Since 2022, we have been running a weekly arts and wellness session at Dolphin Women’s Centre, Washwood Heath, every Tuesday.
This area, in the Ward End constituency, is among the top 10% of most deprived nationally, with 86% of the population from South Asian or Black African/Caribbean backgrounds, 45.5% economically inactive and 11.5% unable to speak English ‘well.’
Sampad is very important to the Dolphin Centre. Participation has grown and now includes women with additional needs. There is a waiting list – we could easily fill two workshops a week. It’s not just ‘art’ – it’s much, much more than that. You cannot underestimate what coming here and taking part does for the women and where it can take them
Maxine Mills, Dolphin Women’s Centre Manager
Activities include seasonal outdoor workshops, crafting and making, drama, meditation and movement, as well as conversations around wellness.
These sessions are designed for women to make new friends and enjoy socialising with other women during craft and wellbeing sessions.
So far, the response has been good, with a participant saying “I am looking forward to sessions and I can’t wait to do different nice stuff!”
We hope that working with Dolphin Women’s centre will given women a chance to connect with others, and express themselves through art.
Sabra Khan, Sampad’s Executive Director said “Sampad has long believed in using the arts to support wellbeing. At a time when there is a greater need to take care of our physical and mental health, we thank The Baring Foundation for this grant. This funding is enabling us to continue our work with the local community and embed long term arts activity through our partnership with Dolphin Women’s Centre in Washwood Heath, an area listed in the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods nationally.”
Anyone is able to join the group, which takes place at The White House in Ward End Park, Washwood Heath Rd, B8 2HB. Participants need to let us know they’re coming by contacting Dolphin Women’s Centre on 0121 326 8343.
Come and say hello!
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