12 January 2026
What have our VCSE partners been up to?
As we step into 2026, we wanted to round up some of the great news, stories, and activities being shared across the Bradford District and Craven VCSE Sector in the last few months. Across our place, organisations have been responding to change with creativity and collaboration — and there’s been a lot to celebrate.
Firstly, We’re really pleased to share this brilliant video created by the members of People First Keighley & Craven, who were supported through the Bradford 2025 City of Culture Social Prescribing Small Grants programme.
Made over weeks of writing, singing, filming and editing, it’s full of warmth, humour and creativity — and it captures the energy and personality of everyone involved. This video celebrates lived experience and self-expression, and what’s possible when people are supported to lead and create on their own terms.
Send Salaam also rounded up their year with a video, celebrating an art therapy project with parent carers in Bradford.
They shared that they ‘Hope this video showcases the incredible strength of these women who are not just carers, but individuals with aspirations and hope that spaces likes these are available across the UK for carers🌟’
This work was funded by Bradford District and Craven Mind, Healthy Mind, Bradford District & Craven Health & Care Partnership, and Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, and the grant was administered by the VCS Alliance. Our fantastic Grant Manager, David, also got a special thank you for support through the process, ensuring the work was inclusive, and for inspiring Send Salaam to work more creatively!
See Mahum’s post here, including their video.
Yorkshire Women’s Forum CIC recently shared the good news that the Mindful Menopause programme they piloted through a VCSA-administered grant is now being taken to Leeds!
The programme began as a 6-week journey, educating and supporting attendees around the menopause and offering creative outlet.
After their last session, Yorkshire Women’s Forum Shared:
“The message was clear around taking private time to care for ourselves and not treating it as an indulgence but something that’s quite essential. As we closed this session, we reflected on six weeks of women opening up, learning and sharing in ways that have been truly transformational.” – Via LinkedIn
We’re so pleased to hear that those 6 sessions were just the beginning!
One of our Activation partners, Participate Projects, also helped Lower Grange Community Centre meet Comms Professional Natalie, who created a fantastic video all about the work that they do.
The video is filled with wonderful testimonies from some of the people they have attending the centre and shows the real impact of Lower Grange in smiles and words, rather than data.
See the video on LinkedIn here.
To round up, we also must include some reflection from VCSA staff.
Before going on their well-deserved breaks, in December Kerrie and Sam from the VCSA shared their experience in bringing VCSE advocates and leaders together from across Bradford District and Craven. The meeting included an update on changes in the Health and Social Care System, as well as a chance to network and share insight on how best to formulate and organise ourselves as part of a Provider Partnership Collaborative.
Kerrie shared that “The energy in the room was electric. We thank you for all you have achieved in 2025 & we look forward to working alongside you all in 2026 to reduce health inequalities and transform health and social care… Never did our population need us more…”
Sam also finished the year with sharing “Was a delight to end the year in the company of so many talented VCSE colleagues . Echoing my thanks for all that we’ve done in 2025 – I know we’ll return in 2026 refreshed and ready to continue our work on behalf of all communities across Bradford District and Craven”
We are sure that there is much more good news out there.
If you work with the VCSA and have some related good news to share in future updates, please email Jess@thevcsalliance.org.uk and continue tagging us in your social posts. We love to hear from you!
