The MAYOR and deputy mayor of West Yorkshire showed their support for the ‘Young in Covid’ film by attending a session at the Khidmat Centre on Friday November 12.

The Young in Covid film that was made throughout the pandemic highlights the struggles young people faced in the height of lockdown, the biggest being the lack of support for their mental health.

Young in Covid was a collaborative project with Khidmat Centres, West Yorkshire Safer Communities team, Mary Magdalene CIC and Dixons Trinity Academy.

After watching the film, Tracy Brabin said: “It has been incredibly powerful to speak to the young people here at the Khidmat Centre and watch their film.

“It’s been extremely difficult for young people over the last 18 months, yet there’s hope for the future.

“I’m really looking forward to working with these young people and as their mayor I can help and support them.

The young people involved with the film had the chance to raise their concerns with the mayor and deputy mayor regarding support for mental health services and youth centres.

Alison Lowe, deputy mayor for Policing and Crime said: “I’m glad you have raised these issues with us, we may not have been listening before, but we are definitely listening now.”

Sofia Buncy, DL, lead for the Young in Covid project said: “The Young in Covid Ambassadors have surpassed all the expectations in demonstrating what is possible when young people are given the lead, encouragement and direction.

“The visit from the mayor and deputy mayor will serve to boost their morale and passion.

“As a lead for the Young in Covid initiative, Khidmat Centres and its partners from West Yorkshire Safer Communities team, Dixon Trinity Academy, Mary Magdalene CIC continue to be encouraged and proud of the efforts of the young people in Bradford.”

Working with West Yorkshire Safer Communities team, Youth Engagement officer, PC Huss, who came into this role at the start of the pandemic, said: “When speaking to young people we were finding that they were struggling, they weren’t used to being inside and they felt that they had been neglected by the government.

“In the height of the pandemic, a lot of youth centres had to close, and It was really difficult.

“I had to direct a number of people to mental health services and signpost them because the situation was really bad.”

Mary Magdalene CIC, worked closely with the young people during the pandemic and offered the church as a place of refuge.

“It’s important to provide young people with safe spaces, where they can seek the help, they need.”

The young people involved were keen to speak to the mayor and excited about what her visit could mean.

Muhammed Ali Islam, one of the stars of the film said: “It does feel good that the mayor and deputy mayor are here today, somebody in their position can do a lot for us.”

Numaan Arain, a student at the University of Bradford said: “It’s exciting to see someone who has so much influence and power to be coming here today.

“It means a lot that she’s coming and hopefully we can make some change in our area.”

Ms Brabin was delighted with the quality of the film, that had been ‘brilliantly produced’ and urged all those involved to join Screen Yorkshire’s Beyond Brontes programme.

The mayor said: I’ll be very annoyed if no one from here applies, because this was made for you and this film shows the level of talent you have.”

The group shared their experiences of loneliness, grief and death throughout the pandemic and the impact it had on them.

Ms Buncy highlighted that the focus now is recovery and making sure that it’s effective.

Ms Brabin said: “I’m so proud of you all and the courage you have shown.”