Well Together service helps older people and those with long-term conditions be more active in Bradford district
Well Together is the new name for the Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust's Champions Show the Way scheme. The relaunch is designed to ensure people know where to access support if they need it as our communities emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The wellbeing service, led by community health volunteers, offers a range of interesting, sociable activities and support groups for local people across Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven. It is primarily targeted at those with long-term health conditions as well as older people, bringing individuals together in supportive environments, helping them to be more active and meet others to improve their wellbeing.
The activities, which are free or low-cost, cover the whole of the Bradford district in wheelchair-accessible venues or online. They range from walking groups and coffee mornings, to arts and crafts activities and guided relaxation groups. Anyone can register to the Well Together service and GPs can refer patients who they feel would benefit.
Sarah Wimpenny, Well Together service manager at the Care Trust, said: “We are very pleased to announce that the service has the new name of Well Together. We know how vital it is to connect people and to work together, to help deliver activities that provide this support. We want to ensure everyone gets the chance to participate in something, whatever that might be, that boosts their physical or mental wellbeing.
“The pandemic has highlighted the impact isolation has had on so many people and as life starts to return to normal, services like ours are going to have a critical role in supporting the recovery of our communities.
“We would also really welcome anyone who has an activity or session that they would like to volunteer to run as part of the service. As it is entirely volunteer-led, we are always on the look-out for more sessions and we rely on people to come forward with ideas to support their local community.”
The service would like anyone who has an idea for an activity they would like to offer as an online or in-person session for the Well Together service to get in touch with the team on 01274 259190 or welltogether@bdct.nhs.uk.
Jenny Medley, who volunteers for the group Friday Friends, says she started the group because she knew there would be others like her who were feeling isolated after retiring. She says that during the pandemic, "isolation and loneliness have been great problems for mental health", but Friday friends is great for helping her "get out of the house, have a good time and make new friends".
More information about Well Together
Well Together is for adults aged 18 years or over and welcomes service users with long-term health conditions. People must be independent enough to leave their home un-aided and be well enough to access an activity in the local community run by a volunteer.
You can self-refer to this service by either calling 01274 259190 or by completing the self-referral form at the link above.
Once you have been referred to Well Together, one of the team will contact you to find out what your interests are and match you to one of many activities.
