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A major conference looking at the challenges of providing secure housing for refugees coming to the city is taking place next month.

Accommodate Bradford is hosting the event at the Midland Hotel in the city centre on Tuesday (19 June, 10-1pm). It aims to bring together representatives from housing groups, refugee-led groups, community organisations and Bradford Council to share experiences, explore national policy and look at local approaches to managing refugees.

Speakers will include:-

• Isobel Mills – Head of People and Communities at the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber
• Steve Trimmins – Deputy Director of the Border and Immigration Agency at the Home Office
• Kemi Ilori, Director of Housing Services at Manningham Housing Association
• A representative from Bradford Refugee Forum

Over the last three years Accommodate Bradford – a partnership of housing associations, refugee groups, the Council and charitable housing projects – has been working to improve housing and support services for refugees.

The focus of Accommodate Bradford’s work is to meet the needs of those people that are given refugee status.

Anil Singh, Chief Executive of Manningham Housing Association, one of the partners in Accommodate Bradford said: “This conference will provide delegates with the opportunity to hear the views of refugees, the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber and the Border and Immigration Agency.

“It will look at ways in which refugees can be provided with secure homes in welcoming communities.

“The conference will also be a chance to share the good work of Accommodate Bradford with other stakeholders and partners.”

Ian Simpson, Assistant Chief Executive (Business Services and Development) said: “As the area’s biggest social housing landlord, BCHT is committed to working with other Accommodate Bradford partners to development the appropriate housing and support services to meet the needs of new arrivals to the city.

 “The conference is a great opportunity to promote good practice and hear the views of everyone involved in managing housing for refugees.”

Note – The partners in Accommodate Bradford are Bradford Community Housing Trust, Horton Housing Association, Manningham Housing Association, Bradford Council, The Key House Project, the housing charity HACT, the Africa Network who provide services to African community groups, Bradford Action for Refugees and the Bradford Immigration & Asylum Support & Advice Network.

 25.05.07