Innovative inclusion project seeks to make things happen

A successful multi-cultural event has been staged in Arbroath as part of a local project that is going from strength to strength.

Make It Happen Angus is a community initiative of the Social Support and Migration in Scotland (SSAMIS) project, led by Dr Paulina Trevena, a researcher at Glasgow University.

SSAMIS research in Angus has flagged up issues of loneliness, isolation and language barriers and Make It Happen is aimed at addressing those.

Dr Trevena’s work has included comparison of the situation of migrant populations in Glasgow and Angus and found that more urban areas have stronger support networks than rural ones.

As part of the Angus initiative, the group is running popup cafes at OB’s in Arbroath’s West Port in partnership with Fiona Mohammden of Angus Refugee Care.

“Our long-term goal is to create a family-friendly space in Angus that would give people from various communities the opportunity to come together, learn from each other, get creative and just have fun,” said Dr Trevena.

“As a first step we would like to establish a community group interested in being part of the initiative, so if you think this is a good idea please support us one way or another.”

Those behind the project have also worked with local children and families on art projects as part of the initiative.

Future café events include Easter traditions on April 22 and the summer solstice.

Further details are available on the Make It Happen Angus facebook page at bit.ly/2o3N6W8.

Fiona Mohammden, left, and Paulina Trevena wearing traditional Polish national dress.