“Our weekly sessions with Ein Cegin have been a wonderful way to bring our service users together to learn new skills and enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed and friendly environment. Facilitators Josh and Tom are so skilled in creating an atmosphere where stories can be shared and knowledge exchanged, all while cooking and eating beautiful fresh food together. Each week, our guests have told us how much they enjoy the sessions and what a positive experience it has been for them, giving them the chance to socialise and practise their language skills without feeling self-conscious. Sharing a meal together at the end of each session is the perfect way to break down barriers and celebrate new friendships forged between participants, Ein Cegin facilitators and members of the Ceredigion Council Refugee Support team. We hope to continue to work together and watch the sessions grow and develop. Diolch Ein Cegin!”
Rebecca Thomas, Ceredigion Council
“Working with Ein Cegin has been a delight! They are thoughtful, kind and extremely efficient. Their ability to adapt to the needs of the group they are working with is exemplary, and their capacity to include everybody is commendable.
From the first session each individual within group felt heard. Their opinions and ideas were validated through their inclusion in the planning stages to the end result. The group loved being part of this project. Their confidence grew through the use of the tools and their inclusion in decision making. Their interest in food production was stimulated and they were challenged to try new tastes and textures.”
Vikki Ray, DYMA NI project
“The cooking sessions at the ICC were amazing-such great opportunities for families to try new things-learn new skills and make new friends in the company of your team who were so welcoming, encouraging and supportive. The results were amazing and yummy too-and the provision of veg boxes for everyone to be able to experiment at home topped it off! As staff, we learnt new things about our families-and ourselves through these sessions-informal conversations in a supportive , family friendly setting based around healthy food encouraged openness and sharing.”
Mary, Flying Start
“It’s had the biggest impact on my mental health. It’s encouraged me to actually leave my house which is something I usually struggle with. You’ve done more for my mental health than I expected.”