Threads in Common: A Creative Mental Wealth project as a form of resistance

A creative mental wealth project responding to the current political and social climate on migration and asylum. We are responding through unity and connection. These hybrid sessions use the power of video calls to create connection. Each participant receives a pack with all the supplies we need to design and make a shoe. The shoe is a symbol of our journeys, all we have left behind, and where we are heading. Its a three-part series that dismantles the destructive narratives bestowed upon us.

The challenge

Threads in Common examines how people who arrived in the UK through asylum, experience race, generation and belonging. Adapting a model from Perth, Australia, Threads in Common is a six-session arts-based workshops, exploring identity, aspirations, civic voice and life chances across generations. We test whether structured creative contact shifts attitudes between newly-arrived and White British communities, and whether it could work at national scale.

What we did

Through community-led workshops, we have piloted a series of sessions that took place online to connect asylum and refugee communities across the UK. With a focus on the themes of belonging, identify and journeys, we share how we are making sense our living experiences. We share health literacy to tackle health inequalities.

The outcome

Improved emotional well being, increased social connection and improved health literacy amongst the group. Peer to Peer learning and support. A chance for us to own our own narratives. We are actively looking for funding for this work.

In partnership with In collaboration with artists Audrey and Arif Satar · June 2026