On a gloriously sunny Saturday 9th May, the UOK Partnership (B&H’s Wellbeing Support Service) and North Whitehawk Residents Association hosted a family friendly, wellbeing event in North Whitehawk. It aimed to bring the community together in a relaxed and fun environment, let residents know about the work of UOk, build trust and reach people who might not naturally feel able to access wellbeing services.
“We felt everyone created such a safe and welcoming space for all residents- no matter what you were looking for. We had food, yoga, groceries, massages, music…circus skills! What else could you need?! The space became filled with a warmth of cultural difference and diversity.” Committee Member, North Whitehawk Residents Association
“It was so lovely to see our spaces be utilised by families I had never seen or met before! There were children everywhere! On bikes, sitting chatting, chasing each other up the road…doing kid things!” North Whitehawk Resident
SIS supported this initiative with outreach to local Arabic, Farsi and Russian speaking residents through translated posters, sent by WhatsApp, SMS and social media. This was followed up with phone calls from linguists to encourage, motivate and support attendance by providing further information, answering questions, and arranging a place to meet.
“The families I contacted were genuinely grateful for the invitation. The feedback about the event was very positive; they felt welcomed, respected, and supported. They were so happy to meet each others, build new connections within the community, and learn more about the charities and local organisations available to support them. They’d like to be informed about future community events, because these activities help reduce the stress, isolation, and anxiety that many of them experience.” SIS Linguist
“My highlight was linking up an interpreter with a resident who has language needs; seeing them chat away and the relief on the resident’s face in being understood! Just brilliant.” UOk Partnership Lead in Brighton & Hove
