Lord Mayor's Appeal

A message from Lord Mayor, Councillor Mohammed Shafiq

Dear Friends

In this important year as Bradford celebrates being the UK’s City of Culture, I am launching my Lord Mayor’s Appeal 2025-26 jointly supporting two charities.

Umeed Welfare Trust was set up in 2003 with the intention of helping to improve the healthcare system and establishing Bangrilla Community hospital, serving the less fortunate in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.

The second part of my appeal supports Bradford District & Craven Mind who, for over three decades, has provided much-needed one-to-one mental health and wellbeing support in our District and Craven. They strive to ensure that no one faces mental health issues alone.

I am sure that you will agree that both of these charities are making a massive difference to people’s health and lives, and I do hope you can join me in supporting them in the valuable work they carry out.

Following a series of fundraising events and donations, the money raised will be divided between the charities.

I sincerely hope that the generous citizens of the Bradford District will help support my appeal, either by making a donation or by hosting or attending an event to help raise funds for these very deserving charities.

Thank you very much for your support

Mind Bradford District & Craven

Charity Registration number 1142357.

Bradford District and Craven Mind is a local mental health charity with a rich history spanning over 30 years of delivering person-focused mental health support. Its vision is that no one in Bradford District and Craven has to face a mental health issue alone, their mission is to make the best possible difference to the mental health and wellbeing of the greatest number of people.

They are an independent registered charity that is affiliated with national Mind, but rely on their own resources to provide local services.

Bradford District and Craven Mind’s services are tailored to our local population and can be accessed over the phone, online and face-to-face. Support is free to individuals and is available every day of the year to anyone who needs help with their mental health and wellbeing.

The charity offers support to everyone in our communities, helping people of all ages at each step of their mental health journey, from early intervention through to crisis support and recovery.

Umeed Welfare Trust

Charity registration number: 1106147.

The Umeed Welfare Trust is a UK- based charity which was set up in 2003 with the intention of helping the less fortunate in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.

The main work carried out by the charity is supporting the Bangrilla Community Hospital, serving the residents of the Mirpur district since 2016. They are proud to be known for their excellence in providing healthcare services, especially in their 24-hour Accident and Emergency department. Their commitment to delivering high-quality care would not have been possible without the generous support of their donors.

Since its inauguration in 2016, Bangrilla Community Hospital has been dedicated to providing free medical treatment to those in need. They prioritise serving the underprivileged, including the poor, widows, orphans, and individuals eligible for Zakat. Their mission is to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their financial situation.

Building and equipping Bangrilla Community Hospital required a significant investment. The total cost of construction amounted to approximately 40 million rupees, with an additional 1.5 million rupees spent on furniture and equipment. This investment reflects their commitment to providing a state-of-the-art facility that meets the highest standards of healthcare delivery.

The Bangrilla Community Hospital, underlines the importance of having a well-equipped healthcare facility. Modern infrastructure and advanced medical equipment enable them to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions effectively. Continuous investment in upgrading their facilities and technology helps ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

Over the past few years, Bangrilla Community Hospital has made a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the Mirpur district’s residents; treating thousands of patients and saving numerous lives through their emergency services and specialised medical treatments.

A dedicated team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and support staff, work tirelessly to provide compassionate care to every patient who walks through the doors. They believe in treating each individual with respect, dignity, and empathy, ensuring that they feel valued and supported throughout their healthcare journey.

In addition to medical services, they also prioritise community outreach and health education. Health camps, awareness programmes, and health check-ups promote preventive healthcare and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their wellbeing.

They invite you to join in their mission to provide quality healthcare to those in need. Your support can help them expand their services, reach more individuals, and make a lasting impact on the community. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, your contribution can make a difference to someone’s life.