Building connections through creativity: Reflections from the Creative Minds Migrants Table

At West Kent Mind, we believe that creativity has the power to bring people together, build confidence, and support positive mental wellbeing. Over the past several months, our Creative Minds Migrants Group has done exactly that, creating a welcoming space where people from diverse backgrounds could connect, express themselves, and form meaningful friendships.
With thanks to Jon Oram, Programme Lead
“From the outset, we knew we would need to be proactive in encouraging people to join the group. Working closely with a friend who teaches English as a Second Language (ESOL) at Tonbridge Adult Education Centre, we were able to visit classes and promote the group ahead of its launch. This outreach proved invaluable, and without it, we may not have had any migrant participants at all.
Holding the sessions at Tonbridge Adult Education Centre was also a significant advantage. Not only was it a familiar environment for some attendees who were already studying English there, but it was also centrally located and easily accessible by public transport.
The group initially welcomed twelve participants, representing a rich variety of backgrounds and experiences. Members joined us from Syria, Hong Kong, China, Ukraine, Argentina, South Africa, and the UK. While some participants were already known to us through previous Mind groups or community connections, many were meeting for the first time.
One of the strengths of the project was the support available to participants. Language abilities varied considerably, and we were determined that a lack of fluency in English should never be a barrier to participation. Thanks to the support of wellbeing workers and volunteers, participants were able to receive individual encouragement and support whenever needed.
We respected a lot of participants initial reluctance to talk about their experiences as refugees. Only later did some voluntarily speak of it. Trying to imagine the distress  and complexity of being displaced from everything you have is impossible. But their positivity warmth and the friendships they made was humbling and inspiring.
Throughout the programme, participants took part in a wide range of creative activities designed to encourage self-expression, confidence, and connection. These included:
  • Making pop-up cards
  • Designing and decorating envelopes
  • Creating flying birds on sticks
  • Decorating a collaborative tree sculpture
  • Music and singing activities
  • Learning a traditional Ukrainian dance taught by one of the participants
  • Improvisation and drama games
  • Creating personal “Exhibitions in a Suitcase” as a final project
These activities provided opportunities for communication that went beyond words, allowing people to share experiences, talents, and aspects of their culture in a supportive environment.
Lasting Impact
Despite some challenges, the impact of the group was overwhelmingly positive. Everyone who attended participated enthusiastically in the activities and contributed to the warm and welcoming atmosphere that developed over time.
Friendships were formed, confidence grew, and participants had opportunities to share their cultures, experiences, and creativity with one another. Those who remained until the end of the programme spoke warmly about their experience and expressed genuine sadness that the group was coming to a close.
The Creative Minds Migrants Group demonstrated the powerful role that creativity can play in bringing people together across cultures and languages. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated, supported, and contributed to making the project such a success.
As we reflect on what we’ve learned, we look forward to building on these experiences and continuing to create inclusive opportunities that support wellbeing, connection, and belonging within our communities.”