'COMMUNITY champions' in Bradford have been nationally recognised for their work in tackling vaccine hesitancy in black and Asian communities.

Strengthening Faith Institutions (SFI) has honoured Faiz Ilyas, Pastor Isaac Shofoluwe and Reverend Nathan Javed - who are all from the district - for helping to dispel myths around the vaccine and encouraging more people to take it.

At the start of the year, the Office for National Statistics found that - across the UK - 85 per cent of white people said they were likely to take the vaccine, compared with 72 per cent of Asian people and 49 per cent of black people.

Bradford's community champions have been trying to change this, with Faiz Ilyas - who spent five days in intensive care after contracting Covid-19 last year - arguing that "building trust and relationships" plays an important role in helping to "dispel any myths or misunderstanding".

"I am proud to be receiving this recognition and will continue my efforts in helping communities out of this difficult time", said Faiz, who is of Pakistani descent.

"I have been working with SFI to tackle vaccine hesitancy, particularly with young people. I worked with students at the University of Bradford to ensure they understand the importance of being vaccinated.

"I was only able to do this by building trust and relationships, and this is important in helping to dispel any myths or misunderstanding."

Pastor Isaac Shofoluwe, of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Chapel of His Glory, has also been encouraging vaccine uptake.

"I am honoured to be recognised for my efforts to tackle this hesitancy", said Pastor Shofoluwe, who is originally from Nigeria.

"We have produced video messages, as well as addressing the public at sermons. We also held two webinars, attended by over a hundred people, highlighting the importance of vaccination and keeping safe."

Reverend Nathan Javed, who is originally from Pakistan, was also recognised for his efforts, and feels "honoured and humbled".

He added: "I have used my position as a church leader to convey the message of keeping yourself and others safe, and it has been a pleasure to do this.

"Trusting god at this time of need has been difficult for many, but at least it has strengthened them to overcome many issues."

Dr Javed Bashir, who is a safeguarding consultant with SFI in Bradford, added: "Reluctance to take the vaccine is down to misinformation and historic mistrust, but SFI’s community-driven campaign is creating change.

"Community champions have been working in partnership with SFI as part of MHCLG’s £23.75m Community Champions scheme, to help those communities most badly affected by Covid and boost vaccine uptake within these communities.

"Our champions also help us engage with their communities, by helping us arrange community round-tables to allow us to hear first-hand about issues and concerns they face and answer questions they have about Covid and the vaccine.

"Building trust is key and this was established by supporting community relationships built over time. Engaging community and faith groups, champions and faith leaders, and culturally-competent interventions, are helping to reduce vaccine hesitancy."