Bradford 2025 aims to ‘transform health and wellbeing’ across district

Bradford 2025 has released details of its Creative Health programme, saying it intends to drive lasting, transformative change that will have a profound impact on the health and wellbeing of local communities for years to come.

The programme will involve a variety of initiatives, including large-scale public art projects, targeted social prescribing financial awards, and community outreach.

Bradford 2025 said that, in partnership with local healthcare providers, the programme will take an innovative approach to improving mental and physical wellbeing in the district’s most disadvantaged communities, through culture and creativity.

“By integrating creative practices – such as music, drama, and visual arts – into healthcare settings, this programme offers new, holistic ways to support physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing,” Bradford 2025 said.

It will prioritise support for those with long-term health conditions, people living with dementia, those with severe mental health conditions, refugees and asylum seekers, Gypsy and traveller communities, and people experiencing homelessness.

Shanaz Gulzar, creative director of Bradford 2025, said: “Bradford 2025’s Creative Health programme demonstrates the vital role arts and culture play in enriching our well-being.

“We aim to inspire healthier, more resilient communities by showing how creativity can bring people together and support personal and collective health.”

Tim Howells, head of public health at Bradford Metropolitan District Council, said Bradford city of Culture 2025 presents a unique opportunity to contribute towards improving the health and wellbeing of residents.

“The Creative Health programme provides a platform to ensure that reducing health inequalities is at the heart of City of Culture and provides a unique opportunity to use the medium of arts and culture to tackle some of our most pervasive health inequalities,” he said.

“We are exciting to be working with the partnership to help support the health of residents across the district”