People across Bradford, Wharfedale, Airedale and Craven are being encouraged this summer to look after their mental wellbeing, as well as their physical wellbeing, by Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies.

As the summer holidays bring a break from the usual school routine, many families and workers find themselves facing increased stress and anxiety. Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies is reminding people that the service is available to provide support.

The school holidays, while a time of joy and family bonding, can also bring added pressures. Parents may struggle with balancing work commitments, keeping children entertained, or dealing with financial strains. Workers, whether they are parents or not, may face additional stress due to colleagues taking time off, increased workloads, or trying to balance work and family life. These factors can contribute to heightened stress and anxiety levels.

Recognising these challenges, Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies offers a range of treatments for individuals experiencing common mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. These therapies are designed to be flexible, confidential and tailored to meet the needs of each individual.

Naomi Holdsworth, Operations Service Manager at Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies said: “We understand that the school holidays can be a stressful time for many families and workers. We’re here to provide the support you need to manage stress and anxiety and have also put together some top tips for maintaining good mental health during the summer holidays and beyond.” 

The team’s top tips for making sure you stay mentally well this summer are:

• Getting out in the fresh air and having a walk; use the warmer weather to take a quick walk on your lunch break
• Having a healthy diet; summer can be a great time to introduce fresh salads to your diet.
• Drink plenty of water; especially in warmer weather.
• Take the lighter nights as an opportunity to try a new sport or way to get active.
• Enjoy the sunshine and practice mindfulness, which means simply being in the here and now. Take just a few minutes each day to do something like listening to the sound of nature. This will help you keep focus in the present.

For more wellbeing tips, visit  Bradford and Craven Talking Therapies or the knowledge bank section of the website. The service is open to anyone over the age of 16 who is registered with a GP in Bradford, Wharfedale, Airedale or Craven. People don’t have to go through their GP to access support. People accessing support can register online at: www.bdctalkingtherapies.nhs.uk

For information on all mental health and wellbeing support services in Bradford and Craven and self-help resources and apps, visit www.healthyminds.services.