The art of home making

A small group of Somali women have been putting down roots in Northern Ireland and have been developing their artistic skills in a pioneering project delivered by ArtsEkta for the Public Health Agency (PHA).

Working together with ArtsEkta’s craftswoman, artist and tutor Carolyn McDougall, the Somali women have added Northern Irish sewing and craft skills to the talents and craft heritage they brought from Africa.  Their newly formed ethnic arts circle has not only given them the opportunity to make friends as well as crafts pieces, but also to help improve their emotional health and wellbeing.

Nisha Tandon, Director of ArtsEkta, Northern Ireland’s leading ethnic arts organisation, said: “There is nothing new in women coming together to work on their crafts for it is a pattern of friendship which we see in every country of the world – and most of us know how companionable and bonding such an experience can be.

“However, as some of these women have discovered, when you move to another country you can find yourself rootless at the very time when you most need friendly contact.  This new project provides a creative platform for meeting new people and every stitch is ‘sewing’ the seeds of sustaining friendships for newcomers to Northern Ireland.”

Connecting to others and learning new skills can give us a sense of achievement and build levels of self-confidence, a key aspect of building positive mental health and wellbeing.

Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive of the PHA, said: “The PHA is committed to improving minority ethnic health and social wellbeing. Seeking asylum in a foreign country, far from your home can be a very difficult experience. Refugees can often feel fearful and isolated.

“We have been delighted to be able to support ArtsEkta to help this vulnerable group settle into the community in Northern Ireland and provide them with practical skills and friendship.”