Communities Taking Action: Mental Health & Empowerment
Learn how Londoners from diverse communities have been supported by four organisations during the pandemic to improve their wellbeing and quality of life
By Mayor of London
Co-curated with the Community-Led Action grantees
Meditation Session (2022) by All Faiths and NoneMayor of London
Introduction
In January 2021, the Mayor of London's Community Engagement Team launched the Mayor’s Community-Led Recovery Programme. The programme aims to facilitate engagement, involvement and collaboration with London’s diverse communities who have been most deeply affected by COVID-19.
It includes the Community-Led Action (CLA) programme. Grants have been awarded to 15 community organisations to initiate social action projects which gather insights focused on the impact of COVID-19 on their communities.
The organisations' social action projects demonstrate how the Mayor's recovery missions can be successfully delivered. 11 recovery missions have been designed to facilitate London's recovery from the pandemic, focusing on key areas in the economic, social and health sectors.
Sewn Together Session (October 2021) (2022) by Gold & Silver Interprises CICMayor of London
London's Recovery: Mental Health & Empowering Communities
Even before the pandemic, poor mental health was one of the greatest challenges facing Londoners. This was especially the case for communities experiencing the most inequalities, such as those living in poverty and those having low quality work or being unemployed.
Contributing factors to poor wellbeing can also include physical health issues, domestic violence and experiences of discrimination and barriers due to having a minority ethnic background. In many cases, COVID has intensified pre-existing inequalities whilst creating new ones.
To address the pandemic's detrimental impact on Londoners' mental health and wellbeing, the Mayor is on a mission to provide a quarter of a million wellbeing champions by 2025, supporting Londoners where they live, work and play.
1) All Faiths and None
Mental health issues, domestic abuse, trauma, isolation and bereavement experienced prior and due to the pandemic have worsened individuals' wellbeing. All Faiths and None bring women together in a safe and discrimination-free space to holistically improve their wellbeing.
Craft Session (2022) by All Faiths and NoneMayor of London
All Faiths and None: Sahara Sisterhood
All Faiths and None (AFAN) is a charitable resource for the public to learn more about a variety of faith groups, reducing intolerance. This includes essays on life questions by AFAN members, such as birth and death, as well as poems and videos, all exploring different beliefs.
Their Sahara Sisterhood initiative provides a safe space for women, primarily of South Asian origin, supporting them to overcome the challenges of trauma, domestic violence, mental abuse, bereavement and isolation.
Meditation Session (2022) by All Faiths and NoneMayor of London
Through educational and creative workshops, Sahara Sisterhood offers opportunities for the women to share their experiences and heal whilst learning and creating. Workshops have included meditation, functional nutrition, positive affirmation diaries and art gallery visits.
Living Lanterns (2022) by All Faiths and NoneMayor of London
Living Lanterns Workshop
In this workshop, the women created these living lanterns using an array of foliage. An aromatherapist advised on what plants to use, for example to alleviate asthma, ensuring that the scents from these lanterns can contribute to wellbeing.
Sahara Sisterhood - Sound Bath (2022) by All Faiths and NoneMayor of London
Sound Bath Session
A video showing a sound bath meditation session where sounds are played from natural crystals allowing the women's bodies and minds to relax and heal.
Calligraphy Artwork of Sikh Symbol (2022) by All Faiths and NoneMayor of London
Calligraphy Workshop
In this workshop, artist Rose Holding taught the group how to create calligraphy works using ink, pencil and gold foil. They created works that represent their personal identity, such as their faith. This work includes the sikh symbol “ik ongkar”, meaning one universal creator.
Meditation Session with Candles (2022) by All Faiths and NoneMayor of London
Participant Feedback
This audio clip contains feedback from one of the participants who has been attending the group since the beginning. They express how grateful they are for having this space to meet like minded people and have time for themselves to be peaceful and creative.
2) Gold & Silver Interprises
Gold & Silver Interprises have been empowering BAME women, often with mental and physical health issues, who have been disproportionately affected by COVID. Through crafting and counselling, they provide a community and space for these women to improve their wellbeing.
Sewn Together Session (October 2021) (2022) by Gold & Silver Interprises CICMayor of London
Gold & Silver Interprises: Tapestries for Recovery
Gold & Silver Interprises work with individuals from BAME backgrounds living in disadvantage areas. They provide access to opportunities in areas such as crafting, the arts and the environment, enabling individuals to develop their skillset and maximise their potential.
