Community and Creativity in Torry: A Recap of a Memorable Collaborative Workshop
In the heart of Torry, a community gathered at Tullos Community Centre for a unique event that combined creativity, sustainability, and cultural exchange. This special occasion a part of the Torry assembly event (supported by Opensource) a breakfast and a creative writing workshop, was a collaborative effort by Scott Herrett from Friends of the Earth Scotland, Emer Morris's Creative Writing, Karina Emslie from NESCAN Just Transition Community Project, and Aberdeen Ethnic Minority Women's Group CIC with our media partner SHMU. 1000 Better stories podcaster from SCCAN recorded some of the stories from the workshop. The Friends of St.Fitticks Park were trying to save their beloved park in Torry and were really grateful to everyone for amplifying their voices to rejuvenate and develop the green space instead of destroying it.
The event was part of the "Go Torry" initiative and served as a platform to promote the "Buying Minority Women Made" campaign to support minority women of Aberdeen. This initiative focuses on sustainable and creative solutions through products that reflect the rich tapestry of minority experiences. It emphasises the traditional, sustainable practices of minority women, aiming to reconnect with our roots by making handmade, locally sourced products. This ethical approach prioritises people over profit and supports local arts, crafts, and products made by minority women.
In creative writing, capturing the mirror effect that Emer aimed for was incredibly impactful. Impressions of Torry reflected a community seen through the eyes of outsiders: "We see you," it said.
Stories and feelings from local residents revealed the identity of Torry, unfolding through shared experiences. The frustration and love felt by residents for their community were palpable, highlighting both its beauty and the poignant pain left by historical injustices. This perspective invited Aberdeen to reflect on the lessons learned from Torry.
The women's group offered opportunities to act on the insights gained from one of the most diverse communities in Aberdeen, bringing minority women and children together in solidarity for true equity and providing a chance to overcome barriers placed by a society polarised by wealth and poverty in different parts of the most affluent place in Scotland.
It raised important questions about why the voices of Torry residents had been ignored and continued to be overlooked. By empowering women to come together, this event aimed to inspire solutions and drive the social change needed in communities, accelerating progress.
Collaboration with organisations like NESCAN enabled community-led climate action networks in the northeast to develop a more accurate self-awareness of the region's strengths and the challenges it had to face. This collective effort ensured that no community was left behind as Aberdeen moved forward together.
Zoe, an emerging poet from Pakistan, captivated the audience with her descriptive portrayal of Torry's beautiful wildlife, using it as an allegory for human relationships. Her work painted a vivid picture of the natural and emotional landscapes of the area.
Sameera Ahmad, an aspiring children's author spoke about her book and personal experiences, adding another layer of depth to the discussions. Her stories resonated with many in the group, sparking conversations about shared experiences and aspirations.
The workshop also included practical sessions and presentations. Lucy Stroud from SHMU delivered an insightful presentation on social media usage, equipping women with the skills needed to promote their enterprises online.
Scott Herrett from Friends of the Earth Scotland, a resident of Torry, prepared breakfast using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring inclusivity with vegan and gluten-free options. It felt like he was welcoming us to his home in Torry, where we broke bread and sat around the heart of our community in Tullos Community Centre, sharing a rich warmth that transported us to our grandmother's kitchen which didn't have hi-tech equipments, but surely had plenty of love, and this simple act of sharing freshly made food reinforced the event's commitment to sustainability and community support.
Children attending the event had a wonderful time engaging in arts, crafts, and creative writing activities. Emer Morris led the creative writing sessions for the kids, while Iwona and Keith Dunmall facilitated the crafts. Iwona, a member of the Minority Women's Group, particularly impressed the children with her gentle and kind nature, making the event enjoyable for the younger participants.
SHMU captured videos of the event, ensuring that the memorable moments and inspiring stories would be preserved and shared. This documentation is vital for promoting the ongoing efforts and successes of the Minority Women's Group and their initiatives.
