Nineteen local organisations have been awarded funding through the Women’s Health Grants programme, a new initiative supporting grassroots projects that will help activate a movement for women’s health across Bradford District and Craven.
The programme is a joint initiative from the VCS Alliance and the Women’s Health Network, delivered on behalf of the Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership. It aims to empower communities to take the lead in tackling health inequalities and creating more inclusive, accessible support for all women. The grants form part of the recently launched ‘Together, we can make women’s health a priority’ movement, designed to ensure that everyone impacted by women’s health gets the information and support they need.
Each recipient will deliver a locally rooted project focused on improving women’s health and wellbeing—whether through creative engagement, peer support, culturally tailored health information, or outreach to those facing the greatest barriers.
‘Together, we can make women’s health a priority’ is a long-term initiative to improve women’s health across Bradford District and Craven. Grounded in insight from local women, the campaign aims to raise awareness, tackle stigma, and ensure services are shaped by the people who use them. It supports open conversations and practical action to make women’s health a shared priority for individuals, communities, and the health and care system alike. An online resource hub helps people find reliable information and trusted sources of support – find out more at BetterHealthWomen.co.uk
“We know that many of the solutions to health inequality are already in our communities. These grants recognise and invest in the power of local organisations to connect, support, and uplift women—helping to make women’s health a shared priority across our area,” said Masira Hans, Chair of the Women’s Health Network.
“We were blown away by the level of interest and the quality of applications we received. It was clear there was a real appetite from grassroots groups to lead positive change, so we managed to increase the original funding pot to respond to that energy,” said Kerrie-Lee Barr, Development Director at The VCS Alliance. “I’m incredibly proud that in Bradford District and Craven we’re putting our trust in community groups to shape the future of women’s health. This is what real, inclusive change looks like.”
“The energy and commitment we saw at February’s women’s health conference was incredible; there was a real sense of momentum across the system and the community,” said Matt Sandford, Director of Partnership and Place at Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership. “These grants are a brilliant next step, turning that energy into action. They’re a tangible example of how we’re activating our shared campaign to make women’s health a genuine priority in our area.”
The Women’s Health Grants have funded a wide range of innovative, community-led projects, each shaped by the priorities and lived experiences of local women. The examples below highlight the diversity of approaches being taken to make women’s health a shared priority across Bradford District and Craven.
Bevan Health and Wellbeing will focus on improving access to healthcare for some of the most marginalised women in our community—women involved in sex work. Building on their trusted evening outreach service, Bevan will offer essential health checks, and screenings. By bringing care directly to women in their working environment, the project tackles barriers such as stigma, mistrust, and practical access issues—empowering women to take greater control of their health. The team will use BetterHealthWomen.co.uk resources to build women’s confidence in managing their health and share information on key issues such as menopause, endometriosis, and sexual health. As part of the work, Bevan will also distribute free menstrual products in partnership with a period poverty initiative and offer practical incentives such as food and essentials to encourage engagement.
Creative Faith will use their regular wellbeing sessions to build women’s confidence and knowledge around their health, focusing on the emotional, mental, and physical issues that affect their lives. They will use campaign materials to support discussions and learning and encourage women to overcome stigma to open up honest conversations about topics such as menopause and menstrual health. The project will also support women to tell their own stories and advocate for change. A series of co-produced infographics will be developed, based on lived experience, which can be used to inspire other women and strengthen the wider campaign.
Communities United Project (Craven)
Communities United Project will deliver a peer-led support and self-management group for women in Craven who are living with chronic pain. In rural areas, isolation and limited access to services can make it even harder to get the right support. This project creates a safe, understanding space where women can connect, share experiences, and build practical strategies to improve their wellbeing.
Led by women with lived experience, the group will foster confidence, community, and advocacy -empowering participants to take control of their health. They’ll use campaign resources in their sessions, and promote the website as a go-to source of trusted information.
Full list of grant recipients
Almarkaz Ul Islami
Bevan Health and Wellbeing
Bradford Belles
Bradford University Student Union
Centre Resolution Conflict
Creative Faith
Community United Project, Craven
Eden Community Association
Good Shepherd Community Centre
Highfield Community Association Keighley
Millan Centre
Missing Peace
Newlands
We Are Queensbury
Royds Community Association
SEND Salaam
Thornton Community Centre
West Bowling Centre
Women’s First
All funded groups will be provided with posters, communication materials, and other promotional items to help them promote their work and amplify the campaign in their own communities. These resources are part of a wider effort to ensure that the women’s health movement is visible, accessible, and rooted in the places where people live, work, and gather.
To find out more about the women’s health movement in Bradford District and Craven—and how you can get involved—visit BetterHealthWomen.co.uk