**South West Asia and North Africa, used instead of Middle East, a colonial Eurocentric term for the region *People of colour encompasses BIPOC (black, indigenous, and/or people of colour) and we also welcome people of colour from/linked to other parts of the world affected by similar events outside of the Western Asia conflicts. Whilst we may be aware of the conflict, genocide and famine happening in Gaza, Sudan, Yemen and other parts of SWANA and the world, we often don’t talk about the individual stories behind the numbers. We are so connected to the news and the changing situation yet many of us often feel alone in the resulting emotion. Many of us have been dispersed and fragmented from our families and culture, whether as refugees or as European-born second generation migrants, dealing with a variety of emotions like sorrow, guilt and helplessness. This group is for anyone who identifies with the region or is still figuring out their relationship to it. We welcome all ethnic groups, genders, ages, faiths and lifestyles; the aim is to celebrate and learn from each other’s differences. My name is Bella. I'll be leading this week's session. I'm half Syrian, born in the UK. My background is in languages, retail and food. This week's theme: Though we always share food at these gatherings, I wanted to make it the focus this week. Food is an equaliser, a way of sharing, unifying people, of connecting with the land and our environment, connecting with our identity and with other cultures. Food can also be weaponised, commodified, appropriated. Or it can be seen as medicine and a way of healing ourselves. In many ways our relationship with food can reveal a lot about ourselves and how we interact with the world around us, so this week we will be sharing food and our own stories about food. I invite you, if you can, to bring a dish from your culture to share with the group. If you’re not able to, it is not a problem at all as there will be plenty of food to be shared. This space is offered on a donation basis to make it accessible to all. If you feel like you want to donate to the hiring of the space, it is welcome but not obligatory. Any profits will be invested back into the group or to the causes that we are here to talk about. If you can no longer come to the event, let me know so I can give your space to someone else, as capacity is limited. Please arrive on time. We open the circle at 6.30 This is a sober event This event will take place at: The Connection Centre at St.Werburghs City Farm, Watercress Rd, BS2 9YJ 6.00 – 9.30pm. Structure of the evening: 6.00 – 6.30 – Arrive and Settle 6.30 – 7.30 – Theme Discussion and Group Shares 7.30 – 9.00 – Dinner 9.00 – 9.30 – Final Reflections 9.30 - End This venue is wheelchair accessible. If you have other accessibility needs, please get in touch. Food: A mixture of Vegan, Vegetarian and Meat based food is usually brought by each participant. If you have any allergies or dietary requirements before the event, please let me know. What3Words: https://what3words.com/dirt.arts.cases Google: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Horticultural+Training+Centre/@51.4740895,-2.5783864,72m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x48718e172e511999:0x50d0e2e7abfa2399!8m2!3d51.4740199!4d-2.5785056!16s%2Fg%2F1v41zxmc?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D Contact me at: [email protected] for further questions or accessibility needs. Entry requirements: 16+

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