At Afrocats, we develop our projects based on what participants tell us they would like to experience.
We introduced our Sunday afternoon walking sessions following requests to provide a space where participants could form new friendships, whilst improving their health and wellbeing - see how we got on below.
Each week we take around six to seven women on a gentle stroll to explore Manchester's extensive canal routes - one lady told us that she had lived in Manchester for almost 10 years and did not know there were canals in the city!
Being able to show these women new places to visit, has encouraged their love for Manchester, and has also given them something to look forward to every Sunday.
Each week the women learn to express themselves freely with no judgement, while we incorporate dance sessions using their favourite music and simple dance routines that provide physical and mental refreshment, plus plenty of laughter and fun.
Smiles are on everyone's faces after the dance session is over!
Regular participants have enjoyed it so much that they have even brought friends from the Women Asylum Seekers Together network, which in turn has encouraged the women to build new friendships.
One woman eagerly stated she was so looking forward to the next week’s walk just so she could bring some of her own traditional Persian food to share amongst the group.
Come rain or shine, our walks bring our ladies together to allow them to experience new surroundings in a city they have grown to love, and they now call home.
Not only are these walks a chance to socialise, but they are also a necessary space to build confidence, find solace in community, and relax with other women with similar lived experiences.
Let's keep on walking together.
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