Mentoring ladies from charity Refugee Resource
‘Because this is very big journey for me. It is not easy, it is not easy. I am sitting at home, and if someone motivates me, it is really good, you cant imagine, it is my dream. ' Participant
Maymessy will provide a “breathing space”, both literal and metaphorical.
Mentoring 7 women into work from Refugee Resource women’s group
Maymessy has been mentoring 7 women over the last 18 months from Refugee Resource charity to set up their own food related businesses. Ideas have been a samosa stall, a hibiscus juice bar and take away cultural meals.
Maymessy has brought in 18 successful business women to support these women in a kind and nurturing way. We have set up training and peer to peer support groups to skill the ladies up and build up confidence levels.
‘And knowing new people, and you know when you come from abroad, it is very difficult to be part of the community, be shy, cannot speak easily. But this project... broke the barrier, and the people become nearer and nearer.’ Participant
Many of these the women have volunteered their time to help the ladies in marketing, labelling, branding and social media. We have had visits to Wolvercote farmers market, Anna at Yellow Submarine cafe, and Jo at Childrey Stores and a food photographer Sophie Carson.
‘Some lady come there and show me how she start the journey and I feel so happy for her and I am thinking if she can do it, we can do these things... And now I am thinking yeah, if someone give me support and help then one day I will do things... And like my confidence build up from Maymessy – she pushed me, she gave motivation to do these things and I’m really, really happy. And now I am standing at this point and I want to think starting my own business right now.’ Participant
Thanks to The People’s Health Trust for this grant
Please read more about this project -thanks to Isabel -Little Red Writing Agency
