Hive Community Arts Bradford

05/06/2026

Our final volunteer of the week is Ben. Ben volunteers with one of our outreach projects we do, an art based project that provides art-based activities for refugees and asylum seekers in Bradford.

"I’m a volunteer on the Flourish project, which provides art-based activities for refugees and asylum seekers in Bradford. I’ve been volunteering since the beginning of 2026 and have found it to be a genuinely worthwhile initiative for everyone involved.
The sessions give people a chance to pause from the stresses of everyday life and find a small moment of respite. Many of the people who attend are navigating asylum applications or waiting for appeal decisions, often over long periods of time. Alongside creative activities such as drawing, stencilling, and clay work, the sessions also provide an opportunity for people to talk about their experiences or about everyday things, such as recent football results. Many attendees are also learning English, so having a welcoming space to chat and build confidence is invaluable.
Recently, one gentleman who is waiting on his appeal has gradually become more engaged with Flourish. Over time, he has started joining us at the activity table and although he remains reticent about taking part in the art activities, he has clearly enjoyed the company and conversation. Seeing that small step towards connection has highlighted to me how important spaces like this can be."

04/06/2026

The third volunteer that we are focussing on is the lovely and always smiling, Kissoon (pictured second from the left)! She first came to Hive a couple of years ago and started by taking part in our supported drop in's. Since then she has become an invaluable member of our team. She is now the volunteer who runs the supported drop in she started attending. She always brings a smile to Hive and is always wanting to help others.

"Working at HIVE gave me a sense of community and I get to know all kind of people.
I get a nice feeling of friendship whenever I am able to talk to them and help them."

03/06/2026

Our second volunteer in focus is Helen. Helen helps us with admin work in the office and is fantastic at raising money for us via online sales. She is also a volunteer at another local charity.

"I was referred to hive by my doctor in April 2025. Best decision I ever made, been there just over a year.
Fantastic team in the office and all the other areas of Hive.
I Volunteer in the office on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, such a lovely environment made and make me feel part of the team.
They have built up my confidence and I've met so many friends.
I can't say enough about the value of volunteering. Being part of an organisation that directly affects people's lives for the better, is priceless.
The value of volunteering is immense and I strongly recommend it.
Hive, you have improved my life in a Fantastic way! Thankyou to you all!"

02/06/2026

As part of Volunteer Week, here at Hive we'd like to highlight some of our fantastic volunteers that really help the place tick and we would be lost without them.
First up is Tessa, she volunteers both on our Chat and Craft group and our Drop in and Draw group.
Here are a few words from Tessa herself about volunteering here at Hive:

"I have been an on and off volunteer at hive for over 10+ years.
I help out during the drop in groups and some other stuff. I enjoy doing these drop in groups as they are very relaxed, people come and go as they please, bring there own work to do and socialise.
There is always someone to help, to teach and to learn or simply just chatting with a cuppa.
As a disabled volunteer there are days which are more difficult and that is when I become a participant of the groups.
There have been times where I haven't gone in months and I get anxious about going back. However once I am there if feels like I never left.
I describe Hive as a second home and so do some participants.
Its a welcoming community to anyone who loves to create, explore, socialise or learn a new skill."

24/04/2026

10/04/2026

Another load of pottery successfully completed through our new kiln, thanks in part to the kiln god (sat on top) provided by

05/04/2026

We still have places available on one of our pottery courses, Pottery Wed eve (starts 22/04/26)

In this course you will be supported in designing and making your own ceramic pieces, using handbuilding techniques such as slab and coil building. At least one of the sessions will focus on glazing ceramics.

No previous ceramics experience is required as each student will be taught according to their requirements. Beginners are taught basic techniques to begin with so that they quickly go on to develop their own individual skills. More advanced students are shown new techniques to stretch their experience further.

**Please note that this course is run over 9 sessions rather than 10, but each session is 2 and a half hours.**



https://hivebradford.org.uk/events/pottery-wed-eve-starts-21-01-26-2/

04/04/2026

Its back, Knitting and Crochet Skills – (starts 21/04/26)

A flexible knitting and crochet course, suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to stitching ninjas. The tutor intends to tailor the course content to reflect the aims and interests of students and to challenge the class to explore their creativity whilst expanding their technical skills.

• Perhaps you’ve always wanted to try amigurumi crochet, circular knitting, fairisle, socks, or do you have an unfinished project you need help to continue or revamp?
• Join us to explore how to craft more sustainably by: reusing yarns, creating and using recycled yarns or scrap materials, and mending existing knitwear

Over 8 weeks you will:
• Gain an understanding of different yarns, their properties and how these can affect your projects
• Have an introduction to crochet and knitting charts
• Be introduced to common knitting and crochet terms and abbreviations
• Explore a variety of cast on and cast off methods.
• Be introduced to different blocking and making up techniques to give a professional finish
• Gain understanding of yarn weights and substituting yarns
• Work with different yarns to produce decorative effects
• Gain an understanding of ‘gauge’, why and how to swatch
• Experiment and have the courage to ‘take your yarn for a walk’

**Please note that this course takes place over 8 sessions rather than 10, and each session is 2 and a half hours long**



https://hivebradford.org.uk/events/knitting-and-crochet-skills-starts-21-04-26/

03/04/2026

Fantastic donation from the wonderful team at Oracle!

We are incredibly proud to be supporting Hive Community Arts Bradford and the amazing work they do within our local community 💙

It was a pleasure to welcome Jo McMullan and to show our support for the wonderful initiatives The Hive continues to deliver across Bradford. The Hive plays such an important role in bringing people together through creativity, wellbeing, inclusion and community support. From art classes and workshops to safe spaces for connection and personal growth, their work genuinely changes lives.

To support their fantastic art sessions, we were delighted to donate an easel for their classes 🎨 along with 5 vouchers worth £25 each to be used towards any product or service at our practice 👓✨

At Oracle Opticians, community means everything to us. We have always believed that caring for people goes beyond eye health alone. It is about supporting the organisations and individuals who help our town flourish.

Being part of Shipley and the wider Bradford community is something we are deeply proud of, and we remain committed to giving back wherever we can. Community and care sit at the heart of everything we do 💙

Thank you, Jo, and everyone at The Hive Bradford, for the incredible work you do. We are honoured to support your mission.

03/04/2026

New session, join us for Introduction to Parchment Art – (17/04/26).

During the session you will learn the basics of parchment craft using the Groovi system.
Open to all, all you need to do is to be able to hold a pen. It is a lot easier than it looks. You will be amazed by the outcome that you will create within the session.

You will be able to take home your creations – which may be a card, coaster or both depending on time.



https://hivebradford.org.uk/events/parchment-art-17-04-26/