Creative wellness workshops for African communities in Cardiff with SSAP
We curated the first 4 workshops of jamii 2, creative wellbeing workshops for African communities in Cardiff, delivered in partnership with SSAP funded by National Lottery Community Fund Wales
Through the workshops we explored mindfulness and meditation, poetry and writing, natural wellness remedies, and used arts and crafts to celebrate heritage. The workshops were hosted in Cardiff and were attended by over 50 participants, including young children, teens, creatives, families and elders.
‘Jamii’ means community; our sense of togetherness and the mutual support and strength we draw from each other
Mindfulness
Led by Adjua on 15 Dec 2024 at Unity Room, this workshop invited attendees to participate in vocal group meditation and harmonies.
Starting with an intro into the history and the psycho-psychological benefits of meditation, moving on to a breathing exercise, participants were encouraged to find their voice and access deeper vocal frequencies in harmony, as Adjua played bass loops. Ending the workshop with conversations and music sharing, everyone left feeling grounded and more relaxed.
“This was such a lovely safe space, I really felt like I could trust my voice and tap into that energy”- said Nimat
Belonging
Led by Emmanuel Sugo and hosted at Unity Studio on 18 Jan 2025, this workshop invited writers, lyricists, musicians & poets to explore connections between mental health, identity, and belonging. Using poetry as a tool to express emotions and forge connections.
During the workshop, participants took part in a series of creative writing challenges. Each prompting an exploration of home through creative wordplay. Including word associations, speed poetry writing, song writing, and storytelling exploring what home means to them, how places and people inform their sense of belonging.
“I loved it! It got me thinking about home and writing in new ways” – Said singer Lily
Awaken
Hosted by Tenesia and Danny from Earth To Earth Organics at Grange Pavilion on 19 Jan. Participants were guided in creating two natural remedies that promote whole-body wellness: a nourishing body butter with infused oils and a wellness tea blend.
Splitting the workshop into two stations, bodybutter and the tea blend. Danny led the bodybutter station, where participants worked with raw shea butter, whipping it until it was light and fluffy, then mixed it with their own combination of lavender, calendula, and rosemary oil infusions.
For the tea blend station, Tenesia explored various types of dried herbs and leaves explaining each of their health benefits, before participants were able to create their own tea blends, which included sorrel, soursop leaves, moringa, and chamomile.
At the end of the workshops each participant filled out an individual affirmations card and left with a box of their newly created remedies.
“I’m so excited to show my friends my bodybutter that I made, it smells so good!” – Said Chyna aged 7
Ludo
Hosted by Albert Vale (The Real Ting) also in Grange Pavilion on 19 Jan, this family workshop had participants split into groups of 4-5 to design their own Ludo board expressing their family’s unique cultural heritage and flag, which included Jamaica, Yemen, Nigeria, St Kits and others.
“I really enjoyed the workshop. And it means so much to me as I hope this ludi board will be in my family for generations.” – Said Aisha
More workshops are planned for Jamii 2 in 2025 – Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear about them
