Gavin Engelbrecht

Health organisations in Bradford are encouraging residents to reassess their alcohol consumption during Alcohol Awareness Week by promoting the free DrinkCoach app, which provides tracking tools and up to six personalised coaching sessions. The initiative, led by Living Well and New Vision Bradford under the theme Alcohol and Me, includes community events offering assessments and advice. Residents across the district can access coaching and support services by phone or online.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is encouraging businesses, schools and community groups across Yorkshire to participate in its annual Yellow Yorkshire campaign from July 6 to 12 by organising fundraising events and embracing yellow-themed activities. The initiative aims to increase awareness and support for the charity’s lifesaving air ambulance service, which relies entirely on public donations. Multiple organisations and families, including supporters with personal experience of the service, are already planning events to contribute to the campaign.

Former Pakistan cricket coach Saqlain Mushtaq and Lord Wajid Khan visited Wunder Crumble by MyLahore in Bradford, where they commended the venue’s community-focused efforts and its fundraising support for the Bradford Hospitals Charity neonatal appeal. Both spoke positively about the atmosphere and the site’s World Cup-themed decorations, which aim to unite the local community.

New government data shows Bradford’s rate of 16- to 18-year-olds not in education, employment or training has dropped to 4 percent, remaining better than regional and national averages. Officials credit collaboration among schools, training providers, employers and the council’s SkillsHouse service. Local leaders highlight sustained improvements and strong support for vulnerable young people.

A Keighley boxing gym, Switch Hitters, is seeking £3,500 through a JustGiving campaign to purchase new equipment and enhance training facilities. Coach Jonny Greenwood highlights the gym’s growing presence in the Yorkshire boxing scene and the importance of improved resources for its 60 weekly participants. Teen boxer Kian Collins and his father describe the club’s strong community environment and positive impact on confidence, fitness and discipline. The gym encourages local support and is exploring tax‑deductible sponsorship options for businesses.

Booth fell to defeat after an early batting collapse allowed Thornton to secure a comfortable chase led by Ben Birkill and Richie Wear. Oxenhope and Triangle posted major totals, powered by centuries from Alex Baker and Lewis Brown and heavy hitting at Grassy Bottom. Several other Halifax League fixtures produced high scores and notable bowling performances, including James Cowens and Luke Sutcliffe’s unbeaten 226-run stand for Mytholmroyd and Rajkumar Mariappan’s six‑wicket haul for Leymoor as teams across the divisions recorded decisive wins.

Bradford’s Dragon Boat Festival will host the Royal Air Force Town Show, featuring interactive exhibits, virtual reality career demonstrations and family activities at Roberts Park from July 3 to 5. Visitors can meet RAF personnel, explore career options and watch an RAF team compete in the Lord Mayor’s Championship races. The event aims to inspire interest in modern RAF roles and highlight the region’s longstanding ties to the service, with free entry and daily programming from 10am to 5pm.

Advanced nurse practitioner Savitri Cameron is retiring after 55 years of NHS service, having worked across multiple specialties and supported vulnerable patients in the Bradford district. Colleagues praised her dedication, teaching, and charitable contributions, including volunteering extra hours during the Covid-19 pandemic and donating earnings to the Better Lives charity. Cameron, who trained in Mauritius and began her NHS career in Scotland, leaves a legacy of compassion and service as she continues community and charitable work in retirement.

A tech collaboration between Apollo3D and Voltage Padel supported the launch of a new padel facility in Baildon through digital twin technology, CGI modelling and drone content that enabled design testing and early community engagement. The venue has drawn more than 1,700 players within three months, while Apollo3D reports strong financial growth and increasing demand for immersive visualisation tools.

Survey data shows one‑third of Bradford residents delay consulting a GP for potential cancer symptoms, contributing to risks of later-stage diagnoses. Cancer Research UK highlights the importance of early detection and has partnered with Tesco to improve access to trained pharmacists who can discuss health concerns privately. Barriers include difficulties securing GP appointments and individuals managing symptoms independently. A Tesco employee’s experience of early referral underscores the value of seeking prompt medical advice.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust marks its 20th anniversary, noting more than 18 million emergency calls handled since its formation in 2006. Leadership highlights the organisation’s evolution and continued mission to provide emergency, urgent and non‑emergency care. YAS Charity launches a year‑long fundraising campaign supporting CPR training and the installation of community defibrillators, having trained over 311,000 students and helped install dozens of defibrillators in recent years. Public participation is encouraged through fundraising events and donations.

Queen Camilla has become the royal patron of the Brontë Birthplace in Thornton, a year after visiting the restored historic house. The announcement, confirmed by Buckingham Palace, is viewed as a major boost for the site’s ongoing development and its community‑driven restoration efforts. Volunteers and organizers welcomed the endorsement, highlighting its role in supporting the Brontës’ legacy and the “Be More Brontë” initiative, which encourages creativity and resilience inspired by the family. The birthplace has reopened with exhibitions, events, and accommodations, drawing visitors from across the world.