Cynefin - Our Welcome

In 2018 The Welfare Ystradgynlais explored what this means to their community through an animation project working with Ysgol Maesydderwen, Ysgol Dyffryn y Glowyr and Syrian families in Ystradgynlais.

Outcomes

• The  Welfare,  Ystradgynlais  had  the  opportunity to work with Syrian families in a focused, creative capacity  and  bring  in  professional  animation specialists to allow them to tell their stories. Cynefin engaged with the families creatively while offering new skills and an opportunity for The Welfare to engage with the wider community through film.
• The project strengthened relationships with local partnership organisations, such as the Josef Herman Foundation and local schools, as a direct result of the film education work carried out and the films that were created. This was evident by the well-attended community  screening,  which  was  successful  in bringing the community together and being a truly cross-cultural and intergenerational event.
• All participants gained first class creative, hands on experience from the workshop sessions. It allowed all participants to have a voice, learn new skills in scriptwriting, animation and music, as well as having the opportunity to see their work screened.

Successes

The project brought the community together through making & sharing animated films, made by community members of all ages and cultural backgrounds. The films raised awareness and highlighted how important young community members feel that providing refuge for Syrian and other families is. This was evident through both films, which were beautifully made, and had support from Hollywood actor Michael Sheen. There has been a number of requests for additional screenings, including from Hay, Brecon & Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees.