The Millside Centre

The Millside Centre is a community centre based in the heart of Bradford serving vulnerable people in our locality.

We believe that all people, given the right opportunity, are seeking to improve their lives in some way. For some this may be to develop or increase their mental capacity by education or experience, or improve personal health and well being to be able to enjoy a fuller life. Somebody who is unemployed may wish to improve their chances of securing paid employment, and a person who is isolated may simply wish to have a space where they can meet new people and improve their social skills.

We offer:

• Rohingya ESOL - We are so pleased to be working in partnership with AROUK, the Rohingya organisation based in Bradford supporting Rohingya refugees. Did you know that Bradford has one of the largest Rohingya communities in Europe? James and Joanna, an amazing couple who worked with the Rohingya community in Southeast Asia, are currently teaching a 10-week ESOL class for Rohingyan ladies, building confidence and trust through a fun learning environment.
• Job Club - We provide employability sessions for those looking for work. This includes CV building, help with Job search, job applications, interview techniques, goal setting, as well as mentoring support. This session is back face-to-face at the centre for walk in services. Please contact Our Job Club Supervisor Maqsood Khan on 07702 254130 or email maqsudkhan@hotmail.com to refer any new clients to us or to find out more.
• British Red Cross - British Red Cross asylum seeker and refugee support drop-in is currently closed. If you have any enquiry or need support, please contact 07872 007819 / 07921 403672. For Move on Service for newly-granted refugee status, please contact Bradford Council Move on Service on 07970414362/ 07970924368 to book an appointment.
• Welcome Cafe - Come and experience delicious homemade food from around the world at the Welcome Café. This project is funded by Bradford Council working in partnership with Bradford College to train refugees and asylum seekers in catering skills. This includes basic food hygiene, cooking, customer service and giving them the right skills to build confidence, reduce isolation and become more employable. Sit down and take away options are available, card payments only. There’s no need to book, just turn up and we’d love to serve you!
• Befriending Project - Are you a vulnerable adult? Do you feel isolated and disconnected from the community? Are you looking to become a befriender? Join our befriending project to access a safe and reliable befriending service. The project works with volunteer befrienders who are trained and have the relevant experience to support the wellbeing of another person.
• Wellbeing Drop-in - We are starting a new Wellbeing Drop-in session from the 12th July 2022. The drop-in is an opportunity to make new friends with people who you would otherwise not have the opportunity to interact with. Come to the Millside Centre to share your stories, learn from one another, and gain understanding of people you may have imagined were different from you. Try out some exciting sessions where you can participate in creative activities, break down barriers and overcome loneliness and isolation.
• Football, Fitness and Friendship (Once every fortnight) - Join our football session that happens every other Wednesday at BEAP Community Centre, 31 Cornwall Rd, Bradford, BD8 7JN. This is a men-only event where you can play together, get fit, interact, and meet new people.
• Knitting Group - Do you want to learn how to knit and crotchet but don’t know how? Are you a woman living in Bradford, feeling isolated and in need of a safe space to meet people and learn a new skill? Come along to our knitting group for women of all backgrounds. Beginners are most welcome. There are so many benefits to knitting for overall health and wellbeing, including lowered blood pressure, reduced depression and anxiety, and reduced loneliness and isolation. Come and try it for yourself!
• Millside Voices - Our Millside Voices community choir is currently on hold. We are now working closely with a local care home to facilitate singalong sessions for their residents. During the Covid-19 pandemic, people living in care homes have been especially isolated and lacking creative outlets that are easy and safe to access. Online singing sessions for care homes aims to provide a valuable feeling of social interaction through the medium of music. Sing with Me is a weekly, hour-long online singalong session taking place at Formations Care Home in Bradford.
• Ladies’ Fitness Session - It’s time to prioritise your health and wellbeing. Exercise can help improve mood, control your weight, boost energy and promote better sleep. This fitness session is open to all women of all backgrounds, shapes and abilities. Please get in touch if you are interested in joining the session.
• Good Food, Good Health! - Offers free nutrition advice by a trained dietician. The focus is on healthy eating and understanding cardiovascular disease diabetes type 2 and pre-diabetes. You will also discover some alternatives to takeaways, learn how to cook on a budget and develop more positive behaviours in relation to food. Please be aware that this session will be taking part on alternative Fridays. Please call or email us to find out more about the referral process.
• Youth Group - The Youth Group is a welcoming environment led by young people that creates the opportunity to build confidence, learn new skills, meet other young people, participate in creative activities, explore your dreams, visions and passions, and most importantly – be yourself!
• Counselling - Are you looking for free counselling? The Millside Centre’s counselling service is a safe and confidential space run by a BACP registered counsellor that is open to anyone experiencing depression, anxiety, social phobia, or any type of trauma.
• Zumba - All ages, abilities, and backgrounds are welcome at this ladies-only session. The Zumba class provides a chance to become healthier and happier outside of the traditional exercise setting. It is a fitness programme that includes cardio and Latin-inspired dance, and is a great place to meet new people, to socialise, as well as to exercise.
• Art Club - The Saturday Art Club is a safe space for people who enjoy using art to communicate and express themselves. The session explores painting, collage, and making books, based on topics that are important to you. The aim of the Art Club is to empower, encourage positive thinking, and have fun whilst being creative. To join the Art Club, you do not need any special skills or to be an artist.

For an up-to-date timetable click here - or call 01274 409661/email info@millsidecentre.org to find out more