The Good Shepherd Centre

Migrants make face coverings at charity base

23 July 2020 (by admin)

Keighley News - By David Knights 23rd July 2020

REFUGEES, asylum seekers, and EU migrants came together to make reusable face coverings for vulnerable people.

The Good Shepherd Centre in Keighley provided its venue free and the group worked with Community Action Bradford and District – based in Keighley – and Bradford College.

Bradford Council’s Refugee Engagement Coordinator Wahid Rashid, with support from Mahmood Mohammed, the Stronger Communities Coordinator, developed a programme to encourage support for the ‘Sew and Save Lives’ face-covering campaign led by CABAD.

The campaign asks people to make face coverings for the most vulnerable who may not be able to make or buy a face covering. Wahid received an overwhelming response from people in the refugee community who were more than happy to help.

Working in partnership with Bradford College and Duncan Burnett the Adult Learning Manager, an accredited sewing course was started with a designated tutor and sewing machines were made available.

Enas, a volunteer said: “I am so happy to join the sewing class. It’s joyful, especially the first time I used the machine and the teacher is so helpful.”

Cllr Abdul Jabar, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said: “The Bradford district is well known for its community spirit.”