Organisations across Bradford are hosting an inspiring evening of music, poetry, and rap to encourage young people to share their experiences with mental health.
Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership is working in collaboration with All Star, Common Wealth, Bradford College and will also be joined by Creative Health Officers from Bradford 2025 to host Take the Mic 2.
The event is a unique platform for young people to creatively express their mental health journeys, offering a space where their voices are heard and celebrated. The free event will take place at Common Space, Bradford, Wednesday 5 February, from 6pm to 8pm, in the run up to this years’ Time to Talk Day.
The evening will also showcase the premiere of a powerful short film created by the Healthy Minds apprentices, who are the youth advocates for mental health in Bradford. The film offers a unique perspective into the struggles faced by young people today, and its debut at the event marks a significant moment in both creative expression and mental health advocacy.
MPTheHitMaker, a young musician from Bradford, performed at the first Take the Mic event through All Star. He said that spaces like these were essential for young people to open up and express themselves.
“Spaces like this are crucial because we should be encouraging the discussion of matters regarding the heart and mind as often as possible especially for young people.”
“Music helps me stay focused, by keeping my mind sharp and on days when I don’t, I’m keen on being sharpened by my peers and like minded individuals at events like Take the Mic.”
Bradford District and Craven Mind Wellbeing Support Worker, Hasan, said it was important to hold events like Take the Mic to give people a safe space to talk and share experiences.
“Take the Mic 2 is an opportunity to listen to young voices and learn from their experiences. It’s a chance to gain an understanding of the challenges they face and show them they are supported,” he said.
Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies provides free, confidential support for individuals experiencing anxiety and depression. Naomi Holdsworth, Operations Service Manager, said it was important to have open conversations and share experiences.
“Talking about mental health and sharing experiences is an essential step toward healing. It helps break down the stigma, offers support, and reminds individuals that they are not alone in their journey.”
Dr. Junaid Azam, Clinical Lead for Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership said he supported events like Take the Mic 2 as they were key in sparking important conversations about mental health and encouraging individuals to seek support.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s essential that we create spaces where people feel comfortable talking about it. These events are essential for building empathy, breaking down barriers, and empowering people to seek the support they deserve.”
The free event is open to anyone aged 16+. Tickets can be booked through Ticketsource at www.ticketsource.co.uk/bradford-district-health-and-care-partnership-healthy-minds/take-the-mic-2-what-is-a-healthy-mind/e-pqlbab
Take the Mic premiered in May 2024 at Bradford College, with over 80 people attending, ten performers and mental health stalls. It aimed to use the power of creativity to break the stigma surrounding mental health, spark important conversations, and encourage understanding among communities.
To find mental health support in Bradford District and Craven, visit the Healthy Minds website at (www.healthyminds.services).
Guide-Line provides confidential, emotional support 365 days a year. You can call 08001 884 884 (8am to 12am) or live chat online at www.mindinbradford.org.uk/chat (8am to 12am).