On Wednesday 11th December, Flourish Together CICĀ andĀ Stockport Race Equality Partnership (S-Rep) joined forces toĀ celebrate the incredible journey of social enterprise weāve shared with Greater Manchester and Stockport communities throughout 2024.
Following the success of our 2022 event, this festive Multicultural Christmas Celebration brought together womenās organisations from both networks to showcase the breadth of activity, support and range of creative, cultural, wellbeing and entrepreneurial services and goods they provide. The space was filled with social enterprisers, innovators, friends, and families to embrace the true spirit of community and inclusivity.
It was great to have support from the Peoples Powerhouse as Abbie Bradshaw collected opinions on upcoming community projects they’re undertaking across Manchester. And Chiamaka Ihemanma from Stockport Council public health department came to spread awareness about breast cancer.
At the heart of our celebration was a vibrant market stall run by our talented changemakers;
Askin Beauty | retinol and collagen face cream for sensitive skin
VTCreation – Environmentally sustainable fashion brand and teaches its importance through educative and upcycling workshops, and Clothing Swap events for women and children.
Sanctuary Cookalong CIC – Run various cooking workshops and events that are refugee led while learning English through recipes from peoples home countries.
Nubia: Wellness and Healing – Clinical Psychology Training and Consultancy specialising in African Centred approaches (Black Psychology) to improving emotional well-being in adults and children.
Badir Organics
These inspiring women showcased their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, offering a range of handmade crafts, baked goods, and unique gifts. The stall was not just a place to shop but a space to connect, share stories, and support local talent.
Our stall holders were joined by these organisations promoting their various projects:
Homepage – Equal Education Chances – Mary and her team engage, educate and empower young people and individuals living with disabilities in both England and Nigeria.
DeButterfly CIC – Provide culturally sensitive and appropriate specialist mental/emotional well-being support and advocacy to the women and youths in the BAME in Greater Manchester.
The Meteor – The Meteor is a not-for-profit, independent media co-operative – an alternative, radical, community-based publication for the people of Manchester.
Talk About Money – Empower people and communities to improve their financial resilience and achieve their goals by delivering community financial education, group financial coaching, bespoke training, family events and drop-in sessions.
WETA COMMUNITY CIC (@weta_empowerwomen) ā¢ Instagram photos and videos – Connect community through specially designed wellbeing and workshops through an innovative, therapeutic, holistic approach to building resilience.
Bollyfit Active CIC – A women’s only fitness community offers fun and interactive fitness sessions, allowing participants to achieve a happier, healthier, and more active lifestyle. Shamime and her ladies brought all the vibes and turned it into a true party! They had the crowd breaking a sweat after showing their dance moves.
Amid the hustle and bustle, we made sure everyone had the chance to unwind and recharge. Pop up spa therapist Tamara, alongside enterprise & learning manager Judith, held a relaxing massage room where attendees could enjoy a moment of self-care with either an Indian Head or Neck, back and shoulder massage. With holistic wellbeing as a core value of our business, It was wonderful to see the smiles of relief as the stresses of the year melt away, replaced by a sense of calm and gratitude.
No celebration is complete without delicious food, and ours was no exception! Thanks to Chef Lizzy, attendees enjoyed a diverse array of dishes, reflecting the multicultural essence of our community. From traditional Christmas treats to international flavors, every bite told a story of heritage and togetherness. To wrap our event was a performance of creativity, Sumaira Naseem and Daniella Edwards shared poems they had written detailing the strength of community spirit. The room buzzed with laughter and conversation.
As we step into 2025, we do so with hearts full of gratitude and determination. We are inspired by the women who lead, create, and innovate within our network, and we remain committed to fostering an environment where they can continue to flourish.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special event and to all who have supported us throughout the year. And thanks to Abba and S-Rep for collaborating on such as fantastic event. Hereās to a new year of shared success, new beginnings, and more reasons to celebrate.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!
