Make Share Heal Project Announcement, 10/09/25

Centrala is excited to announce the launch of Make Share Heal, a new year-long project offering monthly creative and therapeutic workshops for women in Pype Hayes, Birmingham.

Starting in August 2025 and running until July 2026, Make Share Heal will provide a safe and welcoming space for women aged 18 to 49 to connect, express themselves creatively, and receive support for their mental wellbeing.

The project is especially focused on supporting Ukrainian, Polish, and Central and Eastern European (CEE) migrant women, as well as local women who may be experiencing challenges such as poverty, trauma, or poor mental health.

Responding to Local Need

Pype Hayes is an area with limited access to culturally appropriate mental health support. Many women in the community face barriers such as language differences, social isolation, past trauma, and a lack of trust in services, which can make it difficult to seek help.

Research by Centrala, alongside national studies, shows that migrant women in the UK experience high rates of depression, anxiety, and social exclusion, especially those who are new to the country or affected by displacement and gender-based violence.

Women living in Pype Hayes have told us they want local, safe spaces where they can connect with others, share experiences, and build resilience. Make Share Heal was developed in direct response to this need.

Each of the 11 monthly sessions will combine creative activities with practical support.

Workshops will include:

  • Art, storytelling, music therapy, dance movement, and mindfulness sessions
  • Trauma-informed facilitation that is culturally sensitive and supportive
  • One-to-one help and signposting to services such as mental health care, housing, benefits advice, employment, education, and domestic abuse support
  • Multilingual printed resources to make the sessions accessible to everyone

These sessions are designed to boost mental wellbeing, reduce feelings of isolation, and strengthen community connections.

The workshops will take place at St Mary’s (Lighthouse Church), 1162 Tyburn Road, Pype Hayes, Birmingham, B24 0TB.
Sessions will run once a month, from 12:00 to 3:00pm, beginning in August 2025.

Through Make Share Heal, we aim to:

  • Improve mental health and emotional resilience
  • Reduce loneliness and social isolation
  • Increase access to local services and resources
  • Build confidence and encourage cultural expression
  • Support the growth of peer networks so women can continue meeting and supporting each other beyond the project

Make Share Heal is funded by Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme (ENNS) and Birmingham City Council, whose support has made this vital work possible.