Last week, Jigsaw’s Neighbourhood Engagement Team helped to celebrate the Cheetham Cultural Festival with an event at the Wai Yin Welcome Centre in Manchester.
The Cheetham Cultural Festival is a four-day festival (from 16 – 19 October 2025) across Cheetham Hill and Crumpsall that aims to celebrate everything that makes the area special.
Neighbourhood Engagement Officer Gemma Batchelor organised the event as part of the festival, alongside partners from Wai Yin, Winning Hearts and Minds and Barnardo’s, with funding support from Manchester Active and the Cheetham Cultural Festival team.
The event brought together over 150 local residents, with visits from local councillors, Police and PCSOs.
The day began with an armchair exercise session, followed by an uplifting singing session led by volunteer Chris.
Volunteers helped out in the kitchen alongside some of Jigsaw’s colleagues and served over 120 meals to attendees.
There was a high-energy drumming workshop led by Zsuzsa from the Drum Therapy Collective CIC as well as a 3D printing presentation, a gardening session and eVisa support.
This event aimed to bring the community together through health, creativity and connection, promoting wellbeing and social inclusion in a positive and engaging way.
It forms part of Jigsaw’s ongoing work focusing on supporting mental and physical wellbeing and building community confidence.
Gemma said: “It was such a joyful day with everyone getting involved, and the energy was fantastic. It’s wonderful to see so many people from the community come together to celebrate.”
