Places of Worship and Public Health in Bradford

FaithAction commissioned the Centre for Religion and Public Life at the University of Leeds to undertake research to understand the role that places of worship play as settings for public health among minority ethnic communities in Bradford.

The report:

• Gives a context for the research against the backdrop of the global literature on religion and health care
• Identifies health concerns prevalent within certain religious and/or ethnic groups in Bradford
• Explores the attitudes of local religious leaders, congregations and public health actors with regard to public health practice in places of worship
• Includes case studies on the issues of Food Poverty, Diet and Exercise (including children); Muslim Women; The Dementia Friendly Gurudwara; and Culturally Appropriate Mental Health Services
• Makes recommendations, which include co-coordinating a local ‘faith and public health’ network and developing guidance on practical steps that places of worship can take to become public health settings