A decade or so ago a small group began to meet, to listen to the stories of those seeking sanctuary in Bradford. Since then we’ve walked alongside several hundred asylum seekers: many were given hope when someone believed their story; they did not feel so alone. Some stories and words of appreciation are included in this year’s Annual Report. We hope they capture the excitement and joy of the day held at Kala Sangam. As plans were made we had no idea there would be an international crisis, as European […]
Spring Briefing 2015
It has been a busy few months at BEACON as we prepare to celebrate our 10 year anniversary whilst managing a general increase in demand on all of our projects. Much is changing in the refugee sector and Bradford in particular is experiencing high levels of new arrivals. Get the latest news from BEACON with information on our up coming events and updates on our projects.
Easter Briefing 2014
For this edition of our briefing, I’d like to introduce myself as Beacon’s new coordinator and to thank Kezia Rooke for the excellent work she did during her tenure. I also want to thank Beacon’s many volunteers who have gone above and beyond in this period of transition, not to mention Touchstone staff who have made me feel very welcome here. I’ve worked to improve the lives of refugees and asylum seekers in both the US and UK, and I’m repeatedly impressed by the people of Bradford who dedicate themselves […]
December 2013 e-newsletter
Our AGM took place in November, at the Delius Arts & Cultural Centre in Bradford. We were delighted that so many of you could join us and very encouraged by the sea of new faces! Throughout the meeting, we said goodbye and THANK YOU to Judy Midgley, for all the hard work and passion she has put in to BEACON over the years, both as an employee and a member of the Executive. A talk from Mark Taylor, of The Taylor Partnership in Bradford, discussing the barriers to justice facing […]
Refugee Week 2013 BEACON’s 4th Annual Walk for Justice
On the 19th June 2013, as part of the Refugee Week celebrations in Bradford, around 60 BEACON staff, volunteers, supporters and friends gathered in Centenary Square to begin our fourth annual Walk for Justice. We were joined by the Lord Mayor, who came down to speak about the plight of those seeking asylum in Bradford and to wish us well as we set off on our way to Waterside Court Home Office Reporting Centre. Waterside Court is the final point of our walk and a destination familiar to many asylum […]
Refugee Week Briefing 2013
Refugee Week provides an opportunity for us to celebrate the contributions that asylum seekers and refugees have made, and are making, to our communities. There are lots of exciting events in Bradford throughout Refugee Week, see below for more information. BEACON’s annual sponsored Walk for Justice will be taking place on Wednesday 19th June. We would like to invite you all to walk in solidarity with us to highlight the plight of those seeking sanctuary in the Bradford District. We will be meeting in Centenary Square, Bradford at 10am and […]
Easter Briefing 2013
March has seen us say goodbye to our CHAT Development Worker, Fiona Bououden, we thank her for all the work and passion she has put into CHAT since she started with us in 2011 and wish her and her family well. Eleanor Wood will be taking over the role and we are sure she will be a great addition to the team. The time has come around again for us to start planning Refugee Week. Our annual Walk for Justice will be taking place on Wednesday 19th of June – […]
AGM & Open Forum 2012
“Where have we come from? Where are we now? Where are we going?” On the 6th November, we were joined by friends, supporters and organisations for our AGM and Open Forum. During the meeting we launched our Annual Report and said thank you and goodbye to Executive Members Sally Browning, Neriman Kakabra and Chris Howson and welcomed Eithne Dodwell and Rosemary Nash. Our Open Forum involved discussions about several issues which are currently affecting those seeking sanctuary in Bradford, including housing and destitution, social issues and the impact of law […]
BEACON at Positive Bradford, 2012
BEACON spent a very wet Friday in City Park on the 22nd June to celebrate everything that is great about Bradford. Despite the rain, we had a lovely day sharing information, speaking with other organisations and watching some wonderful talent from around Bradford, including some of the individuals we work with. We gave out information about our Projects and enjoyed a very busy lunch in the Sanctuary Tent. Thank you to everyone who braved the rain to come down and see us and support our City.
Refugee Week 2012
BEACON’s third annual Walk for Justice Our third annual Walk for Justice took place this year on 20th June 2012 (the only sunny day in June!). We walked from Centenary Square in Bradford to Waterside Court in Leeds to highlight the plight of asylum seekers in Bradford who are required to report on a regular basis, many of whom are destitute, have no access to funds and must make the journey on foot. A group of around 35 staff, volunteers, asylum seekers, refugees and friends walked over ten miles to […]