By Ratna Jan Bibi, Community Development Worker, Black & Minority Ethnic Communities (Wellbeing).
On Wednesday 18th April TDC celebrated A Way A Day – a multicultural health and wellbeing event which was open to Brighton & Hove residents from minority ethnic backgrounds. This was a free and open event, designed to be celebratory, informative and engaging.
The family friendly event was held at the BMECP with activities, board games, music, practical advice and information on offer. The event was attended by around 400 people, and there were 36 stallholders representing statutory, voluntary and community groups and organisations. Visitors were able to discover local community events and services in their area and were encouraged to try out new ways of improving their health and wellbeing. The majority of the stallholders delivered some sort of activity or points of engagement to create a relaxed atmosphere, and encourage interaction between attendees and stallholders. The activities created synergy between the stallholders and event attendees, each table was a hub of curiosity and activity, enticing people to take part and talk to stallholders about services they provided.
Overall it was a family event and an opportunity for all ethnicities across the city to come together and integrate whilst enjoying and learning about healthy activities and services in the city, including how to access practical advice, information, help and support. At the event visitors were able to discover local community groups and services and were encouraged to try out new ways of improving their health and wellbeing.
We had some great feedback from attendees, with one saying “We need more events like this that unites Brighton’s diverse communities and celebrates our culture” and another telling us “Fantastic event! I’ve never seen the BMECP so busy before. You brought everybody together.”
92% of the event attendees said that the ‘event improved their sense of wellbeing’. Bringing together Brighton’s diverse communities through events like A Way A Day contributes to wellbeing, reduces isolation, improves social connections and encourages community integration.
Have a look at some pictures of the event below and find out more about TDC’s work with diverse communities.
