A LOCAL MP is extremely impressed with the excellent work being done at a Manningham community centre.

Mental health is at the heart of what the Millan Centre does with women offered counselling in Urdu, Punjabi and English.

The centre on Victor Street played host to Batley and Spen representative Tracy Brabin last week.

She was inspired by the projects and spoke to services users about their experiences during lockdown and how grateful they were to receive hot meals and support from Millan.

They also talked about being socially isolated and desperately looking forward to interacting with others again.

Ms Brabin encouraged chairperson Elizabeth Hellmich and vice chair Saliha Sadiq to continue their work.

Saliha said: "It was lovely to have Tracy Brabin visit. The service users felt honoured that Tracey took time out to listen to them.

"Mental health issues are further increasing, even though lockdown seems to be nearly over.

"The need for counselling service at Millan centre is increasing as there are more and more self referrals and community members are encouraging each other to access the service.

"We brought to Tracy's attention that the parents are concerned about the boys and young men in their families who are vulnerable, lack confidence, have low self esteem, and are been victims of bullying.

"She agrees and thinks there is a great need for boys and men to access mental health support.

"I would also like to say a special thank you to Bradford stories and impact hub for the Iftaari packs and books we recently received."

Elizabeth added: "It was a wonderful experience that Tracy Brabin acknowledged the good work Millan centre are carrying out regarding mental health.

"The Millan Centre staff and service users thought Tracy was very supportive and they found her visit to be empowering."