A project designed to help new migrants and improve community cohesion in Bradford has been given a boost with funding from West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

Hive, a Bradford based charity, received £4,925 from Mark Burns-Williamson’s Safer Communities Fund for their project “Social Toolkit” and is working with Creative Threads and a family group from Bradford Refugee Action.

Both groups meet at SHINE, a community project based at St Stephens Church in West Bowling.

The project involves new refugees and asylum seekers meeting with the established migrant community to share skills and experiences and build relationships. It will result in a "collaborative textile piece" made using recycled materials donated from the community, and the establishment of a permanent creative group that supports new migrants into the area.

Hive has worked for 35 years to promote and deliver creative activities as a method of engaging with and providing personal and social development for the wide range of communities living in Bradford. They are run by a voluntary and user led committee with nine members of staff and employ a variety of artist practitioners and tutors to deliver our range of activities and classes.

Mr Burns Williamson visited a family event at Hive on Wednesday and said: “Community cohesion is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan and something that is really important for feelings of safety.

“This project is an innovative way of helping to welcome and support new members of our communities. We are definitely stronger together and it’s great to have people as passionate and dedicated as Hive working with us.”

Hive Project Coordinator Claire Wellesley-Smith said, “The Safer Communities funding has given an opportunity for new and established Bradford communities to take part in a creative and engaging project that explores wellbeing, health and heritage.”