Rooted In
Theraputic Support
Wildlife Project – Allerton
Wildlife is our creative outreach programme for boys aged 8–15 living in Allerton, Bradford, an area facing high deprivation and child poverty. Many of these young people have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences, are struggling with their emotional wellbeing, isolated, and/or are at risk of crime.
Rooted in our Christian faith, Wildlife combines hands-on workshops, one-to-one mentoring, volunteering opportunities, and therapeutic support to help them rebuild resilience and hope. With support from local church volunteers, we provide safe, structured spaces where boys feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.
Support from Westhill Endowment will fund specialist child trauma therapy sessions and parent workshops, giving families the tools to process trauma, restore relationships, and build stronger futures. Through early intervention and a holistic approach, Wildlife helps young people break cycles of harm and realise their potential.
About Rooted In:
At the heart of our mission is the belief that the greatest potential in our community lies within its people. Through our long-established community organisation, we are committed to Building Community, Equipping Individuals, and Strengthening Families.
Since 2003, Rooted In Charity has worked in one of Bradford’s most deprived areas, Allerton, to respond to the effects of poverty, trauma, and systemic deprivation. Our model, ‘Growing Big People’, uses a trauma-informed approach to address root causes, not just symptoms, and to help individuals recognise their inherent value and purpose.
About the Wildlife project:
Our new initiative, Wildlife, is a targeted outreach and early intervention programme for boys aged 8–15 who have experienced an Adverse Childhood Experience, emotional or mental health struggles, isolation, or are at risk of becoming involved in crime.
With Bradford West having the highest child poverty rate in Yorkshire (57%) and 41.9% of residents lacking qualifications, many young people face severely limited life chances. Safeguarding concerns from local schools and police data reveal a sharp rise in boys being drawn into organised crime, drug activity, and violence.
Working alongside our in-house child trauma therapist, we identified a critical gap in provision for boys. Many are disengaged from existing youth programmes, which often lack structure or feel unsafe. Wildlife addresses this by offering a faith-rooted, relational, and holistic environment tailored specifically for these young people.
The project will include weekly community-based sessions blending forest school, construction workshops, mentoring, and creative activities. These practical, hands-on experiences will help boys build trust with positive male role models, form peer friendships, and develop healthy emotional and social skills. Each boy will receive home visits and one-to-one mentoring, plus opportunities for work experience in our social enterprise cafés.
In addition, families will be offered therapy and parenting workshops to help families process trauma, restore relationships and build stronger futures. We are deeply rooted in our community and motivated by our Christian faith, which drives our commitment to bring hope and healing.
We partner with local churches, schools, social services, and local volunteers, who bring invaluable skills and life experience to the boys we support.
We believe that investing in these boys is investing in the future of Allerton. With the support of Westhill Endowment, Wildlife will offer a lifeline to vulnerable young people, nurturing their potential, transforming their outlook, and ultimately helping to break cycles of poverty and trauma.
