Member Article

Partnership trio set to boost health and wellbeing in Bradford

Manningham Housing Association (MHA), Hollings Youth Association and the Meridian Centre have been chosen to deliver an ambitious schedule of activities to improve the health and wellbeing of young people in the one of the most deprived neighbourhoods in Bradford.

The JU:MP Programme, led by Active Bradford, is one of 12 delivery pilots across the country funded by Sport England to test and learn how to build healthier, more active communities across the country.

The three Bradford-based partners will focus on Manningham where they have worked for together for many years.

Hollings Youth Association will lead on the provision of sporting sessions including football, cricket, rounders, basketball, netball and swimming.

Meridian Centre will be at the forefront of delivering other get fit activities such as family ‘walk ‘n’ talks,’ yoga-cise, zumba-cise and bangra-cise, together with healthy eating and cooking sessions.

MHA will support the full range of offerings and also provide online help to people with mobility issues, caring responsibilities and disabilities, as well as those who may be encountering cultural barriers.

Last year, Manningham Housing Association won a Chartered Institute of Housing Northern Award for its outstanding work in caring for the needs of its tenants and surrounding communities during the pandemic.

It was also shortlisted for two UK Housing Awards including Landlord of the Year.

Nasir Hussain, MHA Community Partnerships and Investment Manager, said: “It has been an incredibly challenging two years for everyone because of Covid, but throughout this period we have been more determined than ever to do everything we can to help local communities in Bradford and Keighley.

“Our hugely successful Building Bridges Bradford project has sought to bolster community resilience through social action activities and supported people experiencing mental health challenges, loss of income and isolation.

“With the end of the pandemic now hopefully in sight, we look forward to working with Hollings Youth Association and the Meridian Centre to further enhance the mental and physical wellbeing of young people in Manningham.

“We are grateful to Active Bradford for choosing our partnership to deliver this exciting initiative and look forward to changing many lives for the better.”

Tausif Mohammed, Hollings Youth Association Director, said: “Hollings Youth Association is delighted to be collaborating with MHA and Meridian Centre on the newly awarded JU:MP tender.

“This project will have a significant impact on the lives of young people and families in Manningham.

“Changes to green spaces will be made as part of the project, as well as the creation of new play areas for youngsters.

“HYA is ecstatic to be on the cutting edge with MHA and Meridian Centre.”

Shamim Khan, Meridian Centre Trustee, said: “Given the difficulties of the past 24 months, this funding will make a significant difference to the health and wellbeing of the young people of Manningham.

“The unfortunate historical association with childhood obesity and the closure of services for young people mean this offering is most welcome and provides new and exciting opportunities for our youth to better manage their health whilst having lots of fun.

“We extend our gratitude to Sport England and the National Lottery.”

Sonia Fayyaz, Community Engagement Manager for JU:MP, said: “It is fantastic to see organisations in Manningham working together to encourage children and families to get active in their local community.

“Physical activity contributes to a wide range of outcomes including good mental health, wellbeing, education and life skills.

“The focus of the JU:MP programme is to support small and subtle changes through its delivery that will make a big difference in people’s lives.

“We welcome the partnership between Manningham Housing Association, the Meridian Centre and Hollings Youth Association to play its pivotal part in inspiring local families to make those small changes with the support of schools, mosques and madrassahs and community organisations in the area.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Barry White .