Harehills ❤️ Love

It’s been a tough year for Harehills, and the whole country, really. The unrest in July in Harehills was a shock, and the reasons behind it are complicated. But at its core, it showed a community feeling misunderstood and let down by those in charge, and authorities who just don’t seem to get the people they’re supposed to be serving.

But you know me and this social media project – I’m all about focusing on the positive! There’s enough bad news about Harehills out there already. So, let’s talk about some of the good that came out of July.

In late October, Zainab Aslam from the Give a Gift charity got in touch with me and others in the community about a Community Cohesion Project. The idea was to create a steering group to guide the project from within Harehills itself.

It’s called Cultural Bridges, and Zainab can explain it much better than I can. So, I’ll let her tell you all about it and the amazing work Give a Gift does.

Can you share a bit about your personal journey and what led you to initiate these projects in Harehills?

Give a Gift is a grassroots-led charity that has been working in the heart of Harehills and supporting local communities since 2013. We have seen firsthand through the riots over the summer how tensions between different groups in Harehills can create division and frustration.

Give a Gift has also completed a research project in conjunction with York St John University that consulted with over 200 members of the refugee and asylum seeker communities, which confirmed the considerable social disconnect within Harehills. Many members of the local community face challenges such as social isolation, cultural misunderstandings and marginalisation.

We realised that this lack of connection was contributing to feelings of alienation and division — issues that had been festering for a while but were only made more visible by the riots. We knew that it was crucial to take action — not just by providing immediate aid, but by creating opportunities for people to come together, share experiences, and build trust.

What was the inspiration behind the cultural exchange project and the specific goals you hope to achieve?

Cultural Bridges is a project funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and runs until the end of March 2025. It is a direct response to the need for greater community cohesion in Harehills, which we aim to strengthen through promoting volunteering opportunities, creating inclusive spaces, hosting community and cultural events, and facilitating inter-generational storytelling. We hope that this will increase a sense of belonging for local residents, as well as increase cultural awareness and strengthen relationships.

By bringing together different groups, we hope to foster mutual understanding and respect, and, most importantly, create lasting connections that can help bridge the divides within the community. Through this project, we aim to build a more connected and resilient community in Harehills, one where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to work together for positive change.

Details about the types of events and activities people can expect to participate in.

We have curated a range of exciting and impactful events and activities that are designed to bring people together, celebrate diversity, and foster a deeper understanding of one another. Participants can look forward to:

• Cultural Sensitivity Workshops: These interactive sessions will explore cultural awareness, communication, and empathy. Through discussions, storytelling, and group activities, participants will gain valuable insights into different cultural practices, beliefs, and traditions, enhancing their ability to engage respectfully and thoughtfully with people from diverse backgrounds.

Our next workshop will be on the 4th of December 2024. Please contact zainab@giveagift.org.uk for further details.

• Community Network Gatherings: These informal, yet impactful meet-ups are designed to connect local residents, organisations, and groups. Whether you’re looking to expand your social network or find community support, these gatherings will offer a space for everyone.

Our next Community Network Gathering will be at the Harehills Winter Welcome on the 14th of December 2024, 4:30pm-7pm at St Aidan’s Church Hall, LS8 5QD.

• Harehills Cultural Event: A vibrant celebration of the diverse cultures that make up our community. Expect a day filled with music, food, performances, and activities that showcase the rich cultural tapestry of our area. It’s an opportunity to learn, engage, and experience different cultural traditions firsthand.

February 2025 – date & location to be confirmed.

• Humans of Harehills Series: Inspired by the popular “Humans of New York” project, this series will share personal stories from individuals within the community. Through powerful interviews and photos, we aim to highlight the unique experiences and journeys of local residents, creating a greater sense of connection and understanding. Humans of Harehills will be published online, giving a voice to the people who make our community so special. We hope that this series continues beyond the end of the Cultural Bridges project and grows into an ongoing platform that continues to amplify voices.

What’s the vision behind Humans of Harehills and how it will provide a platform for sharing diverse stories from our community?

Harehills is a vibrant, multicultural community, and we believe it’s essential to provide a platform where residents—whether born here or newcomers—can speak openly about their lives. By sharing these stories, we not only create connections between people but also challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and promote greater understanding and empathy among different cultural and social groups.

Through Humans of Harehills, we hope to amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard, offering a genuine portrayal of the community. It’s about making space for the untold stories—the everyday experiences that shape who we are. This initiative will encourage dialogue, build trust, and inspire others to reflect on their own narratives, fostering a deeper sense of pride and belonging in Harehills.

How can people get involved in both the cultural exchange project and Humans of Harehills?

There are plenty of ways to get involved in this project and the activities are open to everyone in the community. Whether it’s through attending workshops or events, volunteering, or sharing your story, you can actively contribute to fostering connections and celebrating the diverse cultures in Harehills. Please contact zainab@giveagift.org.uk for further details.

Any challenges you’ve faced in organising these projects and how you’ve overcome them?

One of the primary challenges we’ve faced in organising this project has been ensuring broad and meaningful participation from all segments of the community, particularly those who may feel disconnected or hesitant to engage due to language barriers, cultural differences, or previous negative experiences with similar initiatives.

To overcome this, we’ve prioritised building trust through consistent, open communication and by working closely with local community leaders, organisations, and grassroots groups who already have established relationships within the community. These collaborations have been key in bridging gaps and ensuring that our message resonates with those who might otherwise feel excluded.

Cultural Bridges, a community cohesion project is being run by Give a Gift, and is funded and supported by the the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.