A BRADFORD MP has pledged to be an "advocate" for a substance misuse charity expanding its services to help all communities across the district.

Naz Shah, Labour MP for Bradford West, said the Piccadilly Project, which provides support for adults with alcohol addictions, had a vital role to play in people's recovery process, particularly those from BME and Central and Eastern European communities.

The project, part of the wider Lifeline charity, hosted a 'Recovery Ball' last night where those who have benefitted from its services shared their success stories, receiving praise from special guests including Ms Shah, West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson, and the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Joanne Dodds.

"Recovery is a partnership between people in the community and organisations that enable grass-roots and practical solutions," said Ms Shah.

"This is where organisations like Lifeline come into their own.

"The stigma around BME communities and substance and alcohol misuse remains a significant challenge, and the increase in people and communities turning to alcohol misuse is of concern.

MORE TOP STORIES

"Especially of concern is the rise in Central and Eastern European communities turning to alcohol, which seems to be an increasing issue.

"These services are important to individuals, families, communities, and to Bradford.

"Helping people to recover saves lives and families.

"I will advocate for services like this to receive support about local need, to reinvest monies received from the proceeds of crime, to get support on the latest research, and to support communities with practical tools and resources."

Faz Hafiz, community and diversity lead at the project, said the number of participants using its services was continuing to grow, with about 350 people now accessing some form of support.

"Our main challenge is connecting with the community, we need to adapt to support the needs of people in Bradford," he said.

"People are still not sure where to turn to when they need help, and there is still that stigma for some people.

"We want to celebrate the achievements of people in recovery and emphasise that they should be proud of themselves."

On working with people from BME and European minority groups, he added: "We are seeing more people from those two areas of society.

"We now have a diverse team of volunteers who can communicate with people from different communities, helping to break down language and cultural barriers.

"We are working very differently to how we have in the past, as we want to cater for anyone who needs our help."

People can be referred to the charity via their GPs, with others making self-referrals by attending sessions such as the project's breakfast clubs, which received more than £5,000 from the 'Safer Communities Fund' from the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner's Office earlier this year.

"I am supportive of organisations like this which help to make a real difference in our communities," said Mr Burns-Williamson.

"It is very important that organisations like Lifeline continue to make sure the voice of service users is heard.

"That is why I gave more than £5,000 to help Lifeline continue its excellent work."

To contact the Piccadilly Project, call 01274 735775.