Over 50 women came together at the Madressah Khalilya Education Centre last week for “She Thrives”, an event celebrating and supporting the mental health and wellbeing of South Asian women in Bradford.
The event, held on 11 October, was hosted by the Human Relief Foundation in partnership with the Roshni Women’s Group. Attendees included Councillor Rizwana Jamil, representing Bowling & Barkerend, alongside local women who took part in workshops and discussions focused on emotional wellbeing, resilience and community support.
The gathering highlighted the ongoing mental health challenges faced by South Asian women in deprived areas. A recent study by Surrey County Council found that 64% of South Asian women living in such communities were significantly more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression.
“She Thrives” featured guest speakers and creative activities led by Bradford arts charity Hive, wellbeing practitioners Happy Health You, and members of the Roshni Women’s Group. At its core was an interactive session focused on self-care, resilience, emotional healing and the power of community — offering participants a chance to pause, reflect and reconnect.
Many attendees praised the event for providing a safe and welcoming space to share experiences and learn new wellbeing strategies.
Ruhena Begum, Event Coordinator at the Human Relief Foundation, said: “We’re happy to extend Human Relief Foundation’s commitment to our local community and to women’s mental health and wellbeing within the South Asian community.Seeking support is not a sign of weakness, but a courageous step towards understanding and managing emotional wellbeing. We hope this event has provided tools and strategies to help women care for themselves, both mentally and physically.We’re grateful to everyone who attended and contributed, and we look forward to hosting more events that support and celebrate women’s wellbeing.”
The success of “She Thrives” underlines the importance of continued efforts to promote open conversations around mental health and empower women to prioritise their wellbeing within supportive community spaces.
