**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)

We are back again after our summer break – This week’s session will be a reconnection and foodshare (as always!)

Whilst we may be aware of the conflict, genocide and famine happening in Palestine, Sudan, Yemen and other parts of SWANA and the world, we often don’t talk about the individuals behind the numbers. We are so connected to the news and changing situations 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 2nd generation migrants, dealing with a variety of emotions like sadness and guilt, trying to make meaning of our identities.

My name is Omar (he/him) and I was born in the UK and am of Syrian heritage. I have lived here my whole life and used to visit Damascus often when I was younger in what feels like a very long time ago. I am a self-employed practising psychotherapist. I speak intermediate level Arabic and welcome Arabic speakers to the space (although our main language in the group is English)

In this group, I hope to bring us together to share our personal stories of loss, guilt and sadness or whatever else may be coming up for us. Whilst our people and cultures are under attack, I believe that our stories and memories keep our heritage alive. Learning about our differences and connecting to the emotion behind it only highlights the common experiences we all may be having. It’s not feeling pain or sadness that’s the hardest part, it’s doing it alone.

This group is for anyone who identifies with the region or is figuring out their relationship to it. We welcome all ethnic groups, genders, ages, faiths and lifestyles. We encourage you to bring any items of personal value to you if it helps you share your story, it can be photos, books, a toy etc.

We will also be sharing stories while eating together. Food is such an intrinsic part of our cultures and it opens us up to each other when we sit down and eat. I invite you to bring a dish, drink, dessert or ingredient from your culture to share with the group. If you’re not able to, it’s no problem, there will be plenty to be shared. We usually have facilities to heat up food if you need to.

The space is offered on a donation basis to make it more accessible to all. If you feel like you want to donate and help me out with the cost of hire it is welcome but not compulsory. You can donate when you get your free ticket(headfirst takes a small fee) or directly to me ( I will share this info when we meet)
Any extra donations will be reinvested back into the group.

This is a sober event

The event will take place at:
The Connection Centre,
St.Werburghs City Farm, Watercress Rd, BS2 9YJ (directions below)

Structure of the evening:
7.00 – Arrive and Settle
7.15 – Introductions and Reconnecting
7.30 – Prepare and Eat Dinner
9.45 – Final thoughts and Close

If you have any questions or accessibility needs, contact me at: [email protected]

What3words: https://what3words.com/dirt.arts.cases
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Horticultural+Training+Centre/@51.4740199,-2.5788275,20z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x48718e172e511999:0x50d0e2e7abfa2399!8m2!3d51.4740199!4d-2.5785056!16s%2Fg%2F1v41zxmc?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkzMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Entry requirements: 14+ — Read more — Read less