Karina Emslie from NESCAN, along with Aberdeen Ethnic Minority Women's Group, Friends of the Earth Scotland, and Emer Morris, played a crucial role in facilitating the event. Their collaborative effort aims to produce a zine featuring the creative outputs from the workshop. This zine will be sold on the Minority Women's Group platform, providing a source of income and further visibility for the group's talents and stories.
Looking forward, the group has ambitious plans to expand its initiatives to other areas such as Woodside, Tillydrone, Garthdee and Seaton. They hope to organise swap shops and upcycling markets, tapping into the hidden talents of minority women residents. These markets will focus on skills such as repairing, crafting, upcycling, and mending, promoting sustainable living and economic empowerment.
The event in Torry was more than just a workshop; it was a celebration of diversity, creativity, and community spirit. It highlighted the importance of supporting minority women, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration. The success of this event sets a promising precedent for future initiatives and serves as a reminder of the incredible potential within our communities when we come together with a shared vision and purpose.
Stay tuned for our workshops and stalls in Envirolution in the coming months.
A big thank you to NESCAN Just Transition Community Project for all their support. This was truly an event that showcased the power of collective collaboration with all our communities working together. Looking forward to many more.
The event was part of the "Go Torry" initiative and served as a platform to promote the "Buying Minority Women Made" campaign to support minority women of Aberdeen. This initiative focuses on sustainable and creative solutions through products that reflect the rich tapestry of minority experiences. It emphasises the traditional, sustainable practices of minority women, aiming to reconnect with our roots by making handmade, locally sourced products. This ethical approach prioritises people over profit and supports local arts, crafts, and products made by minority women.
Creative Expressions and Community Bonding
The workshop was a blend of creative writing and community engagement. Emer Morris facilitated the creative writing segment, guiding participants in crafting poems, narratives, and other creative pieces. The inclusive environment welcomed several Torry residents from minority backgroundsWill you help the neighbour you see?
In creative writing, capturing the mirror effect that Emer aimed for was incredibly impactful. Impressions of Torry reflected a community seen through the eyes of outsiders: "We see you," it said.
Stories and feelings from local residents revealed the identity of Torry, unfolding through shared experiences. The frustration and love felt by residents for their community were palpable, highlighting both its beauty and the poignant pain left by historical injustices. This perspective invited Aberdeen to reflect on the lessons learned from Torry.
Those members of the Aberdeen Ethnic Minority Women's Group living here were not only overcoming place-based barriers but also cultural, social, and language barriers. This group, working with marginalised women, aimed to uplift its members in areas like Torry, Woodside, Tillydrone, Mastrick, Northfield, Garthdee, and families in houses around Aberdeen that are not as warm as the hearts of those living in them. While their affluent neighbors could afford all things beautiful, working and living their best lives, the women and children living right next door remained ignored, trying to survive in a world that is not made equally. The barriers they face are the only things stopping them from living their best lives.
The women's group offered opportunities to act on the insights gained from one of the most diverse communities in Aberdeen, bringing minority women and children together in solidarity for true equity and providing a chance to overcome barriers placed by a society polarised by wealth and poverty in different parts of the most affluent place in Scotland.
Do we have the courage and empathy to help the neighbors we see, those who suffer in front of our eyes? Or are we going to keep justifying our inaction with a cheque written for someone we haven't even met, while we continue to ignore the squalor and desperate eyes asking for help right in front of us? Are we going to give meaningful help or will we continue to ignore the locals of Aberdeen?
It raised important questions about why the voices of Torry residents had been ignored and continued to be overlooked. By empowering women to come together, this event aimed to inspire solutions and drive the social change needed in communities, accelerating progress.
Collaboration with organisations like NESCAN enabled community-led climate action networks in the northeast to develop a more accurate self-awareness of the region's strengths and the challenges it had to face. This collective effort ensured that no community was left behind as Aberdeen moved forward together.
