Courses aimed at giving people the confidence and skills needed to prepare healthy meals are being launched by Bradford Council across the district.
The New Year Cook and Eat programmes will offer people the chance to learn a range of dishes, understand about your ingredients and how to control your portion sizes.
Run over six weeks by a number of partner organisations, the two hour sessions support you to make healthy lifestyle changes with the aim of eating more fruit and vegetables and less oil, sugar and salt.
The courses in Keighley, Shipley, Bingley and across Bradford include ladies only sessions with language support, sessions for adults with mental health issues, children’s sessions and sessions for children’s and parent’s.
Alison Moore, Senior Public Health Manager for Bradford Council, said “Cooking is a skill that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Many people want to change the way they eat to be healthier but don’t know how to prepare healthy meals.
“By giving people the confidence in the kitchen; they can take control of their and their family’s meals before it becomes a health issue.
“Being overweight is linked with a higher risk of developing a range of conditions such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease, as well as mental health problems such as low mood and depression.”
Cook and Wean programmes are also taking place in several venues across the district for new parents. The sessions are friendly and informal and participants can meet new people whilst learning new skills.
Cook and Eat programmes help people to make positive lifestyle choices to enable them and their family to eat more healthily. This can help with sustainable weight loss and allows people to take control, stay motivated and get active.
Bradford College will be hosting the Royal Society of Arts and Commerce Pakistan Calling event on Thursday 15th January at the new campus, The David Hockney Building.
Anwar Akhtar
Held within the Michele Sutton Theatre, the event will take place from 12:30pm to 4pm and will feature key speakers, Anwar Akhtar, Director of The Samosa and co lead RSA Pakistan Calling; Cllr Alyas Karmani, Chair of Just West Yorkshire and Cllr Ralph David Ritchie Berry, Children and Young People’s Services.
RSA Pakistan Calling is an online film project showing links between civil and cultural organisations and communities in Pakistan and the UK. The event will feature screenings from some of the films in RSA Pakistan Calling www.thersa.org/pkcalling<http://www.thersa.org/pkcalling>. These films explore some of the many pressing social problems faced by Pakistan and shine a light on, and support, some of the inspiring stories of people and organisations tackling these issues.
The screening will be followed by talks by the panel and then a question and answer session. The event aims to encourage young people from Bradford to engage with film and journalism skills, storytelling and media campaigning.
The films also explore issues of identity, integration and the aspirations of British citizens with Pakistani heritage. Working with film makers from Karachi, Lahore, London, Luton and Manchester, over 60 films have been produced and curated looking at identity, education, equality, culture, health, development, conflict resolution, women, tolerance and minority rights issues in Pakistan and the UK. The film platform is a resource that can be used by community organisations, academics, students, women’s groups, teachers and youth workers.
The project aims to increase awareness and support for Pakistani civil society organisations and activists’, working to tackle the country’s many pressing social problems. The project hopes to promote cross-cultural dialogue and community trust in the UK by profiling the many different faces of Pakistan and supporting filmmakers working in areas such as Arts, Social Welfare and Citizen Journalism.
Pakistan Calling builds on a project run by the RSA andwww.thesamosa.co.uk<http://www.thesamosa.co.uk> in 2011. It provides a platform for filmmakers in Pakistan and the UK, and articulates the many relationships between Britain and Pakistan. Events in Lahore and Karachi affect families and communities in Bradford and Manchester and the project aims to build stronger links between Pakistani social projects, the British Pakistani diaspora and a wider group of social entrepreneurs in the UK, fostering positive dialogue about Pakistan in Britain.
Bradford MP, David Ward has highlighted the plight of some Bradford families who have been torn apart because wives have been unable to join their husbands in the country due to spouse visa delays.
At the Home Office’s Question Time in the House of Commons on Monday 5th January, David Ward questioned the Home Office Minister, James Brokenshire, about delays to the issuing of spouse visa’s to some of his constituents which has caused even further unintended grief for some of his constituents.
The problem arose due to delays of over a year in the issuing of Spouse Visa’s which has meant that in some cases people have been forced to have a child abroad instead of within the UK. This has resulted in families having to apply for a child’s UK passport abroad which can take many months to complete.
Therefore, in many cases, after the year long delay, visas have been issued to spouses but they can no longer travel to the UK when their visa starts, because they are waiting for a passport for their new child. Such delays in entering the country can mean that spouses will have trouble in applying for permanent residency or in some cases may mean applying for a brand new visa which can cost many thousands of pounds.
