Call us: 07946 014879 City House, 21-27 Cheapside, Bradford BD1 4HR
@bfdalliance

Supporting people to lead healthy, connected and happy lives.

Bradford Community Alliance delivers culturally responsive, multilingual mental and physical health support—bridging the gap between clinical care and grassroots community provision.

  • Individual & family counselling (CBT, EMDR, Person-Centred & Integrative)
  • Anxiety, stress management, depression & trauma recovery therapy
  • Women's wellbeing (Rahat), older men's learning disability day care (Yaarana) & Cancer Buddying
Explore Our Services
Clinical & ethical standards aligned with:
BACP BPS UKCP HCPC
Bradford Community Alliance community support session in Bradford
90%
Improved Emotional Wellness

Across assessed participants in our community wellbeing cohorts

Our Partners & Funders

  • City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
  • West Yorkshire Combined Authority
  • The National Lottery Community Fund
  • West Yorkshire Cancer Alliance
  • HM Government
  • Sport England
Who We Are

Finding help at every turn.

Bradford Community Alliance is a community interest company dedicated to delivering culturally responsive mental and physical health services for minoritised people.

Our Mission

Our mission is to improve community health through participatory evaluation, applied research, assessment, and planning that will influence health policy and clinical practice, and ensure that support interventions are meaningful and inclusive. We will create a community of leaders who will advocate for an inclusive, equitable, and needs-met integrated care system.

Our Vision

Our vision is for all people from all communities in West Yorkshire to have the best possible health outcomes and to be able to lead healthy, happy lives and access services which are equitable and just.

Integrity

To maintain the highest standards of professional and ethical behaviour with transparency and honesty in our communications, relationships, and actions.

Accountability

To be held accountable to the quality of the work and for the commitments made to participants, partners, donors, and colleagues.

Dedication to Continuous Improvement

To value and foster the unique and diverse talents, experiences, and perspectives of participants, partners, and donors with sensitivity and respect.

Innovation

To reach out for new and innovative ideas to create possibilities that foster and enhance positive changes for those we serve.

Our Services

We are here for the people of Bradford, lending a helping hand to those who need our advice & support.

Click on any service below to read the full programme details, download resources, or make a referral.

The Rahat Project community mental wellbeing session for women and girls Women & Girls Wellbeing

The Rahat Project

A safe, secure, multilingual community space offering South Asian and minoritised women and girls living with mental health conditions holistic support beyond trauma and isolation.

  • ESOL for beginners, IT classes & employment support
  • 1:1 coaching, resilience building, cooking, arts & exercise
Bradford Community Alliance Counselling session BACP Accredited Therapy

Bradford Community Alliance Counselling

Private, culturally competent counselling for local people experiencing low mood, anxiety, depression, and social phobia—delivered in person or online across Bradford.

  • CBT, Person-Centred, Integrative & EMDR trauma therapy
  • Multilingual counsellors meeting faith, language & cultural needs
Yaarana Project day care services for older men with learning disabilities Bradford Council Funded

Yaarana Project

Funded by Bradford Council Department of Health and Wellbeing, Yaarana is a specialist day care service supporting older South Asian men with learning disabilities to enjoy a meaningful, connected life.

  • Building inclusion, social connections & wellbeing
  • Includes the "Breaking the Silence" publication download
Cancer Buddying 1-to-1 support service 1-to-1 Peer Support

Cancer Buddying Service

Vital 1-to-1 buddying support for people battling cancer—from diagnosis through treatment and into remission—delivered by multilingual volunteers with their own lived experience of cancer.

  • A listening ear, practical companionship & family respite
  • Embedded in local communities to overcome isolation
Our Impact

Real outcomes and lived experiences from across Bradford.

Measured across our community wellbeing, counselling, and day-service cohorts.