Marcelina, a Nigerian resident of Torry, shared a heartfelt piece on her experience and perspective of the place. Her narrative provided a unique insight into the life of a minority resident in Torry, highlighting both challenges and joys.
Zoe, an emerging poet from Pakistan, captivated the audience with her descriptive portrayal of Torry's beautiful wildlife, using it as an allegory for human relationships. Her work painted a vivid picture of the natural and emotional landscapes of the area.
Sameera Ahmad, an aspiring children's author spoke about her book and personal experiences, adding another layer of depth to the discussions. Her stories resonated with many in the group, sparking conversations about shared experiences and aspirations.
Kathleen Miskimmons, a long-time resident of Torry, brought a poignant perspective to the gathering. Having lived in Torry her entire life and raised five children there, she reflected on the profound changes the area has undergone due to the oil boom. Despite the wealth and prosperity that the oil industry brought to Aberdeen, Kathleen noted with sadness that Torry has not shared in this prosperity. Many long-time residents feel left behind, as the benefits of Aberdeen's economic boom have not reached their community.Inspired by the pathos of Kathleen's story, Priya, a member of the Aberdeen Ethnic Minority Women's Group social enterprise, shared a moving poem that captured the essence of Torry's struggles and resilience. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the emotional landscape of a community striving for recognition and support.
Promoting Sustainable Practices
The workshop also included practical sessions and presentations. Lucy Stroud from SHMU delivered an insightful presentation on social media usage, equipping women with the skills needed to promote their enterprises online.
Scott Herrett from Friends of the Earth Scotland, a resident of Torry, prepared breakfast using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring inclusivity with vegan and gluten-free options. It felt like he was welcoming us to his home in Torry, where we broke bread and sat around the heart of our community in Tullos Community Centre, sharing a rich warmth that transported us to our grandmother's kitchen which didn't have hi-tech equipments, but surely had plenty of love, and this simple act of sharing freshly made food reinforced the event's commitment to sustainability and community support.
Engaging the Next Generation
Children attending the event had a wonderful time engaging in arts, crafts, and creative writing activities. Emer Morris led the creative writing sessions for the kids, while Iwona and Keith Dunmall facilitated the crafts. Iwona, a member of the Minority Women's Group, particularly impressed the children with her gentle and kind nature, making the event enjoyable for the younger participants.
Capturing Memories and Looking Ahead
SHMU captured videos of the event, ensuring that the memorable moments and inspiring stories would be preserved and shared. This documentation is vital for promoting the ongoing efforts and successes of the Minority Women's Group and their initiatives.
Karina Emslie from NESCAN, along with Aberdeen Ethnic Minority Women's Group, Friends of the Earth Scotland, and Emer Morris, played a crucial role in facilitating the event. Their collaborative effort aims to produce a zine featuring the creative outputs from the workshop. This zine will be sold on the Minority Women's Group platform, providing a source of income and further visibility for the group's talents and stories.
Building Future Initiatives
Looking forward, the group has ambitious plans to expand its initiatives to other areas such as Woodside, Tillydrone, Garthdee and Seaton. They hope to organise swap shops and upcycling markets, tapping into the hidden talents of minority women residents. These markets will focus on skills such as repairing, crafting, upcycling, and mending, promoting sustainable living and economic empowerment.
The event in Torry was more than just a workshop; it was a celebration of diversity, creativity, and community spirit. It highlighted the importance of supporting minority women, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration. The success of this event sets a promising precedent for future initiatives and serves as a reminder of the incredible potential within our communities when we come together with a shared vision and purpose.
Stay tuned for our workshops and stalls in Envirolution in the coming months.
A big thank you to NESCAN Just Transition Community Project for all their support. This was truly an event that showcased the power of collective collaboration with all our communities working together. Looking forward to many more.
Authored by Elizabeth Spencer
info@abdn-emwomen.org.uk