Responding to David, the Home Office Minister, James Brokenshire said that he would be happy to look into individual cases and committed to examine the issues further.
Commenting David Ward MP said “It’s unacceptable that families in Bradford are being punished through no fault of their own.
“The Government had delayed the issuing of Spouse visas for over a year which has meant that some have been forced to have their child in a foreign country which creates even further delays as the child needs its own passport.
“This means that families face an agonising choice of either adhering to their original visa requirements by entering the UK without their young baby or waiting for their child’s passport which takes ages and has severe consequences on family life.
“The Government is penalising my constituents and I will continue to press them into providing more support and assistance to these families”.
Police are appealing for information following a robbery in Bradford.
At about 7.45pm on Tuesday, 6 January, a man forced his way into a house in Duckworth Lane and demanded jewellery from the 83-year-old male occupant.
Following an altercation, the elderly man was ordered to lie down and keep quiet while the house was searched.
It is not known if anything was stolen.
The victim suffered a cut to his forehead which required hospital treatment.
The suspect who forced his way into the property is described as white, about 6ft tall and of athletic build.
He was believed to be between 30 and 35 years of age and was wearing a dark hat and a dark top.
Detective Inspector Neil Benstead, of Bradford District CID, said “This must have been a terrifying ordeal for the elderly victim, who was alone in the house at the time.
“It is believed that the man who forced his way into the property was accompanied by another suspect, so we would appeal to anyone who may have seen two males acting suspiciously in the Duckworth Lane area in the time leading up to, or shortly after the incident.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 251 Gill at Bradford District CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Police are appealing for information following an incident where a 16-year-old girl was seriously injured in an assault in Moortown.
At 8.26pm on Monday police received a report of the victim having been struck across the face with a machete or similar weapon.
She was taken to Leeds General Infirmary for treatment and remains in a stable condition.
A 20-year-old man and a 15-year-old girl were arrested in connection with the incident and were subsequently released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Detective Inspector Sean Duggan, of Leeds District CID, said: “This was clearly a very serious assault on a teenage girl who has received significant injuries. We have arrested two people in connection with the incident and enquiries are ongoing to trace further suspects.
“This appears to have been a targeted attack that may have resulted from an earlier fight involving the victim and another girl.
“I would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information that could assist the investigation.
“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team have increased patrols in the area to reassure the local community.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Two of India’s most sought after new gen design talents, Anushree Reddy and Arpita Mehta, are among the deliberated edit of top tier designers to be presenting their latest bridal and couture collections at the Aashni + Co Wedding Show in association with Zouch & Lamare. Taking place at Ballroom Suite, The Dorchester, 53 Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1K 1QA on 25th January 2015. Aashni + Co Wedding Show will mark the UK’s most high fashion Indian bridal exhibition, hosted in association with Zouch & Lamare – one of the leading, luxury wedding planning services in the UK that specialises in exquisite, original and bespoke weddings and events.
Aashni + Co Wedding Show will also feature floral styling by Zita Elze, an award-winning artist, designer, teacher, creator of the Living Embroidery Bridal collection and design consultant, who will also be exhibiting as the show’s exclusive luxury florist.
Arpita Mehta
Hyderabad-based designer, Anushree Reddy, began her fashion career in 2010. A self-taught designer and Management graduate, Anushree made her debut at Lakme Fashion Week Summer/ Resort 2013. Her label stands out for its bursts of vivacious colour, glamour, and easy-to-wear garments. Her design philosophy lies in creating elaborate silhouettes brewed with subtle prints and surprising embellishments. A designer whose management roots evolved into a serious love for fashion, Anushree Reddy has now evolved into a name to reckon with. With perseverance and an indomitable spirit to learn the art of design, she acquired the skill while on the job. From one milestone to the next, the London School of Economics alumnus has aced her design game in the four years and counting. She has envisaged a label that creates breathtaking, feminine Indian wear with a hint of Nawabi royalty.
Realising her love for all things fashion, Arpita Mehta didn’t let her high science marks come in the way of actualising her dreams. Graduating in Apparel Manufacture and Dress Design from S.N.D.T University, she went to win the Designer of the Year award in her graduating fashion show. Not resting on her laurels, Arpita secured an internship with one of India’s leading designers, Manish Malhotra, and learnt the ins and outs of fashion under him for two years. After a successful work experience, she started her own label Arpita Mehta. Describing her style as easy, fun, glamorous and fresh, the label concentrates on understated, attractive and detailed silhouettes. Her collections comprise contemporary ethnic as well as fusion ensembles largely focusing on intricate embroidery consisting of vibrant anchor threads and mirror work, used in innovative ways to make her collections consistently stand out.
