‘Puri Mamae’ – women’s voices coming together in harmony

Behind the Mask is a creative peer support and well-being project that seeks to give local women the time and space over a 12 month period to talk openly about the factors that impact their on quality of life. For some, there may be cultural and / or societal pressures within their respective communities. For others, it may be the lack of educational / employment opportunities. Some group members struggle with a long-term health condition; some are full-time carers; some live with the long-term effects of the negative experience of school life.

Most of the women live with depression and / or anxiety.

The creative sessions take place weekly at Women Centre, Calderdale in Halifax … and combine various art forms including visual art, singing, creative writing and breath and movement exercises.

Every week the women sing together. Although they come from different and diverse cultural backgrounds, they all love the opportunity to come together as one voice … to produce a sound that is beautiful and harmonious. Please have a listen to this short example of this amazing group of women:

Behind the Mask is part of a 3-year initiative funded by Big Lottery Fund Community Foundation for Calderdale and partners Square Chapel Arts Centre Project 1325 WomenCentre Home-Start Calderdale Beech Hill Primary School