This month’s Food with Friends event took place in the picturesque Green Room at the scenic Victoria Park Portsmouth, with a heartwarming theme: Art for Wellbeing, led by Ukrainian artist Nataliia Diomidova.
The simple Straw Painting activity was fun and engaging for all ages, encouraging participants to explore colour mixing and air pressure in a creative and tactile way. The simple yet expressive technique offered a sense of relaxation, joy, and therapeutic benefit, with many attendees describing the experience as both calming and creatively stimulating. The art activity was also supported by the brilliant Maricar Jagger.
Following the art activity, participants were encouraged to take a short mindful walk around the park. They enjoyed the peaceful environment, while learning about local flora and fauna, and connecting with nature. As they strolled around, they were encouraged to observe the diverse natural features of the landscape in the beautiful Victoria Park.
Later, participants enjoyed a delightful spread of delicious food. They feasted on an array of sandwiches, samosas, savory sausage rolls, and chicken wraps, complemented by juicy fruits and tempting cakes. The diverse and delicious food made the gathering genuinely enjoyable and fulfilling for all. With perfect weather for an outdoor picnic, many attendees savoured the tasty treats while enjoying the rare British sunshine.
For this month’s event, the delectable treats were prepared by a local business Bee’s Chai House. Female entrepreneurs from ethnic minority backgrounds often face challenges and demonstrate resilience. Supporting women-led small catering businesses can drive economic growth, promote gender equality, and foster a more inclusive society.
We were also thrilled to welcome Janet Probert, Trustee of Friends Without Borders, who has been a long-standing supporter of our community projects. We are grateful for the support we receive from other local community-based organisations.
Our monthly Food with Friends gatherings offer a welcoming space for new migrants to share a warm meal, connect with their community, and build friendships. This month, guests enjoyed the inspiring art activity, delicious food, beautiful surroundings, and most importantly, each other’s company. Food with Friends may be simple in concept, but its impact reaches far beyond the plate.
We’re already looking forward to our next Food with Friends!
