At Great Places, we believe that healthy communities are built from the inside out, by supporting the wellbeing, confidence, and empowerment of individuals. That’s why we are proud to have supported WETA (Women’s Empowerment Through Art) through our Greater Together Resilience Fund, awarding £4,000 to help the organisation continue its vital work with South Asian women in Northmoor.
WETA is a community-led initiative that uses education, creativity, and cultural engagement to improve mental health and reduce isolation among women, particularly those who face barriers related to language, immigration, and social exclusion. At the heart of their approach lies a deep commitment to inclusivity, mutual respect, and community resilience, values that align closely with our own mission at Great Places.
A space to connect
WETA was born out of conversations with women in the community who felt invisible, cut off by cultural gaps, language barriers, and a lack of accessible, culturally sensitive services. In response, WETA created a safe, welcoming environment where women can connect, express themselves, and learn.
The workshops are rooted in the Five Ways to Wellbeing: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Give. Each session is designed to foster emotional, mental, and social wellbeing through creative activities and peer support. One of the most powerful and distinctive aspects of WETA’s work is its use of henna art, a practice deeply rooted in South Asian tradition.
Henna is more than decoration, it’s a cultural touchstone that carries beauty, meaning, and familiarity. For many participants, it’s a comforting entry point to engage with others and explore their creativity. Starting with simple patterns on paper and gradually advancing to more intricate designs on hands, candles, and journals, the workshops gently build confidence and artistic expression. The process is mindful and therapeutic, like meditation, but grounded in heritage.
Impact made possible by funding
The £4,000 grant from Great Places, part of our £100,000 Greater Together Resilience Fund, has been a catalyst for growth. It has enabled WETA to continue offering their unique henna-based wellbeing workshops and to expand the reach of their holistic support services.
This funding has had a profound impact on participants. Women who once felt isolated and hesitant are now finding their voices, regaining confidence, and even exploring new economic opportunities. Some have begun offering henna services at weddings and community events, turning their skills into income and gaining independence along the way.
The workshops also serve as a space for peer support and shared experience. One participant described the sessions as “like medicine, it helps me with my mental depression.” Another said, “It feels like home, the people here are like my second family.” During the pandemic, one woman lost her confidence and stopped speaking English. Through WETA, she found the courage to re-engage with the language and rebuild her self-esteem. Stories like these are powerful reminders of how creative, community-based support can change lives.
WETA doesn’t just help women survive, it helps them thrive. Several participants have taken on volunteer roles, and some have progressed to paid positions within the organisation. This journey from service user to leader highlights the sustainable, long-term impact of WETA’s work: empowering women not only to heal and grow, but to lift others up in turn.
Supporting WETA through our Community Investment team
Peter Crean, Community Partnership Manager at Great Places, has played an important role in WETA’s journey, providing invaluable support in bid writing and project development. Razia Shaikh-Patel (Founder and Director) and Ruhena Bibi (Wellbeing Facilitator) have praised his consistent encouragement and insight. It’s this kind of partnership, between organisations and community changemakers, that brings lasting value to our neighbourhoods.
“At Great Places, we believe that strong communities are built through inclusion, creativity and care. WETA embodies these values, and seeing women grow in confidence, reconnect through culture, and step into leadership is exactly the kind of impact we strive for.”
— Peter Crean, Community Investment Manager, Great Places Housing Group
Looking ahead
WETA continues to look to the future with hope and ambition. They aim to reach even more women through expanded workshops, new partnerships, and sustained community engagement. The need is clear and so is the potential.
At Great Places, we’re proud to invest in grassroots projects like WETA. When we empower people to take care of their wellbeing and foster deeper connections in their communities, everyone benefits. Our support of WETA is part of our broader commitment to building healthy, inclusive and resilient communities.
Want to get involved?
You can support WETA by volunteering, attending events, donating or simply spreading the word. When we lift each other up, we all flourish.
