A BRADFORD organisation which helped people to "stay positive" over lockdown wants to keep "supporting as many people as possible" as it continues to grow.

Happy Healthy You Bradford & Beyond offers exercise classes for people across the district, in a bid to improve their physical and mental health.

It was set up by Humera Khan in light of the pandemic, starting out with "15 to 20" participants, and now boasts "over 300 members".

Humera - who has been a qualified fitness instructor for over a decade - said that, although we are now out of lockdown, it was a "crisis" which people are still trying to recover from.

"The Covid crisis is not over, so we want to help - we're very passionate about that", she added.

"A lot of people struggled with mental health, and many put on their 'corona stone' and their physical health suffered, too.

"Ishaq Shafiq, of Laisterdyke Library, encouraged us to get some classes going. We started with online sessions, and now, we're doing face-to-face ones as well. Some people find the online classes more convenient, but we're also catering for those who want to socialise in person as well."

Happy Healthy You recently received funding from the National Lottery, which has helped it to make even more of a "difference" to people in the district.

"People who use our services are telling us that it is really helping them", said Humera.

Users have spoken of the "positive impact" the classes have had, with one saying: "since joining, I’ve been able to release stress, and it’s given me peace of mind".

Another added: "I suffered a lot of anxiety during Covid and felt really overwhelmed with everything, but then I started attending the yoga sessions and it helped me immensely and allowed me to clear my mind."

Last month, Happy Healthy You held a competition where it asked people to walk three miles a day, and send in their best nature photos. It was then judged by Dr Amir Khan, who is a Wildlife Trust ambassador.

Moving forward, its 12-week exercise bootcamp in Saltaire's Roberts Park is now underway, as well as yoga classes in Lister Park and two walking groups in Idle.

It is also an inclusive organisation, with people of all ages and abilities welcome: "we have elderly people who join in, and mothers who bring young children along, too - everyone can be a part of it", said Humera.

"There is something for everyone here."

All of Happy Healthy You's classes are free, except for the Saltaire bootcamp, which is £1 per session.