Black Woman Kindness Initiative celebrated the success of the National Lottery funded project Building Resilience through self-care for Black Woman at the end of project celebration on Saturday 17 September at Ilford Central library.

Guest speakers Chloe Pierre, founder of Thyself and author of Black Woman’s Guide to Wellness, and Eugenie Burton, fitness and lifestyle coach and motivational speaker, both came to support the event and share their experiences as Black Women in business.

Community service providers and partners Healthwatch Redbridge, Community Links, Positive East, BeWise, and Vision Redbridge all had stalls offering information and advice on their services available in the borough.

The highlight of the event was the reveal of the patchwork quilt titled Blackwoman2Blackwoman self-love. On the project, women were invited to write an affirmation that they would like to receive from another Black woman whether it be a relative, friend, sister, or colleague.

The quilt contains 30 affirmations and was designed by talented quilt designer Anya Alexandra, 16, from South London. Seeing the finished designed was a very emotional and joyous moment for all the people involved. The quilt will now be displayed at Ilford Central Library and SPACE Art Gallery have also been approached to exhibit the art piece. The celebration ended with an hour of networking and canapés.

This project provided women a space to talk, share, reflect, and connect. It highlighted the importance of providing spaces like this, where women of colour can feel un-judged, safe and supported, which has a positive impact on their mental and emotional wellbeing.

Participants of the project were also guest speakers and shared with the audience the impact the project has made on their lives and how they have set up a WhatsApp group to continue the support and connection that has been created between them.

Cherrill Hutchinson, founder of the Black Woman Kindness Initiative, said:

“This event has been absolutely amazing, all the work put into it to make it happen was definitely worth it, especially when you look around and see the smiles of the women involved. But the work doesn’t stop here – it’s so important to have these spaces.

“I hope there’s a commissioning body, council, sponsor… someone listening prepared to keep it going. We also want the patchwork quilt to be displayed in schools and galleries – it tells a story which needs to be heard.”

A participant said:

“Being part of this project has enabled me to take the time to slow down, make new friends, feel valued and now put my self-care at the top of this list, because I am important too.”

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