4 minute read
Think Global Act Local
We have been reading, learning and educating ourselves every day and more importantly donating to causes globally.
We know there is more we can do, so we want to start locally and support BAME charities and initiatives in Wales by amplifying their voices, donating funds and learning from the experiences of those they support.
Challenging negative stereotypes about ethnic diversity and to increase awareness and understanding about the diverse communities who live in Wales, improving community cohesion.
ETHNIC MINORITIES & YOUTH SUPPORT TEAM WALES
Here’s a list of a few we have found, if you can, take a look at their websites, social media and the information they produce. We’ll continue to do what we can, but silence isn’t the answer, real action and change is.
HYPE CYMRU
A BME mental health initiative, Helping Young People Through Empowerment. discussing mental health and promoting the green prescription.
BAWSO
An All-Wales accredited support provider delivering quality services to Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities. Victims and people affected or at risk of by Domestic Abuse and all forms of violence.
RACE EQUALITY FIRST
RACE COUNCIL CYMRU
Providing support, advice, leadership and an influential voice for people who face discrimination, harassment, hate crime and disadvantage.
Bringing together key organisations within Wales to cooperate on promoting integration, championing justice and race equality in institutions and society.
THE CENTRE FOR AFRICAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Providing activities, resources and opportunities for BAME people who are furthest away from the labour market.
GLITTER CYMRU
Glitter Cymru is a Cardiff based social meet-up group for Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic (BAME) people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Trans (LGBT+)
WOMEN CONNECT FIRST
Women-only charity empowering BAME women to improve lives in Cardiff & SE Wales promoting integration and diversity through training & services.
Home Work
If like us you have more time on your hands here’s some simple ideas that will keep you busy and change up your interiors, all for very little cost!
WRITTEN BY ANNIE & LOLO
DECLUTTERING This was our first job! Cleaning out cupboards, bagging up unwanted goods and getting reacquainted with items you thought you had lost. Decluttering doesn't just have to stop at unseen cupboards, declutter visible spaces like shelves too. Shelves can take on a new life with gaps, and non symmetric displays.
We’re all thinking the same thing, now is the perfect time to clear out. But with charity shops closed it's the perfect opportunity to put ‘one person's rubbish is another person’s treasure’ to the test.
Why not check in to see if they would be useful to others? Post them on Facebook marketplace, WhatsApp groups or even displayed outside ‘garage sale’ style. There's some great finds to be had, just be careful that your decluttering wasn’t in vain!
DECORATING Before you start decorating, check to see what old paint you have lying around. We both managed to get feature walls out of the remains of pots we had previously used.
If you want to inject some colour, Aspirations UK are based on Broad Street in Barry and online and they’re taking orders for Frenchic furniture paint. There’s so many colours for different upcycling ideas.
If you want to avoid the mess, changing up your pictures can be as good as painting, it gives walls and rooms a fresh look and a new found appreciation of certain pieces.
We are keen picture on walls, the less conventional the better. Think outside the box, don't just frame pictures or prints!
Finally try rearranging your furniture. Moving the odd piece even slightly away from the wall can create new interest in a room and won’t make it look smaller, it’s a misconception.
GREEN UP YOUR GAFF Adding plants to your home doesn’t just improve how it looks, it’s been proven to help with wellbeing, anxiety and even breathing. We are lucky in Barry to have The Happy Plant Co. locally for all your plant needs and questions, Dan is so knowledgeable and it’s great to see his smiley face when he personally delivers!
We also have some amazing plant pots online and in store to compliment your green beauties.
WORK SPACE / LIVING SPACE If you are working from home or home schooling, it’s a good idea to create a separate work space. Another room is ideal but if you haven’t got that luxury it could just be the end of the kitchen table.
Keeping everything you need to do your work, even if it just an hour everyday, at the end of the table with a chair lets everyone around you know that when you’re perched there you are working, and if you do have to leave and not tidy it away, you can separate it from mess and work.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GREAT SMELLS We are lucky that we both love similar smells. Our signature eucalyptus and peppermint candle was created by the amazing Thornbush Hill and not only smells like our shop so it provokes happy senses, but it hides a multitude of smells such as cooking and pets.
