The Bradford City of Sanctuary team is made up of two part-time members of staff, supported by Trustees and informed by our Advisory Group of people with lived experience of the asylum journey. Have a read below and meet the people behind the labels!
Advisory Group
Our Advisory Group of people with lived experience of the asylum journey ensure that our work accurately reflects the needs of sanctuary seekers in Bradford. The group helps with both our short and long term planning and decision making.
Kamil
I am a founding member of the Advisory Group. Though I arrived in Bradford not so long ago, I have already gained valuable experience in making the city my home. I have established strong connections throughout Bradford and within the voluntary sector
Danelle*
I decided to join the Advisory group to give back to the community, to inspire young people and to learn new skills through networking. Besides this I actively find solutions to help my community, for example keeping my estate clean by picking litter.
Kafa
I am a founding member of the advisory group. I came to the UK with my husband and two children so I have experience in adjusting to life in the UK. I have volunteered with a lot of community centres here in Bradford and I speak Arabic.
Ricardo
I decided to join the advisory group to give back to the community. Having worked in tourism for over 15 years, I am passionate about using my experience and skills here in Bradford. I enjoy writing poetry and have had some poems published by ‘Change the Words’ in 2022. I have previously been involved in the Red Cross VOICE network as an ambassador.
Note: We founded our Advisory Group in 2022. There are currently 4 members with a hope to grow the group over time. Some members would like to keep their anonymity. *Name changed
Staff
Tina, Director
I joined the team in June 2024 and am really excited about this opportunity. I have worked with asylum seekers, refugees and internally displaced people for 9 years – in refugee camps in Greece and France, with Iraqi refugees in Jordan, for 5 years in Leeds and more recently with people displaced from the 2023 earthquake in Turkey and in Ukraine. I am very happy to be back on Yorkshire soil and I’m really looking forward to getting to know Bradford. In my spare time I love walking and running in the Dales and in the Lake District and am never happier than when I find a great tea and cake shop after!
Kate, Schools and Colleges Project Co-ordinator
I joined the Bradford City of Sanctuary team in May 2022. I trained as a teacher and worked in primary education in West Yorkshire for a number of years before moving abroad and working on a variety of education projects in countries across sub-Saharan Africa. I’ve lived in Bradford for the last 5 years and love the diversity of cultures across the city and all the wonderful work being undertaken to make Bradford a safe and welcoming place for all.
Thomas, Administration and Communications Officer
I joined the team in April 2024. I’ve lived in Bradford since 2016, having moved here to study in Bradford University’s Department of Peace Studies and International Development and then stayed while working with different charities and a local church. I’ve made friends from all over the world in Bradford and am looking forward to working with the team to help inspire our city to be even more welcoming.
Trustees
Our trustees lead on our strategic direction as well as playing an active role in the everyday operations of the charity, from line management to overseeing a sanctuary stream.
Will, Chair
I’ve chaired this wonderful group since our launch in 2008. My background is in local authority social work and project management. For 15 years until July 2023 I ran a small hosting project for destitute asylum seekers and am a trustee with BEACON. I chaired Abigail Housing for several years until 2020
Danelle*, Trustee
I became a trustee in August 2023, having been a ‘foundation member’ of our Advisory Group, a role which I continue to hold. Besides this I actively find solutions to help my community, for example keeping my estate clean by picking litter.
Rosie, Trustee
I’m super proud to be a trustee. I’m Artistic Director of Stand & Be Counted; the UK’s first Theatre Company of Sanctuary – we make campaign theatre and film with people seeking sanctuary who want to tell their story their way.
Sue, Trustee
I joined the wonderful team of BCoS trustees in October 2023 and I manage our inspirational Schools and Colleges Project Coordinator.
I have lived in Bradford all my life and I am proud of the city’s long history of welcoming refugees and migrants.
Before retirement I was a headteacher in Bradford Middle and Primary Schools.
Esther, Trustee
I have worked in Bradford since 2015 in a variety of roles, most recently being Head of Service for Group Living and Managed Migration Services at Horton Housing Association. I wanted to join the Bradford City of Sanctuary to support them with the great work they do supporting migrants and refugees in Bradford. The values of Bradford City of Sanctuary resonate with my own and I am proud to be a part of it.
Kay, Trustee
I have lived in Bradford all my life and love the diversity of cultures within the City and wider District. My career has always been in early years and childcare as a registered childminder, volunteer toddler group leader, holiday scheme worker and youth worker. Until my retirement in 2021, I was a project manager for Bradford Council for 23 years, implementing initiatives to support the early years and childcare sector. I became a trustee of BCoS in 2018 as I wanted to support this valuable work.
Geoff, Trustee and Treasurer
I started volunteering with Bradford City of Sanctuary in 2019 when I retired as a vet because building a culture of welcome for people seeking sanctuary is such great mission. I also volunteer with BEACON McKenzie Friends supporting asylum seekers with their claims, I repair dry stone walls for the Canal and River Trust, I keep bees, and I’m on the management committee of a motorcycle advanced rider training group.