A MONTH-long virtual festival is celebrating health and care projects across Bradford district and Craven.

The inaugural Act as One event, which runs until May 20, features a range of speakers – both locally-based and national experts – and activities.

In total, more than 50 people are giving talks during the four weeks and there are over 20 events taking place.

The festival began with a session – attended by Dr Habib Naqvi, director of the NHS Race and Health Observatory – focusing on career progression for diverse communities.

Other topics to be covered will range from data science that changes lives, to the work of six apprentices who developed a kindness campaign.

And there will be an opportunity for people to help shape the future health and care strategy for the district.

The festival will culminate with a ‘recognition day’, showcasing projects and teams promoting Act as One values. Keynote speakers will be Prerana Issar – chief people officer for the NHS – and Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers.

Welcoming the initiative is Professor Mel Pickup, chief executive of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

She said: “Our Act as One Festival will be a real mix of events that demonstrate to people locally, regionally and nationally how we are really moving at pace to make integrated working a reality.

“With such a broad range of events we can really highlight the great work all our partners do – from the NHS, local authorities, independent care providers and community organisations to the world-class research institutions. We look forward to welcoming people to our virtual events.”

Dr Naqvi said: “I was delighted to be able to join the first event of the inaugural Act as One Festival and listen to diverse local leaders sharing experiences of their career journeys.

“I outlined how the work we are doing at NHS Race and Health Observatory is demonstrably contributing to levelling the playing field for people working in health and care as well as those accessing services.”

For more about the festival and to book a place, visit eventbrite.co.uk/o/act-as-one-33129306091. Updates are being shared on Twitter, @ActAsOneBDC.