A virtual event to celebrate the launch of the first ever European Roma Communities Strategy for Bradford 2021-2025 took place on Wednesday 15th December 2021.

Three years ago, Bradford was selected as one of five National Integration Areas by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. This led to the development of the Stronger Communities Strategy and Bradford for Everyone.

CNet Bradford were then commissioned by Bradford for Everyone, to research and develop a strategy for the European Roma Communities in Bradford.

This European Roma Communities Strategy for Bradford aims to improve opportunity of access for members of the Roma Community through working with the Voluntary and Community Sector, Bradford Council, Health, Police and Fire and Rescue Services.

The community questionnaire was completed by 115 residents of Roma ethnicity across the district, as well as 25 Case Studies. This, along with other secondary research, fed into the Strategy which will be taken forward by agencies throughout the Bradford district.

To enable this strategy to have as wide an input as possible, CNet Bradford worked with over 60 different organisations. This included the West Yorkshire Police, Bradford Council, Department of Work and Pensions, NHS Bradford and Craven CCG, Family Action Bradford, Better Start Bradford, Connecting Roma, Sharing Voices and KaskoSan.

The aim is to make Bradford district a great place for everyone – where each one of us can play an active role in and be proud of calling Bradford district their home.

The Right Revd Bishop Toby Howarth, Chair of Stronger Communities Partnership Board, said: “Not only does this strategy help us to build and improve wider community dialogue with the Roma community it sets out actions we can all take to be more aware and responsive to the needs of the Roma community as a whole.”

Cllr Abdul Jabar, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said: “The aim of our whole strategy is that by working together and recognising what we have in common, we can collectively ensure that everyone in our district can reach their full potential, access opportunities and services, and that no one is missed out.”

Please view the strategy here: Roma-Strategy-2021-2025.pdf

Bradford District is proud to support the annual National Hate Crime Awareness Week of action.

The 2023 Events Programme highlights some key events and activities running across the district. There will be a Service of Hope and Remembrance on Monday 16 October, at Bradford Cathedral and a series of workshops, training sessions, and pop-up stalls happening throughout the week.

For more information, view our programme, or take a look at our Hate Crime Awareness Week event.