Lessons from West Bowling Youth Initiative: Then, now and the future

This report focuses on identifying ‘what works’ in engaging
young British Muslim Pakistani men.

There is a great deal of media and policy attention given to Muslim
communities in Britain. Yet the debates about community cohesion,
citizenship and belonging within policy often fail to address the
complexities of male Muslim identities and their everyday experiences. Lessons from West Bowling Youth Initiative addresses this, through
an in-depth exploration of the work of one grassroots organisation
located in West Bowling, Bradford.

The report highlights:

the impact made by the WBYI in building social capital, developing
active citizenship, encouraging participation in neighbourhood life
and increasing awareness;

the need for sustainability and flexibility in effective engagement
with young British Muslim Pakistani men;

the importance of building trusting relationships with local
communities;

the effectiveness of capitalising on local talent and local networks
for meeting community needs;

the potential of creative arts informed project work.