CHANGING GEAR

BRISTOL 9th March 2026

The outlook of our work is broadening in Bristol. As numbers of people housed in Home Office hotels locally decreases month on month due to changes in government policy, we continue to reach out and collaborate with groups and organisations within our communities who are supporting people in the asylum system. This week we were delighted to receive a very warm welcome from Sara, her team of volunteers and the attendees at Aid Box Community’s women’s group @aidboxcommunity.

It was a busy session with The Community Table being offered alongside an ongoing craft activity, beauty treatments, and food and drinks for those who aren’t fasting.

We introduced a large carpet weaving grid - and in contrast - palm-sized squares into which several women, new to sewing, found their own ways to embroider, alongside other women who were accomplished seamstresses. Around the circle of embroiderers, people asked each other about news from their home countries.

As newcomers to the space and people, we noticed how flexibly the women adapted to challenges that arose through the various processes available to them at the table: one woman built a tower then discovered its intended use as the game of Jenga; a woman who was fascinated by the typewriter, handled the frustration of not being able to erase mistakes; another found rhythm and relaxation in the initially frustrating process of sewing. The materials brought surprises, frustrations and delights - it was the internal shifts of the women that enabled positive outcomes.

Words by Amy Wilson & Sarah Robinson.