Inspiring Futures

It is a flagship programme funded by the Youth Futures Foundation, designed to improve employment opportunities and life outcomes for Pakistani and Bangladeshi young people aged 16–24.

Highfield Community Association is proud to be one of eight organisations within the Inspiring Futures consortium, working collaboratively to tackle the barriers that many young people face when moving into education, training and sustainable employment.

The programme provides personalised, culturally responsive support to help young people develop the confidence, skills and experience needed to achieve their goals. Support includes:

  • Employability skills, including CV writing, job searching and interview preparation.

  • One-to-one mentoring and tailored action planning.

  • Confidence building, motivation and personal development.

  • Life skills such as communication, budgeting, time management and problem-solving.

  • Access to training, qualifications and volunteering opportunities.

  • Support to progress into education, apprenticeships, employment or self-employment.

  • Employer engagement, workplace visits and work experience opportunities.

  • Wellbeing support to help young people overcome personal and social barriers.

  • Ongoing guidance from dedicated staff who understand the challenges faced by local communities.

Through Inspiring Futures, Highfield Community Association empowers young people to build brighter futures by increasing aspirations, developing essential life and employment skills, and supporting them to make successful transitions into meaningful education, training and work. The programme aims to reduce inequalities, improve long-term employment outcomes and enable young people to become confident, independent and active members of their communities.

SMI-LE Support Service

Highfield Community Association is proud to be a delivery partner of the SMI-LE Service, supporting adults across the Bradford District and Craven area to improve their wellbeing, independence, and quality of life.

Who can access the service

The SMI-LE Service is available to individuals who:

  • Are 18 years of age or older

  • Live in the Bradford District or Craven

  • Are currently receiving support from a Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)

Support is usually provided for up to six weeks, although this can be extended where additional support is required.

How we can help

Our experienced team can provide practical, person-centred support in a range of areas, including:

  • Mental health and wellbeing

  • Social housing

  • Welfare benefits

  • Bereavement support

  • Employment

  • Debt management

At Highfield Community Association, we work alongside individuals to help them overcome challenges, build confidence, and access the support they need to improve their overall wellbeing and achieve greater independence.

If you would like to find out more about the SMI-LE Service please click the link SMI-LE | Bradford District and Craven Mind

Born in Bradford

Healthy Urban Places is an innovative research programme funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), bringing together researchers, local authorities, health partners and community organisations to better understand how neighbourhoods and local environments influence health and wellbeing. The programme works collaboratively with communities across the Bradford District to identify practical ways of reducing health inequalities and creating healthier places to live.

As a trusted community organisation, Highfield Community Association plays a key role in engaging local residents, particularly those from underrepresented communities, ensuring their experiences and voices help shape research and future decision-making. Through community engagement activities, workshops and consultation events, we encourage residents to share their views on issues such as housing, green spaces, transport, safety and access to local services.

By participating in the Healthy Urban Places programme, Highfield Community Association helps bridge the gap between local communities and researchers, ensuring that future policies and improvements are informed by the real experiences of the people who live and work in Bradford. Our involvement reflects our ongoing commitment to improving health, wellbeing and quality of life for local residents while helping to build stronger, healthier and more connected communities.