Improved emotional wellness
90% of assessed participants reported improved emotional wellbeing
Increased self-esteem
85% built confidence and independence within their community
Accessed vocational training
60% engaged in ESOL, IT classes, or employment readiness support
Volunteered with us
10% went on to become peer volunteers supporting others

"Joining the Yaarana Men's Wellbeing Group has been a life-changing experience for me. As a South Asian man struggling with mental health issues, I often felt isolated and misunderstood. In my community, mental health is rarely talked about, and seeking help can carry a heavy stigma. However, finding Yaarana gave me a safe space where I could openly share my feelings without judgment. The group understands the unique cultural challenges we face, and the support I've received from peers who truly 'get it' has been invaluable. Through regular meetings, workshops, and discussions, I've learned healthy coping strategies and gained the confidence to manage my mental well-being. Yaarana has not only helped me heal, but it's also connected me with a brotherhood that I didn't know I needed."

Shahid's Story Participant, Yaarana Men's Wellbeing Group

"Finding the RAHAT project through Bradford Community Alliance has been a turning point in my life. As a woman dealing with mental health challenges, I often felt overwhelmed and isolated, with nowhere to turn for support. RAHAT offered me a warm, welcoming space where I could connect with other women facing similar struggles. Through their workshops, one-on-one support, and group activities, I've learned how to manage my anxiety and rebuild my confidence. What makes RAHAT truly special is the understanding and compassion shown by everyone involved—they respect my background and personal experiences, making me feel genuinely seen and heard. Thanks to RAHAT, I no longer feel alone on this journey; I've found strength, community, and hope for the future."

Sameena's Story Participant, The Rahat Project
Dr Wafaa Nawaz, Founder and CEO of Bradford Community Alliance
Our Team

Dr Wafaa Nawaz

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Wafaa has a PhD in Cancer Research and over 15 years of experience working in the NHS, public sector, and community organisations. Throughout her career, she has worked with communities to address health inequalities and improve access to mental and physical health services.

As the founder of Bradford Community Alliance, she leads a dedicated multilingual team of accredited counsellors, project coordinators, and lived-experience volunteers across Bradford and West Yorkshire.

"I am passionate about reducing health inequalities in Bradford and empowering communities to take charge of their health and wellbeing."

Applied Research & Evaluation

Publications

Download our community research papers, mental health guides, and independent evaluation reports.

Research Briefing • Word Document (.docx)

Mental Health Matters: Understanding the Difference Between Mental Health and Mental Illness

Mental health and mental illness are terms often used interchangeably, yet they represent distinct concepts. Understanding the difference is crucial for promoting mental well-being, reducing stigma, and ensuring individuals receive the appropriate support and care.

Download Publication (.docx)
Policy & Practice • Word Document (.docx)

Severe Mental Illness and Community Provision: Bridging the Gap Between Clinical Care and Community Support

Severe mental illness (SMI) encompasses conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe major depression. This report explores how culturally responsive community provision bridges the gap between clinical care and everyday recovery.

Download Publication (.docx)
Evaluation Report • PDF Document (.pdf)

Evaluation Report — Travel Confidence for Young People

This report summarises the findings of an evaluation of the travel confidence challenges faced by young people with learning disabilities, and recommendations to address them.

View / Download PDF Report
Yaarana Project • Word Document (.docx)

Breaking the Silence: Men's Wellbeing & Learning Disability Provision

Insights from the Yaarana Project supporting older South Asian men with learning disabilities and tackling stigma around men's mental wellbeing in Bradford.

Download Report (.docx)
Contact Us

Drop us a line

Reach out to our team to enquire about our services, book a confidential counselling appointment, or discuss community referrals.

Head Office Address

City House, 21-27 Cheapside
Bradford, BD1 4HR

Service Delivery Address

Quaker House, Russell Street
Bradford, BD5 0JB
Telephone
07946 014879
Social Media
@bfdalliance on X

Send Us a Message

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For full clinical referrals, please use the "Make a Referral" button at the top of the page.

Service Details

Confidential Clinical & Community Intake

Bradford Community Alliance Referral Form

Complete our online referral form below, or .

Target Service & Patient Personal Details
Demographics

Privacy & Data Protection Policy

Bradford Community Alliance CIC is committed to protecting the privacy and security of all service users, referrers, and visitors in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

1. Information We Collect

2. How We Use & Protect Your Data

Your personal data is used exclusively to deliver and evaluate our health and wellbeing services. We never sell or share your personal information with unauthorised third parties. You have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal data at any time by contacting admin@bradfordcommunityalliance.org.uk.