Spending quality time with friends or family, talking to someone about how we are feeling or finding ways to help other people can all help stop you from feeling lonely and improve your mental health and wellbeing. You can use our directory to find out about the things going on in your area.
Looking after your mental health
Self-Help
Mental wellbeing describes your mental state - how you are feeling and how well you can cope with day-to-day life.
Looking after your mental wellbeing isn’t something you should only do if you’re struggling, feeling low, anxious or stressed. It's actually something you should think about all the time and work to improve, the same way you look after your physical health.
Mental health is important at every stage of life, from early childhood and teenage years through to adulthood.
The NHS has some top tips to improve your mental well-being
Five steps you can take to improve your mental health and well-being
Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.
Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness, it is proven to reduce the feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. You can get active at one of our leisure centres by going swimming, joining the gym or taking part in a group fitness class. If you prefer to be outside and something a little gentler we have put together lots of self-guided walks across the Bradford district.
Please visit our sports and leisure information which also includes information on discounts for young people, pensioners, people on a low income, armed forces, the disabled and carers.
There are lots of different ways to learn new things and they don’t have to be expensive. Learning new skills are proven to improve confidence, give you a sense of purpose and meet new people.
Bradford Family Learning Service deliver a wide range of family learning courses to support individual parents and families across the Bradford district. All courses are FREE (subject to eligibility)
You can contact them by:
Phone 01274 433648
Acts of giving to others and showing kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing. Evidence shows it creates positive feelings and a sense of reward, as well as connecting with others. You can find out more about volunteering locally here:
With all the stresses of life it can be easy to rush around, never stopping to notice what is happening around you. Being more aware of the present moment, your thoughts, feelings and the world around you is sometimes referred to as ‘mindfulness’. Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.
The NHS have provided some useful information about mindfulness which can be found here
Further support with mental health self-help
Healthy Minds
A single point of access for all Bradford and Craven people wanting to look after their minds. Its wellbeing resources cover a range of topics and provide self-help materials to help people understand and improve their thoughts and feelings.
Website: www.healthyminds.service
My Living Well
My Living Well provide a host of resources designed to support your mental health and well-being.
Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies
Formally known as My Wellbeing College, this is a free NHS service to help people manage everyday problems such as feeling low, having problems sleeping, feeling anxious and experiencing stress.
Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies has a wide range of learning opportunities to help you through these ups and downs. Options range from online courses in the comfort of your own home to getting out and meeting new people in our group courses.
Please access the website below to self-refer
Website: Bradford and Craven Talking Therapies (bdctalkingtherapies.nhs.uk)
If you are unable to do so please:
Telephone: 01274 221234 and press option 3.