A project helping Bradford people with grief and loss has marked its first anniversary. 

The Sahara Initiative CIC showcased how their work with mental health has helped people in the aftermath of the pandemic.

The team told how it spent one year’s worth of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund on a total of nine workshops.

It focused on the unprecedented challenges faced as a result of Covid-19 restrictions and its effect on families and loved ones mourning in their preferred ways.

Workshops touched on challenges, last rites, rituals and looking at different stages of grief.

The team worked closely with the University of Bradford’s student societies, local community centres, places of worship, and youth centres.

More than 80 guests attended the conference and dinner at The Great Victoria Hotel.

The audience was made up of councillors, doctors, teachers, social workers, health professionals, community and faith Leaders, and West Yorkshire Police.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Gerry Baker, also joined for an evening of discussing all things mental health and grief.

The keynote speakers advocating for mental health awareness included Professor Dr Abdur Rasjid Skinner, former chaplain Shaheen Kauser and Sayyid Usman AlQadri.