What was the challenge?

Samir had lived in Bradford for two months. Before that, he lived in Sudan, but his family had to flee from their home in the war. He hadn’t been to school for two years and he didn’t know anybody his age in Bradford. He also couldn’t speak English. He is 10 years old.

Their family navigator quickly realised Samir’s family needed support to integrate into the local community. Thankfully, Brathay were launching a new programme for young refugees and asylum seekers in Bradford, so they reached out for help.

What did Brathay do?

Samir was referred to the Unite programme. That’s where Samir met James, a practitioner at Brathay. He spent 10 weeks exploring the city and playing with other young people. He loved playing football and making bread with his new friends.

The programme also included a residential in the Lake District. Samir and his friends went canoeing and zip wiring. They spent time walking around the woods, exploring a new landscape that was completely different to Sudan and Bradford.

What was the impact?

By the end, Samir had started to understand English and was actively trying to talk to the Brathay practitioners. He was more confident in
himself and felt more comfortable around Bradford. When James asked how to improve the programme, he told his friend, “I wouldn’t have changed anything”.

I was amazed how such a young person could attend Unite, be so confident and get so involved, in a country he had only just arrived in. There was a noticeable positive change in Samir over the ten weeks, he became acquainted with Bradford, made friends and seemed more able to express himself.

James, Youth Worker

*Names have been changed.