Why Holme Wood?
Holme Wood is a vast housing estate within the district of Bradford, selected for Act Locally due to its high levels of deprivation and the strength of its voluntary and community sector.
- 47% of families live in low-income households.
- High rates of children in care (130 per 10,000).
- 46% higher rate of adults with no qualifications compared to Bradford’s average.
- 29.9% of people aged 15+ are regular smokers – highest in Bradford.
- 14.3% obesity rate – third highest in Bradford.
Who's Involved?
Despite these challenges, Holme Wood has a strong tradition of effective community organisations. The convening partnership includes:
- Local Authority
- Bradford Children & Families Trust
- Schools and Multi Academy Trusts
- VCS organisations
- Public Health
- Youth Services
- Family Hub / Early Help
- Born in Bradford & Age of Wonder research teams
Together, we follow a collective impact approach — working collaboratively across sectors to drive meaningful, community-led change.
Priority: Supporting Children and Young People Vulnerable to Crime and Antisocial Behaviour
At the first meeting in October 2023, stakeholders agreed this would be the top issue.
Why?
- Services targeting this issue are underfunded.
- Early intervention is limited.
- Services are uncoordinated and disconnected.
- Holme Wood has the third-highest crime rate in the district (243 crimes per 1,000 – 52% higher than average).
This shared priority provided a mandate for change and empowered the group to act collectively in seeking resources and influence.
Our Journey So Far
2018–2022: Delivery of Bradford Opportunity Area programme
2019–2022: ActEarly Holme Wood Project
August 2022: 12-point plan published to improve social mobility
Feb–June 2022: Place-based engagement identifies key issues
July 2022: Launch of EALC initiative
6 Oct 2023: Learning Symposium on food insecurity
Jan 2024 onwards: Regular convening partnership meetings, networking lunches, resident-led sessions, and action reviews
Documents and Resources
You can download key documents related to the Holme Wood Act Locally programme below: