People who work together to a common cause, for example, members of sports clubs, community associations or a mums and tots group
Bumble Bees
Based at the Bradford and Bingley Rugby Club, the Bumbles are the only team with learning and physical disabilities to play Integrated Contact Rugby Union in the country.
Coaches have attended specialist coaching training to achieve a Level 2 in the RFU Coaching Awards and also disability awareness training delivered by the Inclusion In Rugby Group. This group of unpaid coaches offer support at every level.
Among their activities are: l Teaching new skills in ways that can be modified to suit individuals’ learning capacity.
- Encouraging players to become involved in the running of the team by supporting them in Bumbles committee meetings.
- Playing within the team (hence mixed ability) against able-bodied teams in this contact sport.
- Organising fundraising events to support the everyday running of the team and tour aspirations.
This innovative and inclusive team has brought together two communities of local people who had little in common prior to the establishment of the Bumbles.
The involvement of these coaches has led to an influx of new players without disabilities who are keen to be involved with and support the Bumble Bees. Neighbouring communities are also making enquiries and asking for assistance to set up similar teams in their areas.
Night Stop
Bradford Nightstop provides emergency accommodation for homeless young people in the homes of volunteer hosts. They have been in existence for 20 years and last year provided almost 500 bed spaces.
The service is run entirely by teams of volunteers – telephone contact people who take the referrals, drivers, hosts, mobile phone holders who offer 24-hour support and committee members. All of these roles are undertaken by volunteers who keep the service running, 365 days a year. They currently have 63 active volunteers.
They offer their time and commitment to this organisation some of them perform more than one role.
The hosts open up their homes to vulnerable young people who otherwise might be on the streets.
Recently a young man worked with management committee volunteers and staff to create a film on Bradford Nightstop.
A year ago the same young man was sleeping under a bridge because he was homeless. Our volunteers had helped him then by taking his referral and taking him into their home. The film was launched at the National Media Museum.
Giant Chilli Project
The Giant Chilli Project has organised successful ‘Faith in Food’ events by working hand in hand with Bradford Synagogue, Westgate Mosque and St Paul’s Church.
This came about because of the initiative Giant Chilli undertook to support Bradford Synagogue in raising funds for repairs to their building.
The resultant fundraising and support from communities brought about a spirit of co-operation, cohesion, brotherhood and harmony which led to them organising inter-faith and inter-community dialogue and understanding, and new friendships being born.
There have been community meals for Sabbath and Iftar (fasting).
The nomination reads: “The Giant Chilli Project is led by Zulfi Karim. He has put together a very able local partnership of businesses, community volunteers and faith leaders who bring with them infectious energy, optimism and energy.
“The group includes Rudi Leavor, the Rev Alistair Helm, Yasin Mohammed (Drummond Mills), Saira Ali and many community volunteers. It has been supported by senior officers from the key agencies including the police and Council.
“The group encourages others to get involved, share facilities and resources and bring about a local understanding between communities.”
The Giant Chilli Project has raised £1,500 to fund repairs at Bradford Synagogue. They also organised a Sabbath dinner in June at the Synagogue. This was attended by the chief executive of Bradford City Football Club, the Council leader, faith representatives and those of no faith.
It was enjoyed by all who attended and five volunteers were made ‘Friends of the Synagogue’ and awarded certificates.
An Iftar meal was organised for Westgate Mosque and a talk given on fasting and being good neighbours.
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