Two community groups in Cheetham Hill took part in a range of educational and creative activities to celebrate International Women’s Day, thanks to the efforts of our Neighbourhood Engagement Team.
Residents joined Kitty Short from Creative Confidence CIC and took part in creative workshops aimed at building confidence and recognising women at different stages of life.
Held at the Wai Yin Welcome Centre, members of Empower M8 and local gentlemen who joined the session were invited to share qualities they admired in women, with the ideas used to create a poem for a display in the community centre.
Women from Menopause Together at the Al-Hilal Hubb wrote a second poem that focused on the experiences of menopause, inspired by the supportive conversations discussed within the group.
Our Neighbourhood Engagement Officer Gemma Batchelor worked closely with Winning Hearts and Minds, Morrisso Health and Manchester City Council, alongside the two community centres and Kitty to deliver the sessions.
Attendees also enjoyed drama activities including Makaton and creative expression, games and group discussions that allowed residents to confidently express themselves in a safe and welcoming environment.
Gemma said: “It was wonderful to see women coming together to celebrate International Women’s Day, enjoying themselves, laughing and sharing their experiences. Creating the poems together was a lovely way to capture everyone’s thoughts and celebrate women.”
The sessions form part of the ongoing commitment to supporting wellbeing and investing in local communities.
