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We are endlessly interested in the myriad of creative ways people bring people together and help to bridge the divides, including stitching, walking, playing sports and music, cooking and eating. This month, through the contributions of Leeza, we are highlighting the role poetry can have in bridge-building.
And as well as highlighting the events and activities in April, we are delighted to announce a new series of Listening Spaces, and the next term of Arabic language and culture classes.
Check out the brief updates, watch the videos, read the articles, and join us at an upcoming event.
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Bridge-Building as Reframing and Why Poetry Can Help
Over the past six months, Leeza has joined us for a poetry residency, contributing to our Peace Feasts and Listening Spaces. As a restorative poet, she focuses on tension and discomfort as pathways to understanding.
We are excited to share with you, two recorded performances ‘Glints’ and ‘Patience & Pockets’, alongside a written contribution titled ‘Bridge-Building as Reframing and Why Poetry can Help’.
‘Poetry often highlights uncomfortable truths in a way that is suggestive and invitational. Just like a good facilitator of conversation, it draws the listener in.’
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Announcing a Series of Listening Space Events in Bristol
We can hold strong opinions about issues, which sometimes clash with those of others. There may be no simple solutions to the tensions that arise but listening to one another is a great place to start. These events enable us to have good conversations, especially with people we may not agree with, or may not normally hear from. The goal is to build understanding and awareness of different viewpoints, not to reach an agreement.
Our first event in the series is titled ‘Navigating Today’s Digital World’, with guest speaker Dr. Jess Walker, a soup & bread meal, and facilitated discussion.
The recent Netflix drama ‘Adolescence’ has caused a stir within families and across communities as we grapple with hard questions about the impact of technology and social media on the lives of our young people.
Join us for an engaging evening. All opinions are welcome.
1st May 7-9pm. Easton Family Centre, BS5 0SQ.
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Interested to Learn Arabic and Better Connect With Others?
A new term of conversational Arabic language and culture classes starts on the 28th April. You can join one of the group classes of Syrian, Sudanese, or Reading and Writing. We also offer classes in Farsi, Pashto, Dari and Somali.
‘As well as helping tutors take a first step towards employment, it’s an exercise in empathy and education, an opportunity for English speakers to learn a new language from a native speaker. Most of our students don’t need to learn another language. They learn Arabic or Pashto or Somali to “break down initial barriers,” with people they work with, to “show respect to their friends from other countries,” or to communicate with foster children in their mother tongue.’
Excerpt from “But everybody speaks English Anyway!”
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Zoo Visits & Other Activities for Families Seeking Sanctuary in Bristol
A variety of our programmes are designed to welcome those new to the UK, and to connect them into local communities in Bristol.
This month we took a group of resettled Afghan families to Noah’s Ark Zoo, with one council support worker sharing, “Both my families that attended have sent me messages saying what a fantastic day they had… THANK YOU to everyone at Bridges for everything you do for our families. These events make them feel like part of a community!”
And a few days later, 102 people seeking sanctuary in Bristol joined us to Bristol Zoo Project, part of our Walk With Me programme. What did you enjoy today? “Good experience with my new friends”, “Walking out with family. It’s good for my mental and physical fitness.”, “Meeting people and seeing such a good place.”.
We’ve also gone for walks on Clevedon seafront, organised activities in welcome hubs for those in temporary accommodation, and run creative workshops, including various Stitching Together classes. A new term of hand stitching classes will start next week.
We are looking for additional volunteers for the new Friday welcome hub and/or for those interested in fortnightly cooking with hotel residents on a Tuesday afternoon. If you are available on these days and are interested in welcoming those new to our city, then please do get in touch by replying to this email, or contacting holly.woodley a_t bridgesforcommunities d_o_t com
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Celebrating the Communities of Horfield and Lockleaze
A big thank you to everyone who made this latest Peace Feast so memorable. We had a fantastic evening, with a room full willing to meet new people and help celebrate the communities of Horfield and Lockleaze. Together we are building kinder, fairer, and more welcoming communities!
We are excited by our growing calendar of Peace Feasts for the year, although some are invite only events. Keep an eye out on our events page for upcoming Peace Feasts that you can attend in the coming months.
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