What are some of the barriers for older ethnic minority women to access creative and cultural activities in Cardiff?

There is a high need among the diverse older ethnic minority women to engage in different activities which are available in Cardiff, but they struggle to have access to due to several barriers and challenges.

1. Language & Communication Barriers: This is the main cause of isolation, which a high percentage of older ethnic women face. The majority didn’t have the chance to learn English at a younger age, while they were engaged in bringing up their family or looking after their elders. Moreover, due to socio cultural restrictions within various culture, women were restricted getting involved in activities outside the radius of their direct family. As their children grow and are involved in their own family issues, the ageing mothers find themselves alone, struggling to take control of their daily requirements/bills/medical appointments etc. They become very dependent on the husband or their family members for help. As a result, they age more dependent, hesitant and lack self- confidence.

2. Cultural & social Standards where cultural expectations usually discourage ageing ethnic minority women from taking part in certain activities which are considered outside their traditional norms; e.g. Dance or music

3. Health and Physical Abilities which may be restrictive to the aging participants from taking part in certain activities

4. Lack of awareness of the range of activities available, which may not be promoted in different languages

5. Transportation issues may be a significant barrier, mainly for those who need to take more than one bus to reach their destination. Also it could be limiting to those living in areas with limited public transport.

6. Family responsibilities of care giving to grandchildren or a family member, this could also restrict their participation.

7. Social exclusion which maybe in most cases a result of negative experience of feeling unwelcomed in certain spaces, as a result, this could have a negative impact on their self-confidence and be discouraged from engaging or taking part in any further activities.

8. Financial issues may be challenging as the participants may be on limited income and won’t afford the to pay the fees.

What do women value in the Golden Years project?

Since the Golden Years-Let’s Age Well started in 2013, the project had one aim which is addressing the barriers that the aging ethnic minority women face. This requires a multifaceted approach which considers an inclusive safe space for older participants form diverse ethnic backgrounds, and a variety of activities which will instigate them to engage in. The participants get involved in choosing and planning the activities through regular informal consultations and feedback which will help creating an inclusive & creative programme. The participants are able to access numerous activities which may suit each individual’s interests, need and ability. Consequently, they can enjoy numerous benefits that would enhance their overall well-being, sense of identity and quality of life. The different aspects which the women value when accessing the Golden Years -Let’s Age Well project may be:

• Cultural Connection while participating in activities that allow them proudly share their heritage and traditions with others. Besides giving them sense of pride, it also encourages a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Community engagement & social interaction in a safe place, where participants have the opportunity to socialise and build friendships with women from diverse cultural backgrounds, thus expanding their social network. Subsequently, the social engagements helped improve their mental health & well-being, as well as overcoming loneliness and isolation
  Personal Growth & learning which enables skill and personal growth. The participants are encouraged to explore new interests and discover any hidden talents that they may wish to expand. As a result, this would lead to sense of achievement and fulfilment.
• Improved physical and mental well-being through engaging in artistic activities such as art classes, music and well-being workshops as well as physical activities which has helped in improving their physical abilities as well as their emotional resilience. The emotional connection to art & story telling activities evoke emotional responses, allowing the older women to connect with the beauty behind the artwork. These activities usually evoke joy and inspiration.
• Volunteering opportunities which gives a meaningful engagement and involvement, where they feel valued for their contribution to the project.Self-exploration and sense of purpose is the most valued outcome that the projects’ participants. Their involvement in the steering of the project’s activities and their voices are heard a all levels.Leave a lasting legacy of cultural richness, ensuring that their heritage lives on.

In essence, the value that older ethnic women derive from accessing creative and cultural activities goes beyond mere participation—it encompasses a holistic enrichment of their lives, a deepening of cultural connections, and a meaningful engagement with their communities. These activities empower, inspire, and uplift, enhancing their well-being and leaving a lasting legacy of cultural vibrancy.

What types of creative activities do they engage in?

Cultural events

We usually celebrate 6 cultural events each year. The events are: Diwali/Christmas/ Chinese New Year/St David’s Day (WCF birthday)/ Easter/ Eid Ramadan/ Eid el Adha, and off course International Women’s Day which is intergenerational. The attendance varies between 45–55 women at each event. The women take pride and enjoy sharing information culture food costume and dance. The most important thing for them is getting together and enjoy each other’s company.

Heritage Trips

Over the years, this has proved to be the most popular activity of all. This gives the participants to socialise and enjoy the key heritage places in England and Wales. The heritage trips frequently take place as the weather gets warmer. The participants give their suggestions, and we do our research on the travel time/ accessibility/ risk assessment etc, then they will be given 2 of the most suitable choices. The trips are in high demand, we often get the coach with 74–80 seaters filled in less than a week from advertising for it. Volunteers play a big role during the trips in making sure that everyone is safe and comfortable, and escorting women who have limited mobility. Nevertheless, women frequently support each other and make sure that everyone in their group is OK. We visit a heritage site, then head either to the beach or the park, depending on has been planned. The feedback is very positive, 99% say if it hasn’t been to the project we wouldn’t dream visiting these places ever.

Creative activities

• Woodwork & DIY
• Painting
• Embroidery & needle work• Re-purposing material-sewing sessions using old clothes that the participants wish to throw away and designing/ sewing them into more useful things
• Music- singing and drumming. Recently, the participants expressed interest in Karaoke singing. Besides the fun, participants are handed the lyrics to help them join in, as part of practicing. This is part of our new programme of activities ‘learning through fun’
• Book club participants meet on weekly basis to read and discuss different books or poetry
• Creative Writing, through a project we called unheard voices. The main aim of the project was for older participants to share their life experience in 8 different sessions. This was successful when it was running informally. But as it developed to a project ‘pen to paper’, the older women felt a bit uptight. A young group of artists were invited to the sessions to write the experience that the older women shared. 4 videos were produced by the artists.

The Friday Café has been very popular and highly attended by the older women and creative activities are often organised around the cafe. The attendance every Friday is between 25-30 women. An activity is always scheduled prior to the lunch, which encourage the women to join in and get to know new members. The Friday Café turned out to be one of the essential services that the participants request as it helps them overcome isolation, learn new skills, socialise and meet with other women; that really helps their mental health and wellbeing.

What is your advice for organisations who want to create cultural and creative activities for older ethnic minority women?

1. Understand the participants cultural backgrounds and requirement
2. Respect
3. Encourage them to give their opinion and suggestions on the activities that they want you to run
4. Create a safe space and highlight on the importance of confidentiality in all activities
5. Provide a friendly atmosphere
6. Offer several options of activities that they may want to explore with no obligation
7. Give them time and space to decide what to chose
8. Follow up- give them a curtesy call to check on them; or if they need any support