Bradford on Duty

Bradford was once the richest British city outside London, but after years of deindustrialisation and austerity, it is now one of the country's most deprived areas. While the frontline workers battle with health and social inequalities on the ground, their leaders are campaigning to improve the city's standing.

There are over 150 police community support officers (PCSOs) currently employed by West Yorkshire Police, all looking to care for the community of Bradford. Tom and his latest mentee Wojciech are on the beat dealing with everything from vehicle violations to homelessness on the streets. With the loss of the city's industry, many of its famous mills lie abandoned and wide open for them to become hubs of criminal activity.

The police, fire service and council battle to protect Britain's youngest city from anti-social behaviour and work with the community to improve relationships.

Follow those who are determined to help some of Bradford's most vulnerable residents, including victims of domestic violence and those struggling with alcohol addiction. With a 150 per cent rise in domestic abuse cases since 2015, particularly among the homeless population, and budget cuts for the council's alcohol recovery services, the situation is a difficult one for both police and council workers.

A look at how the NHS is trying to relieve pressure on hospitals by caring for patients in their own homes. Community matrons Sandra and Julia tend to a patient in pain who has been waiting for a hospital appointment for over two years, after having it postponed during the pandemic. It provides a stark reminder that there are currently six million patients on NHS waiting lists, an increase of 50 per cent since the beginning of 2020.