Last week I had the privilege of joining the incredible women from East Meets West at their new community arts hub in Hala, which opened this April.

Every time I get invited to one of their events, I am reminded of the transformative power of inclusive community spaces. Everyone at East Meets West has successfully cultivated an environment that encourages understanding, cultural exchange and mutual learning that strengthens community bonds.

I had a masterclass in Ebru, which is the traditional Turkish art of creating colourful patterns by sprinkling colour pigments onto a pan of oily water, and then transferring patterns to paper. I had some delicious traditional turmeric spiced coffee and there was also an incredible spread of cakes and other sweet treats.

East Meets West is just one of a few organisations locally, ran by remarkable volunteers that recognise the unique challenges faced by refugee men, women and children and they work hard to advocate for them. The organisers and volunteers offer tremendous support providing the foundations to build inclusive and diverse spaces where people can find solace, empowerment, and a sense of belonging.

For those who we welcome with open arms into our communities, the transition of settling in can often be incredibly lonely and difficult. East Meets West is a testament to the incredible resilience and strength of our community. It is a place where people from diverse cultural backgrounds come together, transcending borders, languages, and differences. The charity’s dedication to creating a safe haven is extraordinary, and it has become a vital resource for those we are lucky to welcome into our amazing community.

Thank you so much to Hilary and Mandy, for inviting me and to all of the women for being so kind and accommodating as always.

You can find out more about East Meets West here: https://lancasterandmorecambe.cityofsanctuary.org/east-meets-west