Age UK have produced a great that explains what you can do to get yourself and your home ready for winter, as well as where to go for more information and support. Download the guide from the link below

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/information-guides/ageukig27_winter_wrapped_up_inf.pdf

Eating Well

Make sure you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day to keep yourself warm, and keep active in the home if you can.

Visit NHS Choices for further ideas and information.

Wear warm clothes

Wrap up warm, inside and out. Layering clothing helps you stay warm as air is trapped between layers, keeping you insulated. Wearing layers of cotton or fleecy clothes is particularly effective.

Wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside and wear a hat or head scarf. If possible, stay inside during a cold spell if you have heart or respiratory problems. When indoors, wear well-fitting slippers with fleecy linings to keep your feet warm and to help prevent falls.

To keep warm when inside you could try:

• using a covered hot water bottle or electric blanket (but not at the same time!) to keep warm in bed
• wearing bed socks and warm night clothes

Keeping your home warm

Cold homes have a significant impact on your health. One of the best ways of keeping yourself well during winter is to stay warm.

If you have reduced mobility, are aged 65 or over, or have a health condition such as heart or lung disease, you should:

• heat your home to at least 18^oC
• keep your bedroom at 18^oC all night

If you're aged under 65 and healthy, you can safely heat your home to cooler than 18^oC as long as you're comfortable.

Reducing fuel bills

See more about affordable warmth

Cold weather benefits

Winter Fuel Payment

If you were born before 25 September 1957 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.

The amount you get includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’. This is between £150 and £300. You’ll get this extra amount in winter 2023 to 2024. This is in addition to any other Cost of Living Payments you get with your benefit or tax credits.

Web: Winter Fuel Payment: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Warm Home Discount Scheme

You could get £140 off your electricity bill if you either receive the guarantee credit element of pension credit, or you’re on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme.

Cold Weather Payment

You may get a cold weather payment if you’re getting certain benefits. You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below for 7 consecutive days. You’ll get £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March.

Staying Safe

Prevent falls in winter weather

One of the biggest risks from wintry weather is falling, particularly among older adults. Icy conditions make it harder to stay on your feet, and the cold may cause us to limit our activity, which can lead to loss of strength and balance.

• Here are some tips to help prevent falls:
• Wrap up to stay warm but make sure you can see in all directions and move easily and freely.
• Wear sturdy shoes or boots with treads, even if you're just going out to get the newspaper.
• Do some light stretching before you venture out; it will make you physically more able to prevent a fall.
• Avoid walking on surfaces that may be icy if you can. If you can't, slow down, shorten your stride, walk with feet pointed out slightly and knees gently bent to improve grip and balance.
• Snow can hide curbs and uneven surfaces. If you can't see where your foot will land, find another way.
• Replace worn rubber ferrules on walking sticks, walking frames and crutches but remember that brakes on wheeled walkers may not be as effective on icy pavements so avoid unsalted ramps and slopes.
• Dry off shoes, sticks, crutches and walking frames as soon as you get indoors. Wet shoes on dry surfaces are just as dangerous as dry shoes on wet surfaces.
• Carry a cleaning cloth and stop immediately to clean your glasses if they fog up going from outdoors to indoors.
• Ask shops and your local council about options that might make it safer for you when conditions are bad e.g. delivering to your home or collecting the bin from beside your house instead of the end of your drive
• When in doubt, don't risk it. Ask for help if you don't feel safe doing something.

Local Support Services

Self - care resources

Web: https://bradford.gov.uk/health/self-care/self-care-resources

Resources for carers, health professionals and anyone interested in self-care are available here

Winter Wellbeing Support

Winter advice, information and contacts that may be useful over the winter period:

Web: https://www.bradford.gov.uk/health/health-advice-and-support/winter-wellbeing/

Bradford Food Provisions

This website provides information on all the services providing food parcels and hot meals to those in need in Bradford over the Christmas period.

Web: Free meals – Find Food in Bradford (bradfordfoodbanks.org.uk)

Warm Welcome Spaces

A website with over 3000 organisations listed as free, warm, safe spaces for those struggling this winter. Open to anyone. The website also contains information about the facilities each location has, e.g. toilets.

