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Spring news from Curious Motion

Hello <<First Name>>

There has been lots going on since I last wrote to you! We have some very exciting things coming up - including a special summer event, and an exciting workshop inspired by a wonderful woman of Calderdale, Anne Lister! 
We're also shining a spotlight on people seeking sanctuary and the kindness and compassion that flows through our lovely valley. The orange heart is a symbol for a more compassionate and humane approach to supporting refugees, and there is no better time to share it!

We've had the pleasure of working with local refugee children recently, and we've been supporting national campaigns, such as Together With Refugees via the brilliant St Augustine's and Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary - here I am at the #ShowYourHeartCalderdale event a couple of weeks ago.
Our classes and Happiness Lab workshops are also flourishing - new dates are about to be confirmed and will be in your inbox shortly! We've worked with 137 people in Calderdale's lower valley in the past two months alone. Plus there's some new ways to take part on the horizon - find out more below.

With love, Sam x

SAVE THE DATE!

We are excited to announce a special evening event to celebrate our Elland’s Happiness Lab project! There’ll be:
  • An exhibition of writing and drawing from local people
  • The premiere of a beautiful film, featuring lots of our participants!
  • A very special performance
We’ll also enjoy some food together and time to chat. You don't want to miss it!
Friday 15th July 2022
7pm - 9pm
Sykes Hall, Southgate Church, Elland

Be in the show!


Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be in a performance?
Got something to say about the theme of Happiness in Elland?

 
We are looking for people from all walks of life who live in or near Elland to be part of the performance at our July event. We want to celebrate and share local stories of happiness through a short performance made by and with our local community.
 
It’s open to everyone - you don’t need any previous experience, and it will be an accessible opportunity where you are fully supported to take part in the way you would like. You can expect to have fun, connect with others, and make memories you’ll cherish.
 
If you’d like to know more, we’d love to hear from you! Contact Sam on hello@curiousmotion.org.uk for more information.

Supporting Children Seeking Sanctuary

We’ve been connecting with refugee families local to Elland in various ways since the first lockdown in 2020. Thanks to generous support from IVE, we’ve recently been working specifically with children and young people.

Here we are in Hullen Edge Park last week at our new ‘Rainbow Art Trail’ workshop – a special collaboration with local artist Catherine Davis that involved searching for special origami flowers to find the colours of the rainbow, and then time to make our own.
 
It has been a privilege and a joy to connect with these wonderful children and their families and we are working on making more happen! Feedback has been very positive:
 
"We had a great time today! Our family is so grateful for your kindness and the time you spent with us"
- parent, Elland
 
"Working with Curious Motion has been fantastic. They have supported us to integrate families seeking sanctuary throughout Calderdale in a positive, sensitive and inclusive way. It has had a hugely positive impact on the people we support in helping us to show people that Calderdale is a welcoming place. It has also given vulnerable families an opportunity to experience new things and to help improve people’s confidence"  
- Adrian Bell, Integration Programme Co-ordinator, St Augustine's Centre
We are also very proud members of Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary! Check out this lovely video about us, made as part of their Welcome Project series.
You can help us continue our work with refugees, and tackle loneliness in Calderdale when you shop online!

Curious Motion is now registered with easyfundraising, which means you can raise FREE donations for us every time you shop online. Over 6,000 shops and sites will donate to us when you use easyfundraising to shop with them – at no extra cost to yourself!

These donations really mount up and make a BIG difference! We’d really appreciate it if you could sign up and support us. It’s completely FREE and only takes a moment.
SIGN UP TO SUPPORT US

Anne Lister Birthday Workshop

Since the launch of the popular BBC and HBO series, Gentleman Jack, filmed here in Calderdale, Anne has gained a huge following of people from around the world! Anne was a remarkable woman, business owner, entrepreneur, scholar, and lesbian. For many, she represents a sense of community never experienced before, and Halifax has become a special place where people can share in this together. 
 
To celebrate her birthday, there are lots of opportunities across Calderdale to follow in Anne’s footsteps; celebrating her life, work, and Calderdale itself. We're delighted to offer a workshop as part of the celebrations!

Join us for a fun and informal movement workshop, inspired by Anne’s unique mannerisms brilliantly captured by Suranne Jones in Gentleman Jack. We’ll focus on building confidence, moving with freedom, and celebrating individuality.
Tuesday 5th April
The Green Room Bar, Victoria Theatre, Halifax
1pm - 2pm: movement workshop
2pm - 2.30pm: refreshments and time to chat

Pay as You Feel
BOOK NOW

Have your say on health, wellbeing & creativity in Calderdale

We are creating our very first 'Sounding Board' - an informal steering group of local instigators who will help to shape our work, ensuring that we are always led by local people's needs and aspirations.

This is a great opportunity for anyone local to Calderdale to have their say on creativity for health and wellbeing in the lower valley and across the borough. The Sounding Board will meet at various intervals through the year - we'll enjoy some food together (on us!) and explore ideas and thoughts relevant to our work.

It you're interested in being involved we'd love to hear from you! Email Sam on hello@curiousmotion.org.uk

Sam recommends...

There's a lot going on in the world - here's some helpful resources, both local to Calderdale and further afield, to help navigate challenging times:

Support Ukraine - a small act of kindness to support people affected by world events can help us cope with situations that seem out of our control. This fundraiser by Choose Love is a great way to make a difference.

Calderdale's Better Living Service - this is a free service for Calderdale residents who would like some support making lifestyle changes. We had the pleasure of meeting their lovely team recently, and they are keen to chat to anyone who wants to find out more.

Workshops with Healthy Minds - Calderdale's local mental health charity offer lots of workshops and activities for anyone who needs support.
Sending love and do keep in touch
Sam and the team at Curious Motion x
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