20th February, 2017.
Press Release:
Making Social Connections!

*The Exchange Collaborative will be holding an event on Monday 27 February, as part of an initiative that aims to improve social connection amongst women of migrant and refugee backgrounds.

Reducing social isolation workshop is organised by a group of six organisations, and will take place at Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust between 9:30am - 1:30pm. This is a unique opportunity for women to share their feelings with other women in similar situations and together, work towards improving social connection and supporting each to build on thoughts, ideas and experiences. There is a small investment fund available to help develop collaborative project plans.

The Collaborative has made a few short films of women who have overcome social isolation, which will be shared during the workshop.
Denise Bijoux, the Collaborative spokesperson, believes that connections takes a lot of courage especially when you can't speak English.
‘Through the filming of the short films it has been encouraging to hear so many stories of kindness and support and how that has really helped new Kiwi women courageously connect and move out of social isolation’, Denise added.

‘The stories we are filming offer the wisdom of experience - some arrived here many years ago, others only in the past few years. Each story and woman is, of course, unique but there are some common elements including bravery, openness, kindness and laughter. And the legacy of isolation and overcoming it still guides them today.’

Come to the workshop on 27 February and develop your ideas for enabling women of migrant and refugee backgrounds connect. Creche is available and the workshop includes lunch. To register, please RSVP to judith@positivewomen.nz.

For media inquiries, please contact Shoma Prasad, Communication Manager at Auckland Regional Migrant Services at communications@arms-mrc.org.nz or phone on 09 625 3095.

*The Exchange Collaborative is made up of the following Organisations:
·         Auckland Regional Migrant Services
·         New Zealand Ethnic Women Inc.
·         Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust
·         Positive Women Inc.
·         Multi Educational Support Trust
·         New Zealand Red Cross

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