City of Culture unveils projects to improve health

More than 30 projects to tackle Bradford's most urgent health and social challenges have been unveiled as part of the 2025 UK City of Culture.

The schemes include woodwork workshops for marginalised men, yoga for South Asian women and a choir for refugees.

The initiative will be run in partnership with local healthcare providers to support both mental and physical wellbeing in the region's communities.

Shanaz Gulzar, creative director of Bradford 2025, said: "Through this programme we hope to further highlight that not only is art and culture for everyone, but it can lead to a better quality of life too."

Hollie Smith-Charles, director of creative health and change at Arts Council England, said: "Taking part in creative and cultural activities has a transformative impact on our health and wellbeing."

She said it was "fantastic to see that each project is tailored to the individual needs of the communities that make up the district".

Issues that are targeted in the projects include body dissatisfaction, depression and neurodivergence.

The plans also include outdoor activities and Fiona Busfield, from the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, described nature as "a space free from the pressure and challenges of daily life".

She added: "However, access to green spaces isn't equal, and so this funding gives us an invaluable opportunity to create a renewed sense of optimism, connection and belonging."

More information can be found on the Bradford 2025 website.

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