Our Inclusive Integration Manager, Surraya Bibi has been recognised in the ‘Together Award’ category through her work with migrants and refugees at Halifax Opportunities Trust
Surraya Bibi, Inclusive Integration Project Manager at Halifax Opportunities Trust (HOT), has surpassed over 11,000 nationwide nominees for a place in the finals of the BBC Leeds ‘Make A Difference Awards’, where she will be joined by just three others in the running to receive the ‘Together Award’ at a ceremony held at the Leeds Royal Armouries, on 30th September 2023.
This year the Awards had over 11,000 nominees and the ‘Together Award’ category itself had 500 nominations for BBC Radio Leeds. The ‘Together Award’ is awarded to an individual or group of people who inspire diverse communities to come together. They do this by creating real change and breaking down barriers, bringing together people from different walks of life for a common cause.
Of the news, Surraya says: “I feel proud as a Halifax Opportunities Trust employee and that the work of the Inclusive Integration team has been recognised at a national level”
Surraya was nominated by her colleague for being a role model to female refugees and migrants, mentoring many beyond her scope of employment. Surraya has supported many new migrants and refugees to show entrepreneurship and has supported them to launch their own business, as well as working towards the completion of relevant vocational courses, after recognising skills and interests.
Abrar Hussain, HOT Projects Lead, celebrates: “I am pleased Surraya has been nominated for such an auspicious award in recognition of her hard work and efforts in supporting some of our most vulnerable people in Calderdale”.
Surraya’s work within Inclusive Integration at HOT involves supporting migrants and refugees with citizenship, ESOL qualifications and integration within their new community. She has over 20 years’ experience delivering high profile projects supporting migrants and refugees to overcome barriers such as digital exclusion, English language, loneliness and isolation. This isn’t the first time Surraya’s hard work has been recognised, this nomination follows recent local accolades, after Surraya received a West Yorkshire High Sheriff Award in November 2022.
Award winners will be revealed at a ceremony held at The Dock Hall, Royal Armouries in Leeds on Saturday 30th of September 2023, between 3pm and 6pm. The entire team at HOT are rooting for Surraya and, although they can’t be there on the day, they will be cheering her on in spirit.
Learn more about the work of our Inclusive Integration team via the button below: