This new look Summer edition of Connections is packed with good practice and entertaining stories. This month we take a look at how to deal with stress, learning disability week and  join in the fun and games with thirteen youngsters who took to the road for an adventure at Nell Bank Outdoor Pursuits Centre.

Download the latest edition. Let us know what you think of the new look Connections, or let us know if you have any ideas for a future edition by emailing communications@bdct.nhs.uk

Over 100,000 people attended this year’s Bradford Mela, one of the largest festivals of its type in Europe. Visitors had the chance to see live music acts, art displays, dancing, drumming and enjoy food from around the world. Last year’s event had to be cancelled because of torrential rain - however this year the weather held out!

Bradford District Care Trust was present, telling people about our drive to become a Foundation Trust, how local people can have more say over their local services, and signing people up as members. We signed up over 400 new members over the weekend, taking our total membership to over 1600. It’s really important for us that our Foundation Trust membership reflects the community that we serve, and getting down to community events such as the Mela is a great opportunity. Over the next few weeks and months, we will be at a number of fairs and festivals, including the Bradford Trident Summer Celebration and Bingley Show.

We’ve changed the way that you can sign up as a member online, making it easier and quicker. Click here - membership form - is available to the right hand side. If you follow it, fill in the form, and press submit, you will be signed up as a member of the Trust - it’s that simple!

If you have already signed up as a member, why not email the link to a friend, family member or co-worker - remember we need to sign up 5000 people to help keep local services in the hands of local people.

This week is national Carers Week. This focuses on the theme, “Carers can’t afford to be ill”. Carers in Bradford have shared the rewards and frustrations of caring with professionals over many years, they have told of their own health problems and this Service receives referrals from professionals where caring is having an effect on the person’s health.

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Bradford District Care will have a stand at Bradford Mela, both to tell people about Foundation Trust,  to promote working at the Trust and the work of the equality and diversity team. The Mela is a lively event with music, dancing and food from around the world. It will be taking place on the 14th and 15th of June, in Peel Park, Bradford. The day starts at 12 noon, and finishes at 9pm. In the past, it has attracted over 100,000 visiotrs, making it one of the biggest events of its kind in Europe.

If you are coming down to the Mela, look out for our stand (stalls 119 and 120). If you’d like to volunteer to help out on either day, ring Tom Sheppard on (01274) 363552.