Keighley ‘Soul Sisters’ are doing it for themselves

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has successfully delivered an innovative local project to boost the health and wellbeing of local women in Keighley.

‘Soul Sisters’ brought 12 residents together over a six-week period for a series of themed sessions at Keighley Civic Centre and Keighley Central Hall.

Led by Eyarun Nessa, MHA’s Community Development Officer, and Cath Bacon, a former Board member and now Chair of the association’s Customer Panel, the programme sought to create a safe, nurturing space for women from Pakistani, Bangladeshi and White British backgrounds to focus on their emotional, mental and physical wellbeing.

Each week offered something different, blending creativity, relaxation and gentle movement.

The project began with candle making and guided meditation, where attendees created their own wax melts and gift sets and, in several cases, felt safe enough to release pent-up emotions.

Next up was a relaxing sound bath, with participants arriving fully prepared with blankets and pillows and one reporting a noticeable reduction in chronic pain and better sleep afterwards.

Hands-on therapeutic support followed with one-to-one massage sessions, delivered by Thai Purity and Spa, with the women receiving tailored, trauma-informed care and aftercare advice.

Later, an inclusive dance and movement session – with seated options and music reflecting different cultures – helped to build confidence, lift mood and gently encourage women to stay active.

Feedback from these sessions was overwhelmingly positive, with many asking for more of this type of support in future.

Creativity played a big role throughout the programme. One of the most moving sessions involved returning framed silk paintings that had been displayed at the Bradford 2025 exhibition, giving participants a real sense of pride and validation.  For one woman, it was the first time she had reconnected with art since a bereavement.

Mandala colouring and a guided self-love meditation helped the group process emotions, reflect on their journeys and build self-worth in a calm, inclusive space.

The final session brought everyone together for a celebratory fuddle, with each participant providing a dish that reflected their culture.

Alongside food, friendship and a ‘sisterly hug’ to close, the team introduced the Olio app as a practical tool to support food security and reduce reliance on foodbanks.

Eyarun Nessa said:

“The core idea behind ‘Soul Sisters’ was simple but transformative: sisterhood is of the soul, not of blood.

“From a value-for-money perspective, the project delivered impressive social impact, before even accounting for the emotional and preventative health benefits.

“More importantly, it offered women who are often overlooked by mainstream services a rare opportunity to feel safe, seen and supported – something that participants are already asking to continue.”

Cath Bacon said:

“I loved working with Eyarun on this amazing project.

“The atmosphere from beginning to end was joyful and emotional, with a strong sense of shared achievement amongst the women who had journeyed together over the six weeks.

“The community cohesion, bonding and wellbeing outcomes from the sessions were huge, I enjoyed everything about the scheme and hope it can be repeated.”

Shazia Khan, an MHA Board member, said:

“I attended an event at Airedale Shopping Centre where some of the group’s work was showcased.

“There was such a positive feeling surrounding the initiative which I know will bring long lasting benefits to all the women who took part.

“Congratulations to Eyarun and Cath for putting the fantastic programme together.  It was Manningham Housing Association at its best.”