Formerly called “Art & Soul”, our Wednesday afternoon ladies’ group is an informal creative space for women seeking asylum (or with refugee status) in Leicester.
We bring together people from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and age groups, with a wealth of wisdom and experience – in this space people can build friendships, process some of their experiences and support each other.
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Humanity, Dignity, Agency
Within the asylum system there is a crushing lack of agency: many of those seeking asylum have little opportunity to make decisions for themselves about their own lives, including where or how they live or what they eat, and are moved around from place to place at a moment’s notice with what seems like very little care given to the process. This can feel profoundly dehumanising, particularly over a long period of time.
Offering a welcoming space where people have opportunity to rest, be creative, meet others and share something of who they are if they choose to do so, can restore something of a person’s sense of human dignity. Creating opportunity for mutually supportive friendships to begin and grow can have a transformative effect on the lives of people who may have felt deeply isolated.
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Communication
Language can often be a challenge in our groups – we don’t shy away from this but engage with playfulness and gentleness. We grapple with translation apps and impromptu charades where needed. Over hot drinks and snacks we share something of our stories, our hearts and our lives as we journey together, and we navigate the curveballs of the asylum system as those arise.
We listen to one another’s favourite music, share childhood memories and traditions, and sometimes dance together. There is always laughter, sometimes tears, and we hold space for one another to process life’s experiences.
We see this space as holy ground: God is at work in all of it and cares deeply about each person. By offering this space where people can feel valued, welcomed and respected, we seek to express something of God’s abundant love. With sensitivity and where appropriate we can explore huge questions, stories, beliefs and experiences as we learn from one another and grow together.
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Thrive 