In this issue we discuss the theme of loneliness. We converse with Amy Palmer and how she utilises knitting to beat loneliness, we discuss climate activism and race with Ophelia Dos Santos , and the realities of running a small business during the cost-of-living crisis with Stefania Fricker.
A year after the pandemic small businesses now face another difficult Christmas.
On the 30th anniversary of Cardiff’s Christmas market coming to town the costof-living crisis is causing concern for local stall owners.
Stefania Fricker, owner of an upcycling clothing stall, said not only do shoppers have less money to spend, but she must be extra careful calculating her costs this year.
She said: “There are lots of challenges. My business involves sewing which means using the [sewing] machine and iron which are electric. “All the clothes I embellish need to be washed and sanitised
before I can work on them, and I can only put on one wash at midnight as it is cheaper,” said the owner of The Tailor’s Daughter.
Jane Hall, the operations manager at Craft Folk who run Cardiff’s Christmas market, said since Covid-19 the challenges for small businesses have been ongoing.
“The cost-of-living crisis for artists and crafts people has been with us for a long time,” she said.
She said they support exhibitors which can include setting up a longer payment plan.
“We have always supported our artists in
ASouth Wales-based scuba diving centre is believed to be the first in the UK to start a bespoke programme to improve diving fitness.
Welsh Diving owner Martin Donovan said, “People forget it is an extreme sport. “If you are unfit diving, you are putting yourself at risk.” He said that people enjoy the weightless feeling of diving, but some don’t recognise the importance of keeping physically fit.
The owner said: “They think training for diving is easier than it is, so they don’t bother.“But you wouldn’t enter the London marathon without training for it first.”
The programme focuses on circuit and strength training to improve cardiovascular health and build muscle, to maintain a healthy lifestyle in and out of the water.
a variety of ways,” she said. “New makers can apply to take part for five days, or longer, to test trade at a reduced rent and can benefit from this scheme for up to four years.”
“Do we want food on the table or 300 presents in the lounge?’”
Fricker, who used this scheme to set up her stall this year, said people’s spending habits are different right now due to the cost-of-living crisis.
“I can see that people are not spending. I can see that because I am one of them,” the Italian native said.
In Cardiff, Fricker said she can see that people stop to browse but are cautious to buy.
“Some have to make the decision whether they spend money on food to eat, or buy Christmas presents,” she said.
She sympathises with people, as she is in a similar situation, saying: “We have to ask, ‘Do we want food on the table or 300 presents in the lounge?’
She said: “Christmas is not about the volume of gifts, but the thought that goes into it.”
Words by Tianna WIlliamsImage: You can start diving at the age of ten.
Photo credit: Tianna Williams
1. Used vape cartridges are an increasing environmental issue and is a concern in Cardiff, a councillor has said.
2. Due to increased popularity regulations must be brought in about the environmental impact they have.
3. Cardiff council confirmed that vape cartridges cannot be disposed in recycling either, as the plastic cartridges may be contaminated.
4. “People just don’t know how to get rid of them; I found one in my garden which someone threw over the fence!”
-Councillor Andrea Gibson
Embroidery artist Ophelia Dos Santos explains how she found her role in climate activism, without getting arrested
Embroidery artist and climate activist Ophelia Dos Santos has a lot to say about climate protesting, as there is a lot more at stake for people of colour.
“I agree that activism is needed,” said the 24-yearold during the run up to an Extinction Rebellion protest last month.
“However, protesting is more inaccessible for anyone who isn’t white. You can’t ask someone who is black to do something that could cause suspicion.”
She fortunately hasn’t experienced negativity for being mixed race, but she knows for other people in Cardiff this isn’t the case. This gave her the inspiration to host textile workshops in her grandfather’s old carpentry studio.
Coming from a family of artists; her grandfather was a carpenter, and her father a stonemason, her pursuit to explore her artistic skills was always encouraged.
Even though she has roots in Cape Verde, it took Dos Santos a while to recognise her heritage. While growing up her main focus was on her Cleft lip which was an insecurity
throughout her teenage years. She said, “Growing up I always had an identity crisis; though my school was predominantly White, and I am a very fair mixed-race person, race didn’t even cross my mind. It was a privilege that I had that I didn’t have to acknowledge.”
Although she didn’t associate her identity with being different, she realised why she was uncomfortable in certain situations. She highlighted that action only by White people, ignores other people’s backgrounds, and there is so much to learn from Black, Brown, and Indigenous cultures, especially about climate change.
Dos Santos acknowledged there are many people from this community in Cardiff that are unable to partake in climate protests. She said, “It’s important to highlight that climate action is whatever you think it is, and whatever you think it can be.”