Anushree Reddy
Aashni + Co Wedding Show will present on one platform high end, bridal and occasion wear by India’s most celebrated designer brands – from established, A-list fashion houses to the crème of new gen talent, namely: Anushree Reddy, Arpita Mehta, Ashima-Leena, Elisha W, Jaipur Gems, Kotwara by Meera and Muzaffar Ali, Manish Malhotra, Monisha Thahryamal, Nikasha, Pallavi Jaikishan, Rimple and Harpreet Narula, Sabyasachi, Shehlaa, Sonali Gupta, Tarun Tahiliani and Varun Bahl. Furthermore for the very first time, the UK will experience the opportunity of meeting some of the leading Indian designers themselves under one roof. In addition to bridal couture, the event will present a handpicked showcase of high end and luxe wedding services from cake designers to wedding planners and live bands.
Aashni + Co Wedding Show is presented by one of the UK’s leading Indian fashion influencers, Aashni Shah, Founder and Creative Director of Aashni + Co, a high fashion, Indian concept store located in Notting Hill, London.
Bradford MP, David Ward has received an assurance from the Deputy Prime Minister that the West Yorkshire area will not have to introduce a new “Metro Mayor” as part of the deal to get comprehensive new devolution powers.
At the Deputy Prime Minister’s Question Time in the House of Commons today, David Ward quizzed the Deputy Prime Minister, Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP, about the steps the Government are taking to devolve more power to places like Bradford and whether the offer of new devolution powers would necessitate the introduction of a “Metro Mayor” as has been introduced in Manchester.
Responding to David, the Deputy Prime Minister confirmed that the Government are in active negotiations over a devolution deal for the Leeds City Region area which includes Bradford in order to give the area more control over key policy areas like housing and transport. He also stated that the Government hope to make a positive announcement shortly on this deal.
David further pressed the Deputy Prime Minister on the governance arrangements surrounding the new devolution deal. David asked whether The Deputy Prime Minister could reaffirm his previous commitment that local areas would be able to decide for themselves the style of any new governance arrangements which would oversee the new devolution deal.
The need for this clarification had become necessary as the Chancellor of the Exchequer has recently stated that areas that want new devolutionary powers will need to introduce a “Metro Mayor” like in Manchester – even when it is not their own choice.
The Deputy Prime Minister was very clear in his response stating that whilst it was necessary to have improved and strengthen governance arrangements to oversee the administration of new powers to local areas, it was imperative that local areas are the ones that choose the form of these arrangements and will not be forced to introduce a “Metro Mayor” system if they do not wish to.
The Deputy Prime Minister cited the example of Sheffield which has recently agreed a new package of powers with the Government without the need for introducing a “Metro Mayor” to Sheffield.
Commenting David Ward MP said “The Deputy Prime Minister was unambiguous in stating that West Yorkshire will not be forced into introducing an unwelcome Metro Mayor in order to get much needed new powers to drive jobs and growth locally.
“I warmly welcome this clarification by my Lib Dem colleague as it would be unthinkable for Whitehall to dictate to us how we run our local area simply to get powers which we should have had in the first place.
“The new powers will ensure that we have more say over our local area, driving local solutions to local problems and helping to drive growth and more jobs in Bradford. I look forward to hearing of the successful deal shortly.”
To mark the golden jubilee year of the first Sikh temple in Bradford, a lecture by Dr Ramindar Singh MBE will be held at Bradford Local Studies Library on Wednesday 21 January.
The first Sikh temple was established by a small number of Sikhs in a former carpet warehouse in Garnett Street in 1965. The building no longer exists but there are seven gurdwaras (Sikh temples) in the Bradford district.
The lecture will chart the history of the Sikh community in the Bradford district over the past 50 years. It will take a close look at the growth and development of Sikh temples and other organisations, the processes of integration as well as the contributions made by Sikhs in general and civic life.
The lecture will start at 2.15pm. The event is free and all are welcome. Light refreshments will be served after the lecture.
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe executive member for employment, skills and culture said: “This lecture provides a great opportunity to gain a fascinating insight into this unique part of Bradford’s social history. It’s free and open to all and I would encourage as many people as possible to come along.”
