↑ naseem kausar
@theleapbd
tell us a little bit about yourself!
I am the founder of a small community group called Yorkshire Wellbeing Skills Group established in December 2022, dedicated to supporting those in need across West Yorkshire. Since our inception, I have successfully secured £120,000 in funding, enabling us to deliver a range of impactful projects focused on wellbeing, mental health, and social inclusion & Health Inequalities.
We recently secured The Leap’s Your Way Award grant, which will allow us to run a mums and daughters group in BD8 starting on the 9th April 2025 , centred around upcycling art and craft activities. This initiative aims to create a safe and welcoming space for bonding, creativity, and time away from social media.
Through our work, we have delivered numerous art and craft sessions, providing emotional and social support to individuals facing loneliness, isolation, and mental health challenges. My passion lies in empowering communities, fostering connections, and ensuring that creative activities are accessible to those who need them most
what qualities do you most admire in other women?
I deeply admire resilience and compassion in women the strength to overcome challenges while uplifting those around them. I’m also inspired by women who create opportunities for others, fostering a sense of community and empowerment through their kindness, leadership, and determination.
there are talented, creative and artistic women across bradford and keighley whose opportunities for sharing their voice are limited. what do you feel is your role in amplifying that voice?
I believe my role is to create safe, inclusive spaces where talented, creative, and artistic women in Bradford and Keighley can express themselves, share their skills, and connect with others. Through my work in community engagement and securing funding, I have been able to provide opportunities for women to participate in art and craft sessions, community conversations, and bonding activities like our upcoming mums and daughters group in BD8.
By organizing these initiatives, I aim to amplify their voices, ensuring they are heard, valued, and given the confidence to showcase their creativity. Many women face barriers such as social isolation, mental health challenges, or lack of resources, and I strive to break those down by offering a platform for them to grow and thrive. My goal is to empower women to tell their stories, celebrate their talents, and build a strong, supportive community together
historically the skills and knowledge of many traditional arts and crafts are shared from one generation to another - grandmother to mother to daughter. do you think that passing of knowledge still happens? how can women help each other to not only keep those traditional skills alive but also to find ways to innovate?
The passing of knowledge from grandmother to mother to daughter still happens, but in a world of rapid change, it needs active nurturing. Traditional skills like sewing, knitting, embroidery, and cooking are deeply rooted in cultural heritage, yet they risk being lost if not shared intentionally.
Women can support each other by creating intergenerational spaces where these skills are passed down in a way that feels relevant and inspiring. Workshops, community groups, and digital platforms can help merge tradition with innovation such as blending hand embroidery with modern fashion trends or using traditional cooking techniques with new ingredients.
By mentoring, teaching, and collaborating, women can honor their heritage while embracing change, ensuring these skills remain meaningful for future generations. It’s about keeping traditions alive, while also evolving them to fit the needs of today’s world.
