A CAMPAIGN to ensure every child in the Bradford district is warm this winter is now taking donations in the form of warm clothing.

Bradford’s community groups, faith groups, public sector organisations and the business community have joined forces on the No Child Cold campaign to help families struggling with the extra heating costs caused by children being at home during whilst schools are closed.

It was launched in January and helps to support families where household income has dropped due to a loss of hours at work or furlough, as well as families in receipt of certain benefits, or where children qualify for free school meals and fuel costs have increased because of remote learning.

The campaign has now expanded and is accepting donations of warm clothing from anyone able to help. Covid-safe drop off points are opening up across the district for people to donate new, or nearly new, hats, scarves, blankets and socks which will be passed on to families. 

The initiative has caught the eye of some Bradford City players, who have thrown their support behind the campaign.

Clayton Donaldson said: “I can see so many people are struggling this year that have never been in this position before, the pandemic has put a lot of people in a difficult situation. 

“I want to do what I can to help raise the profile of this campaign, it’s so important for the community to come together and help each other out where they can I’m really pleased but not surprised that the people of Bradford have stepped up. This is what we do here, we support each other and make sure everyone is ok.”

Businesses and individuals are still being urged to donate to the fund which provides one-off small grants to families who need help to keep the heating on at home when children would normally be in school. 

The Citizens Advice Bureau is co-ordinating the campaign and works with some of those who have received the payment.

Andy Taylor who is chief executive of  Citizens Advice Bradford & Airedale and Bradford Law Centre, said: “This time round we’ve all noticed how hard lockdown has been, the long cold nights and the miserable days certainly haven’t helped. 

“I can’t imagine how difficult that must be when you have the worry of keeping your family warm on top of everything else. My team have told me multiple times that they can really hear the relief in people’s voices when they know they can pay the heating bill and keep their children warm whilst learning at home. I encourage anyone in this position to reach out to one of the referral agencies and get help.”

Soo Nevison, from Community Action Bradford & District, added: “The generosity of the people in our district is truly amazing. I know that individuals have stepped up alongside businesses to support vulnerable families in our community so that children across the district are able to learn in a safe and comfortable environment. 

“I want to thank everyone that has contributed, every donation from small to large is gratefully received and will go directly to those in need. I hope that they will continue to support the campaign as it enters this new phase.”

For more information about the campaign, how to get help, how you can donate and where warm clothing can be dropped off, visit www.cabad.org.uk/nochildcold.