REFUGEES, Asylum Seekers and EU Migrants in Bradford have come together to make reusable face coverings for vulnerable people.

The scheme is a partnership with Bradford College and Community Action Bradford and District.

From tomorrow, adults and young people over 11 have to wear a face covering if they can in shops and supermarkets.

Bradford Council’s Refugee Engagement Coordinator Wahid Rashid, with support from Mahmood Mohammed, the Stronger Communities Coordinator, developed a programme to encourage support for the ‘Sew and Save Lives’ face covering campaign led by CABAD. The campaign asks people to make face coverings for the most vulnerable who may not be able to make or buy a face covering.

He received an overwhelming response from people in the Refugee community who were more then happy to help.

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Working in partnership with Bradford College and Duncan Burnett, Adult Learning Manager, an accredited sewing course was started with a designated tutor and sewing machines were made available.

Enas, a volunteer said: "I am so happy to join the sewing class. It’s joyful, especially the first time I used the machine and the teacher is so helpful."

Grange Interlink and The Good Shepard Centre Keighley kindly offered their venues free of charge to be used for this unique project.

Cllr Abdul Jabar, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said: “I would like to thank everyone who has taken part and made face coverings for others to use. The Bradford district is well known for its community spirit and this is just one way which people are helping others during this really difficult time.”