Light in Winter: A Creative & Therapeutic Workshop for Women

Make Share Heal is a 12-month wellbeing programme offering 11 monthly creative and therapeutic workshops for women aged 18 to 49 in Pype Hayes, Birmingham. The project supports women to strengthen their mental health, build resilience and confidence, and reduce feelings of isolation while fostering a deeper sense of belonging. It warmly welcomes women from Ukraine, Poland, and across Central and Eastern Europe, as well as local women who may be facing similar challenges such as poverty, trauma, or poor mental health.

As the days grow shorter and the winter months settle in, Light in Winter offers a moment to pause, reflect, and embrace feelings of warmth and hope. This special seasonal workshop creates a cosy, festive space where women can come together to connect and create.

During the session, participants will make winter-themed crafts such as lanterns, ornaments, and decorations. Alongside the making, there will be time to share stories about winter and light, exploring cultural traditions and personal reflections. The atmosphere will be relaxed and welcoming, with tea, treats, and good company to make it a truly nurturing experience.

This workshop is designed to help women reconnect with themselves and others while supporting wellbeing during the darker months of the year. No previous experience is needed, and all materials will be provided. You only need to bring yourself and a willingness to take part.

Each session provides a safe, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive environment where women can explore creativity and self-expression through art, storytelling, music, dance movement therapy, and mindfulness. Alongside the group activities, participants can access one-to-one support and guidance, with signposting to services including mental health care, housing, employment, childcare, education, benefits advice, and domestic abuse support. Multilingual resources are available to ensure everyone feels included and supported.

The workshops are led by Monika Lenard, who brings over 20 years of experience in creating safe and empowering spaces for women. Monika’s approach combines circle dances, breathing techniques, traditional folk music, and creative arts to offer a holistic and inclusive experience. Her sessions are designed to help women feel supported while celebrating cultural heritage and personal growth.

Through Make Share Heal, women are encouraged to improve their mental health and emotional resilience, reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and gain better access to services and resources. The programme aims to build confidence, support cultural expression, and help women create lasting friendships and peer networks that extend beyond the sessions.

The workshops are open to women aged 18 to 49 from all backgrounds. No experience is necessary, and everyone is welcome.

If you have any questions, please email community@centrala-space.org.uk.

This project is funded by ENNS and Birmingham City Council.