The Land Beneath Her Feet – a project about belonging funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and Calderdale Council

“You took us on a journey back to our lovely Pakistan. You reminded us of our families, nature, beautiful seasons. You helped us express our feelings through movement, gestures & writing. Everything was amazing …” Participant

This project was a year-long partnership verd de gris arts and Halifax Opportunities Trust. We wanted to create an opportunity for younger and middle-aged women of Pakistani-heritage to learn more about issues that impact on their mental health and ‘well-being’; to develop activities that help boost confidence and self-esteem and may offer coping mechanisms to help them in their daily lives.

Why did we do this?
Women are the main carers in the South Asian community in Calderdale. However health statistics say that there are above average rates of depression, social isolation and poor health within the community. We wanted to develop a sensitive and beautifully engaging piece of work that gave these women time and space to talk and share feelings and concerns.

We worked with:
1 x group of women aged between 19 & 30
1 x group aged 30+
1 x group of 30 children from Savile Park Primary School – bringing some of the women into school with us to work with the children

Some key indicators / examples of success
regular attendance participation in weekly sessions (both groups)
active participation in a community-led exercise in sharing and dialogue between the generations
active take-up of volunteering opportunities (younger women)
taking ownership of public performance project and sending clear positive health message to wider community

We staged an open public celebration event which brought together the female participants with children from Savile Park Primary School and an audience filled with local friends, family, and community health professional. It was a very positive and public exchange highlighting the importance of well-being and positive notions of health across the generations.

“At one time of the course I was feeling so helpless but then I realised how I can pick myself up and told myself Im not going to be depressed again.
Thank you for showing me how my life can be made happy.” Participant