A GROUP of migrant and refugee women who attend sessions at a community hub in Bradford have unveiling a textile banner representing their different communities.

Artworks Creative Communities has been working with the group of 18 women who attend classes, as well as job search and advice sessions at CHAS@St Vincent's in Undercliffe.

Over eight weeks they have produce a textile representation of the different communities they have travelled from before coming together in Bradford.

Artist Musarat Raza, who ran the group, said: "Several of the women were already highly skilled in textiles and embroidery, whilst for others it was a new experience.

"Everybody contributed their ideas, and brought something of their homeland to enrich this community piece."

The women, who are mainly refugees, asylum seekers or migrants, come from countries such as Syria, Sudan, Iraq, Libya, Pakistan, Bhutan, Gambia and Bangladesh.

The group has been a chance to meet and chat alongside making the banner, which has provided an opportunity to integrate - all while improving their English.

“We run a lot of classes and advice sessions for people from a migrant background and this complements our current provision giving a softer space to express feelings, get to know people and improve wellbeing,” said Matt Henderson, community learning and development manager.

CHAS@St Vincent’s is a community hub with a large used clothes and furniture store that is well used by a range of people in need both locally and from across Bradford.

The banner has been placed in the entrance to the building as a colourful welcome and a demonstration of the talents and creativity that the people accessing these services have.

Tony Nolan, centre manager, said: "We are so pleased with the positive impact this art project has had on everyone here at St Vincent’s.

"The women who made this fabulous banner are rightly proud of their achievement, and for all of us working, volunteering and using the building it makes a strong statement about the diversity of our community and the things that bind us together.

"We hope to engage with more participatory arts projects in the future."

Deb Collett of Artworks Creative Communities added: "It’s been a pleasure to work with such a wide range of experience, and witness the banner, these talented women and the local community come together during this short project."