Find a warm welcome space: Warm Welcome Campaign

Self-care and National Support Services

If you’re worried that someone is at immediate risk of taking their own life then phone 999, you should stay with that person until help arrives. Do not put your own safety at risk by getting physically involved.

 If no immediate risk take the following steps:

Encourage them to ring:

Samaritans - (All age groups)

Tel: 116 123, open 24 hours a day.

Papyrus - (Young people)

Tel: 0800 068 4141

Text: 07860039967

Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

Lines are open 24 hours every day of the year (Weekends and Bank Holidays included)

Other options include:

• contact their GP for an emergency appointment or call the out of hours service.
• call their Mental Health worker, if they have one.
• call their social worker or key worker, if they have one 
• encourage to re-engage with mental health services if already engaged
• go through their Safety Plan with them

If they don’t want help, don’t push them. Sometimes it’s easy to want to try and fix a person’s problems, or give them advice but try and at least leave a couple of key telephone numbers with them for Samaritans any local support numbers for their area (Crisis teams etc).

It’s usually better for people to make their own decisions. Help them think of all the options, but leave the choice to them.

A person may not be suicidal but you may still be concerned

Encourage them to contact their GP, they will be familiar with their medical history and will be able to direct them appropriately which may include a referral to the Primary Care IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies).  IAPT team are skilled in helping people 18 years old and older overcome emotional and mental difficulties like:

• Depression.
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Sleep problems
• Confidence and self-esteem problems

All the local IAPT services are listed under the 'Mental Wellbeing' section of MECC Link and can be found within the 'local support and contact details' section. 

 

SELF CARE

• Hub of Hope - Postcode based directory of services

• Mind 'The charity for better mental health' has an extensive range of self help resources available
• The NHS have has a range of self-help tools available

• Andy's Man Club provides a weekly talking groups, a place for men to come together in a safe environment to talk about issues/problems they be have faced or currently been facing.  Meeting take place throughout Yorkshire and the Humber

• A range of self-help techniques is available on the MindWell Leeds website, these include:
  
  • Stress
  • Anxiety 
  • Depression
  • Sleep
  • Self Harm
  • Having a baby

Local Support Services

In an emergency or if someone is in immediate risk of serious harm or injury contact the emergency services. Telephone 999.

West Yorkshire Suicide Prevention

Comprehensive list of support services in Bradford created by the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership.  You can find links to support services in Bradford here:

Web: https://suicidepreventionwestyorkshire.co.uk/support/bradford

It’s Worth Talking About

The organisation was formed in March 2020 to support men’s mental health in the Keighley area, peer support groups give people the platform to talk about life’s changes with others who are going through their own. The organisation has now expanded multi-group, multi-sex organisation covering the Worth and Aire Valley.

Tel: 07706024336 (19:00-21:00 Mon – Thu, 09:00-10:30 Sunday)

Address: Woodville Activity Centre, Woodville Road, Keighley, BD20 6JA

Andy’s Man Club

Andy’s man club was started in 2016, its group where men aged 18 and above can speak openly about their mental health in a judgment-free, non-clinical environment. Groups now operate nationwide and are completely volunteer led, with the vast majority of group facilitators having first interacted with ANDYSMANCLUB when they came through the door as a service user.

Email: info@andysmanclub.co.uk

Web: Find your nearest group | Andy's Man Club (andysmanclub.co.uk)

Self-care and National Support Services

Please select the Family Hub in the local area to find out more information.

Local Support Services

Below is a list of services you can access right now:

• access to midwife clinics, health visitors, breastfeeding support and school nurses
• parenting support from birth to 19 or up to 24 with a disability
• activities for children under 5
• activities and support for young people with targeted youth support
• accessing early education and free childcare
• health advice for you and your family
• family key worker support which may be offered within the home

To find your Family Hub or find out more information visit theBradford Family Hubs website.

You can find lots more information about the Family Hubs, including a timetable of events on the Family and Young Persons Information website - fyi.