Erinma’s stitching cultures together
A SEWING club set up by a gang campaigner is helping some of Manchester’s most marginalised women.
Erinma Bell, known for her tireless work to reduce gun violence in Moss Side, is putting her efforts into a new project in the community – a combination of teaching women both to sew and also speak English.
Erinma explained to the M.E.N. that once she noticed how often she was complimented on her homemade clothes, she wanted to pass on her knowledge. Ever the pragmatist, she decided to use the sewing classes, held at Chrysalis Family Centre, as a chance to help women in the community with their language skills.
Some of those at the class are refugees, struggling financially or with physical disabilities, but all are determined to learn English.
Erinma, who was awarded an MBE in 2008 for her work against gun and gang crime, said: “Most of the women have to let go, let someone else be in control of what they do, where they go, how long they are out for.
“They are happy to come here because they are making the decision to come here. They are making the decision on what they are sewing, on what conversations they are having. They are in control of that, even if it is just for two hours.”
One woman, Safia, told the M.E.N. about the relief she feels at having enough English to communicate with society: “I can speak English now when I go shopping, or if I was in the hospital.”
Dalal, from Egypt, says she loves the classes, adding: “I want to be able to help my 11-year-old daughter with her homework. It makes me feel good. I like all my friends here. And I learn so much from my teacher.”
Nasra, from Somalia, speaks of the challenges posed by her physical disability and how the classes boost her self-worth: “I was born with spina bifida. I was in chronic pain. My disability is really bad, in the winter it is really painful.”
As a result of her condition, Nasra is unable to work. She said: “My family have to always be there in case I fall down. Coming here gives me confidence. Sometimes because of my disability or because of benefits, my confidence goes down.”