BRADFORD’s faith leaders have given their backing to Bradford’s No Child Cold campaign, which is aiming to keep the district’s children warm through the winter.

The campaign, run in partnership between Bradford Council, Citizens Advice, Give Bradford and Community Action Bradford & District, is aiming to provide an £80 grant to the 21,000 families in the district facing the choice between heating or eating this winter.

This poverty is being exacerbated by home learning, which Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced yesterday will continue until at least March 8.

With children being at home for more time, as well as many people working reduced hours, being on furlough or unemployed, families are facing increased heating bills.

The campaign aims to cover these costs, to help children focus and be comfortable and more engaged while remote learning.

Some local businesses have backed the campaign and £10,580 has been donated by the public so far, but is some way off the £1.68 million required to support every family.

Incommunities have become the latest local firm to back the campaign, donating £2,000 to the cause, and has urged more businesses to do the same.

Bradford’s faith leaders have now joined the campaign and urged people to support the most vulnerable people in society.

They spoke during an online meeting acknowledging the difficulties the cold weather causes for impoverished families in the district, and have all asked their congregations to give as much as they can to support those in need.

The Rt Revd Dr Toby Howarth, the Bishop of Bradford, said: “Many of our young people have enjoyed the snow, but it’s not so fun for those who don’t have a warm coat or come back to a cold home.”

Saadia Mushtaq, of the Muslim Women’s Council, added: “Fuel poverty across the Bradford district has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Please donate whatever you can to this initiative today, helping support the learning and wellbeing of children in our community.”

The district’s Sikh community added its backing to the campaign.

Dr Kuldip Kaur Bharj OBE, representing the district’s Gurdwaras, added: “The people of Bradford District are extraordinarily generous.

“I’m glad that individuals and families, as well as Bradford businesses are getting behind this campaign.”

Bradford churches of different denominations, Bradford Council for Mosques, the Bradford Hindu Council and Bradford Synagogue were all also represented at the meeting and were also joined by other faith leaders and all gave their backing to the campaign.

Incommunities, Bradford's biggest social housing provider has provided enough cash to support 25 families with their added heating bills this winter.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Geraldine Howley hands over a donation to the No Child Cold campaignGeraldine Howley hands over a donation to the No Child Cold campaign

Geraldine Howley, Incommunities chief executive, said: “The impact of lockdown at this time of year is having a devastating affect on many households who are already struggling to make ends meet.

“We want to show out support for this campaign and ensure those families that need help can receive vital support quickly through this initiative.”

Councillor Adrian Farley, portfolio holder for children and families, added: “We know many families are struggling financially in our district and the pandemic has made this worse.

"All the partners involved in the No Child Cold initiative have one aim, that no child should be at home cold during lockdown this winter.

“We are so grateful to Incommunities for this generous donation. Every donation, however small, makes a difference and will help children and families in our district.”

Businesses which want to support the No Child Cold campaign are asked to contact Give Bradford, which is coordinating donations, and members of the public wanting to donate can visit virginmoneygiving.com/fund/NoChildCold