Dos Santos is always eager to think of the future and is currently considering a master’s degree in religious studies and ethics. “We are in this society where it is rise and grind, and if you’re having too much fun, you’re doing it wrong. You can have the best of both worlds; I still have so much time, what’s the rush?”
‘Climate action is whatever you think it is, and whatever you think it can be’Photo credit: Opehlia Dos Santos
Models: Daniel Wassell and Oliver Parker Location: Kynance Cove; Cornwall Photographer: Tianna Williams
“Anyone fancy a pint?” says your phone as the group chat lights up with notifications to form a plan for the evening. After spending the day working from home you haven’t gone outside let alone see another human, and the social interaction would be good. As you contemplate this idea, you check your bank balance. Overdrawn. You text back: “Can’t tonight, maybe another time.”
The cost-of-living crisis has an impact on everyone, but for young people there is a need for concern as loneliness increases. In the last year, 13% of people in Wales were found to be lonely, according to the Welsh Government, with young people most likely to feel loneliness. This figure may not seem like a large number but that is approximately 390,000 of the Welsh population and based on the 2020 national survey is around 78,000 young people, which hasn’t decreased since the pandemic.
Inflation reached a staggering 11% in October this year, which is a 41-year high. As people save up for their next purchase of toilet paper (a pack of nine is £9.50) fewer people can afford to go out. Especially since the average price of a pint has risen by more than 7% since 2020. With 53% of people saying they miss having people around them, are there other ways to see friends and be social, that doesn’t cost half of your weekly food shop?
After the pandemic Lowri Price assumed her social life would be buzzing. She wanted to make up for the time lost during her university years, when her
socialising was stolen from her due to the pandemic. However, with the cost-of-living crisis this has become less of a priority. The 22-year-old from Glamorgan said loneliness has been enhanced by the transition from adolescence to adulthood. She now feels like she has to deal with difficulties on her own.
Price said the cost-of-living crisis has impacted the way she fills her free time. Normally she would socialise with friends, now she feels like this is a luxury.
She said: “Having to worry about being able to survive is obviously taking priority over having a social life right now.”
Price put partying with her friends on hold, as she picked up extra hours working in her local pub instead.
The importance of social interaction has been shown in various scientific studies, and socialising shouldn’t be a luxury, as it is a function in human nature.
The isolated impact Robin Hewings says the rise of loneliness in young people is concerning. The director of the Campaign
to End Loneliness says chronic longterm loneliness has increased since the pandemic, especially in young people.
He said: “Before the cost-ofliving crisis, income was already a good indicator for the relationship between loneliness and low income. “And it doesn’t just affect social interactions, but romantic relationships too.”
Hewings said older people have already built-up resilience and established key relationships in their lives, which young people have yet to start. He said with the cost-of-living increasing, dating and establishing new relationships may not be a priority. Especially when Brits spend £1280 per year on daterelated activities.
Building relationships from dating by using dating apps is a popular method for meeting new people. However, Hewings said that you should still be mindful when using mobile phones.
The director said to use them to connect to people and not compare as, “Instagram is just showing off the most glamorous part of their lives.”
Social activities, however beneficial they are, don’t always have to mean active sports such as joining running groups or team games. Knitting has been on the rise since Tom Daley was seen knitting poolside at the Olympics to help manage stress, and for Amy Palmer it was for the same reason. The founder
of the Cardiff Knit and Crochet Club started knitting when she was studying at university. Palmer said that knitting helped her to make friends and feel less lonely during lockdown.
When it comes to meeting new people, she said: “Crafting is great as you know straight away you will have something in common with others.”
It is free to join many knitting clubs, as it is a network for people to socialise and you bring your own materials. She said the average age turn out varies between mid 20’s to early 30’s, with the number of monthly meetings being requested to increase due to the popularity.
There have been many health benefits from knitting. The cost of knitting is cheaper than a sports club membership and can be done almost anywhere.
According to the Guardian, there is a misconception that knitting is an expensive hobby, when handspun, naturally dyed British yarn can cost as little as £3. Although to buy clothing new is very cheap on the high-street, you can make your own for as little as £12 according to The Invisible Woman. Furthermore, to knit your own jumper can cost £25 which is cheaper than annual memberships for many sporting clubs, and you get the satisfaction from making it yourself.
However, the most cost-effective way of reducing loneliness is by getting outdoors. Hewings said there are many benefits being surrounded by nature, and it’s for free. Next time your phone lights up with a notification from the group chat you don’t have to reject seeing friends due to the cost of a pint, maybe suggest just taking a walk instead.
Images: Top centre; On the edge. 53% of people saying they miss having people around them. Bottom left; Get outdoors. Being surrounded by nature helps to reduce the feelings of loneliness.
“Instagram is just showing off the most glamorous part of their lives.”
“ Being able to survive is obviously taking
priority over having a social life ”