Valerie's Textile Work (2022) by Gold & Silver Interprises CICMayor of London
Tapestries for Recovery builds on the Sewn Together community crafting projects that have been designed and delivered by local residents since 2018 in Haringey. The project provides accessible and creative crafting workshops and activities using recycled and natural products.
The project specifically engaged BAME women, highly impacted by COVID and often experiencing mental and physical health issues. Participants gained confidence through the workshops, which provided a safe space to discuss and gain support with issues such as debt and parenting.
Genorosa's Winning Knitted Vegetables (2022) by Gold & Silver Interprises CICMayor of London
Crafting workshops included crocheting, bookbinding and hand embroidery, as well as group counselling.
Generosa, a community member, won first prize in the local Lordship Recreation Ground Flower and Produce show, with her knitted vegetables.
Lorraine's Winning Embroidery Handbag (2022) by Gold & Silver Interprises CICMayor of London
Lorraine, another community member, also won first prize in the local Lordship Recreation Ground Flower and Produce show with her embroidery handbag.
Black Communities Health & Wellness Fair (2022) by Gold & Silver Interprises CICMayor of London
Black Communities Health & Wellness Fair
To reach wider audiences, Gold & Silver Interprises helped to deliver this fair in Tottenham, promoting positive mental and physical health within the black community. It included free reiki healing sessions, massages and support with quitting smoking.
3) Middle Eastern Women and Society Organisation (MEWSo)
Women from migrant backgrounds living in the UK may experience poor wellbeing due to domestic violence, isolation, lack of knowledge of their rights and lack of access to welfare services. MEWSo provide a community, support and services for these women to empower them.
Soap Craft Workshop (2022) by Middle Eastern Women and Society OrganisationMayor of London
MEWSo: Tackle Domestic Violence around Migrant Women
Middle Eastern Women and Society Organisation (MEWSo) is a charity run by and for women from ethnic minority communities. They aim to protect women from violence at home and in the community, help them rebuild their lives through tailored support and campaign for their rights.
Women Stretching (2022) by Middle Eastern Women and Society OrganisationMayor of London
To support migrant women in London, MEWSo have been delivering English language classes, health and wellbeing classes and 'Know Your Rights' workshops. An advisor has been liaising with solicitors and helping women experiencing domestic violence or struggling with welfare issues.
MEWSo provide a safe space for women in similar situations to connect and socialise, enabling women to learn from one another, especially from those who have been in the UK longer. The women are empowered with skills to protect themselves and their children from further harm.
Online Session (2022) by Middle Eastern Women and Society OrganisationMayor of London
To engage and educate the wider community, MEWSo have been hosting online events and conferences for their partners and networks about issues affecting their community, such as forced virginity testing, polygamy issues and LGBTQ+ issues.
MEWSo Film (2022) by Middle Eastern Women and Society OrganisationMayor of London
MEWSo Short Film
A film showcasing MEWSo diverse work. We see women from the community engage in a variety of activities such as yoga, art workshops and cooking, as well as MEWSo's campaigning work and support services.
4) Powerhouse for Women
Powerhouse for Women empower women with learning disabilities, equipping them with the community, support and skills they need to improve their wellbeing and realise their potential.
Confidence Building - Workshop Session (2022) by Powerhouse for WomenMayor of London
Powerhouse for Women: Project Upskill
Powerhouse for Women is a safe, supportive and empowering centre for women with learning disabilities in Newham, East London. They aim to enable the women to determine the course of their lives by helping to define and support the meaningful progression towards their ambitions.
Their 'Project Upskill' programme involved individual goal planning, CV writing, interview training, mentoring for placements and developing and delivering a Learning Disability Awareness workshop. Pictured here is a confidence building workshop delivered as part of this project.
Newham Farm Trip (2022) by Powerhouse for WomenMayor of London
In addition, trips were made to places of interest, such as Newham City Farm (pictured). Through the project, the women were supported in developing new skills and confidence, and to identify and realise their ambitions, whilst being part of an empowering community environment.
As a result of 'Project Upskill', one participant has returned to their café job, another has gained voluntary care work and another participant is now working with young people with disabilities. Ten further women have started college courses, ranging from English to nail art.
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