Charity in 10-year commitment to improve life in Bradford communities
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), one of the UK’s largest social policy research and development charities, will be working with local people in Bradford over the next ten years on ways to improve life in their communities. The JRF has committed up to £500,000 in 2005 to fund work in the District that it hopes may lead to changes in both local and national policies.
Community themed programmes are being established, focusing on bringing people together. For each area of interest the JRF will be employing a local adviser and a national adviser, as well as forming an advisory group, which will include representatives from the Bradford district, to steer the programme of work.
One of the first programmes will consider how community arts can help build communities within disadvantaged areas, while a second will look at ways in which faith groups can strengthen relationships within their neighbourhoods. A further programme will concentrate on finding ways to best manage the settlement of new migrants.
The JRF has been working with the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council for the past two years to forge links with the City. It has also been consulting with local community groups, practitioners, networks, key agencies and individuals, and last year it appointed a manager, Bana Gora, to develop its work in Bradford.
Last year it committed more than £100,000 to research and development projects in Bradford. This included support for "Bradford the Musical" and the funding of a community rewards project with Royds Community Association.
Councillor Margaret Eaton, Leader of City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, said: "We are delighted at the long-term commitment shown by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation in supporting pioneering schemes across the District.
"Through cooperation, both the Foundation and the Council aim to contribute positive and sustainable change that will bring real improvement to local communities."
Bana Gora, JRF Manager for Bradford, said: "Our initial aim has been to gain a fuller understanding of Bradford, to find out what is already known, and to ensure that future JRF work adds value.
"Our aim is to focus on issues that are groundbreaking or aspirational in the District, rather than concentrating on what is going wrong. This is an exciting stage, marking the transition from careful preparation to proactive engagement."