Bradford Local Studies Library is located via the side entrance of the old Central Library building, the Margaret Macmillan Tower, Princes Way, Bradford BD1 1NN
Current work to tackle Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) in the Bradford district and future plans to extend this work are outlined in a report to Bradford Council’s Executive. Executive members, when they meet on 13 January, will be asked to approve nine recommendations to build on the multi-agency work already being done to support victims, prevent people becoming victims of CSE, bring perpetrators to justice and educate people on the risks of CSE. A motion recognising the rights of all children to be protected from all forms of exploitation and victimisation was passed by Bradford Council on 21 October 2014. This included the launch of a specialist team to investigate historical CSE cases and giving every councillor access to training on identifying potential CSE cases. To progress the motion, officers have recommended that the Council’s Executive approves a range of actions including:
* Ensuring Area Committees receive a report on CSE * Expanding awareness-raising in schools to include a special package for primary schools * Extending CSE awareness training to council staff in areas such as licensing, Hackney Carriage and Private Hire, housing and environmental health * A report on therapeutic support for CSE survivors is prepared in 2015 for the Health and Well Being Board.
Following the publication of the Jay Report into CSE in Rotherham, Ofsted undertook CSE inspections in eight local authorities. Bradford was one one of these. However, during the Ofsted Single Inspection of Children’s Services, completed in March 2014, inspectors visited the Child Sexual Exploitation Hub and considered the effectiveness of the multi-agency response to tackle perpetrators in the district. A local review of services was also carried out by Bradford Safeguarding Children Board in spring 2014. Both reports highlighted good practice and partnership working between Bradford Council, the Police, Barnardo’s and other voluntary and statutory organisations. The CSE Hub, set up in January 2012, was praised for having the police, social care and Barnardo’s on the same site, meaning information could be shared effectively between agencies, cases investigated quicker and plans put in place to reduce any risks of CSE. The National College of Policing also awarded the Hub a ‘Gold Standard’ and has encouraged other forces to adopt a similar model. Each CSE case is risk-assessed by partner agencies and the outcome of this assessment helps to decide what type of support is provided to each child and their family. The Hub’s Police team investigate allegations of CSE, where appropriate building cases for prosecution. Other staff include a Council team manager and social worker, Barnardo’s Turnaround Service and a sexual health nurse provided by Bradford District Care Trust. As well as dealing with reports of CSE, the Hub does a range of preventative work, including the West Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Local Safeguarding Children Board ‘Know the Signs’ campaign, funding a CSE drama performed by GW Theatre in secondary schools and commissioning PACE (Parents against Child Exploitation) to support parents of children experiencing CSE. Coun Ralph Berry, Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:”Child sexual exploitation is a dreadful crime and all perpetrators must be pursued and prosecuted. Tackling this crime is an issue for the entire Council and all agencies. “A great deal of progress has been made in dealing with CSE in the district, especially through the effective work of the Hub, which has been widely recognised as a beacon of good practice. But there is a long way to go to ensure effective practice across all agencies on this complex and sensitive issue and these next steps will take us further in this direction. “We will always need the community as a whole to hlep, taking responsibility for vulnerable young people and giving us third party information, if they suspect that child sexual exploitation is taking place or children are at risk.”
The District’s next Public Forum for Education will be looking at ways in which young people can be supported into employment.
The debate will look at the way schools, higher education and further education institutions as well as families can help, and what roles they can play.
Speakers at the forum will explore: · How careers education and technical education can create pathways for young people to help them into work · Ways in which further and higher education can better prepare young people for work · How the Centre of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering is preparing young people for work · How parents can support their sons and daughters through further and higher education
The forum takes place on Wednesday, 28 January 2015 at 4.30 pm at Leeds City College, Keighley Campus, Bradford Road, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD21 4HQ
Cllr Ralph Berry, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, said: “This is a very important topic for our district. Providing young people with the right skills and experience and a choice of pathways is key to supporting them into employment. Anyone with an interest is welcome to come along”
Michael Jameson, Strategic Director of Children’s Services, said: “We have some fantastic initiatives across our district which are helping young people into employment. The Public Forum for Education is an excellent opportunity to hear about and share good practice and look at how we can share that success.”
The New Year Cook and Eat programmes will offer people the chance to learn a range of dishes, understand about your ingredients and how to control your portion sizes.
