University honours mental health champion Sasha Bhat following her death
Just weeks before she passed away following a battle with cancer, mental health campaigner Sasha Bhat was presented with her honorary Doctorate of Health certificate at her home in Wakefield.
She was presented with the award on June 2, recognising her outstanding contribution to improving mental health and wellbeing and for improving the lives of people across Bradford District and Craven through her work across health, social care and the voluntary sector over two decades. She died on June 19 surrounded by family and friends.
The award was collected on behalf of her family during the University's graduation ceremonies on Tuesday 14 July by Therese Patten, Chief Executive of Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, who was awarded an Outstanding Contribution Award by the University for her work in 2025.
Also in attendance was her husband Dr Sarfaraz Shora, along with Dr Haffizullah Bhat, Ms Parveen Bhat, Mr Waseem Bhat and Ms Zarina Mahmud.
Dr Shora said: “We are deeply touched that the University chose to honour Sasha’s dedication and the impact she made through her work. Knowing that her passion and contribution have been recognised in this way is a great comfort to us and a fitting tribute to the legacy she leaves behind.
“Our family is incredibly grateful to the University for arranging such a thoughtful celebration for Sasha at home. It meant so much to her to receive this recognition surrounded by those she loved, and it gave us all a very special memory that we will always treasure.”
Pivotal role
For more than 20 years, Sasha played a pivotal role in reshaping mental health services across the Bradford district. She championed prevention, early intervention and community-led support, helping develop landmark initiatives including Better Mental Wellbeing and Better Lives, Brighter Futures. Her work also helped establish innovative services such as Bradford’s Crisis House, culturally responsive mental health support and the nationally recognised Healthy Minds programme.
A passionate advocate for tackling health inequalities, Sasha worked tirelessly to ensure diverse communities had a voice in shaping services. Colleagues remember her incredible energy, her ability to bring people together and her determination to improve outcomes for those most in need.
Alongside her professional achievements, Sasha has supported the next generation through mentoring, apprenticeships and employment opportunities, while contributing to the city's wider cultural life through initiatives including Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.
Leadership and compassion
Professor Gillian Murray, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, said: "Sasha Bhat dedicated her life to improving the lives of others. Through her leadership, compassion and unwavering commitment to tackling health inequalities, she helped create healthier, fairer and more inclusive communities across Bradford and beyond.
"She understood the importance of partnership, bringing together organisations, communities and individuals to improve mental health and wellbeing and ensure that those whose voices are too often unheard were listened to and supported.
"The University of Bradford was proud to honour Sasha with an Honorary Doctorate of Health in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to public service. Although she is sadly no longer with us, her legacy will continue to be felt through the countless lives she touched and the many people inspired by her work."
Sasha's legacy lives on through the colleagues, friends and communities she inspired, and through the many people whose lives continue to benefit from the services and programmes she helped create.