A BRADFORD project which is aiming to help both refugees and migrants integrate into British society was officially launched last week.

The Engage project – led by the charity Bradford African Community (BAC) – will help newly-arrived people from African countries overcome language and cultural barriers and create the best possible future for themselves and their families.

It will also help people from these communities to find employment and - if they have come here as refugees - to access support for trauma and their mental health.

The BAC is based on Russell Street, near Little Horton Lane, and is chaired by Asumani Susho, who himself arrived in Bradford as a refugee in 2012.

“Everyone is really excited, as Engage will have a huge impact on the African community and on the Bradford district as a whole,” he said.

“It will help people to learn about British life and to explore different pathways to employment.

“The BAC has a class of over 25 African people learning English – we are helping to break barriers.

“Not just language barriers, but cultural barriers too.

“An example is in some African countries, police are seen as the enemy, so when people from those countries come here, they have the same views and will automatically hide when they see the police.

“But this platform is to help people adapt to a new environment.

“These people also don’t have any work experience in the UK, which can make it harder to find a job.

“Volunteering is a great way to gain practical skills and is something we want to raise awareness of.”

Asumani added that, for some African people in Bradford, things have been difficult in the past.

“Some have fled war and lost loved ones,” he explained.

“They have faced a lot of challenges. That itself is a barrier, but Engage is trying to help.”

Asumani has been in Bradford for almost ten years, having arrived here from his native Congo.

“I landed in the wonderful city of Bradford in December 2012. I came as a refugee,” he said.

“It was a bit cold when I got here but I adapted quickly!

“Horton Housing Association gave me a chance to volunteer and after a year, I got my first job.

“It’s wonderful in Bradford. There are lots of opportunities and we are encouraging people to take advantage of them.”

For more information, visit the BAC website.