*People of colour encompasses BIPOC (black, indigenous, and/or people of colour) and we also welcome people of colour from/linked to other parts of the world affected by similar events outside of the Middle Eastern conflicts. For now this event is exclusively for BIPOC.

Whilst we may be aware of the conflict, genocide and famine happening in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, Yemen and other parts of the Middle East and the world, we often don’t talk about the individual stories behind the numbers. We are so connected to the news and the changing situation yet many of us often feel alone in the resulting emotion. Many of us have been dispersed and fragmented from our families and culture, whether as refugees or as European-born second generation migrants, dealing with a variety of emotions like sorrow, guilt and helplessness.

My name is Omar (he/him) and I am a British-Born Syrian. I have lived here my whole life and used to visit Damascus often when I was younger. I have not visited Syria since 2008. I am self-employed as a practising psychotherapist. I speak Arabic and welcome Arabic speakers to this space. ‏نرحب بالمتحدثين باللغة العربية

In this group, I hope to bring us together to share our personal stories of loss, guilt and sadness or whatever else may be coming up for us. Whilst our people and cultures are under attack, I believe our stories and memories keep the memories of our loved ones, our cultural heritage and solidarity alive. Learning about our differences and connecting to the emotion behind it only highlights the common experiences we all may be having. It’s not feeling pain or sadness that is the hardest part, it is doing it alone.

We encourage you to bring any items of personal value to you if that helps you to share your story. It can be photos, a book or a toy. If you want to share in another format, like poetry or song, that is welcome too.

We will also be sharing such stories while eating together. Food is such an intrinsic part of our cultures and it opens us up to each other when we sit down to eat together. I invite you, if you can, to bring a dish from your culture to share with the group. If you’re not able to, it is not a problem at all, there will be plenty of food to be shared.

This space is offered on a donation basis to make it accessible to all. If you feel like you want to donate to the hiring of the space, it is welcome but not obligatory. Any profits will be invested back into the group or to the causes that we are here to talk about.

Please don't just show up, buy a ticket so that I can monitor numbers. If you can no longer come to the event, let me know so I can give your space to someone else, as capacity is limited.

This event will take place on:
Thursday the 21st of November at The Connection Centre (the building opposite where the animals are kept) at
St.Werburghs City Farm, Watercress Rd, BS2 9YJ from 6.00 – 9.30pm.

Structure of the evening:
6.00 – 6.30 – Arrive and Settle
6.30 – 7.45 – Storytelling and Group Shares
7.45 – 8.45 – Dinner
8.45 – 9.30 – Storytelling and Group Share
9.30 - End

Accessibility information about the venue: This building is wheelchair accessible both with ramps and adapted toilets.

Contact me if you have any questions about the event or accessibility needs.

Contact details: [email protected]

Entry requirements: no age restrictions — Read more — Read less