Bringing the Community Together: Migration, Mental Health & Managing Stress

Bringing the Community Together: Migration, Mental Health & Managing Stress

Event Date:                 1st August 2025
Location:                     Marlborough Road Community Hub, Salford
Organised by:             Community Engagement and Involvement Group (CEIG) – Manchester
In partnership with:   Ethnic Health Forum & Manchester Global Foundation

Facilitator:                   Rima Nserat
Guest Speaker:           Nabila Tarannum Khan, PhD, Research Fellow, University of                                                 Manchester

A New Beginning for Community Conversations

On 1st August, the newly formed Community Engagement and Involvement Group (CEIG) in Manchester held its very first gathering. Hosted at the warm and welcoming Marlborough Road Community Hub in Salford, the event brought together residents, community leaders, and researchers in an open conversation around migration, mental health, and how we manage stress in our daily lives.

This was more than just a meeting—it was a moment of connection. It marked the start of something deeply needed: a safe, inclusive space where people from all walks of life could come together, share experiences, and support each other in navigating life’s challenges.

This gathering transcended a mere meeting—it represented a significant moment of connection. It signified the beginning of a much-needed initiative: a secure and inclusive environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds could unite, exchange experiences, and provide mutual support in facing life’s challenges.

A Multilingual, Multicultural Approach

To ensure everyone felt seen and heard, the session was delivered in English, Arabic, and Urdu, reflecting the diversity of our local communities. This made it possible for participants to fully engage in a language they felt comfortable with, removing barriers and building trust from the start.

Our Guest Speaker: Nabila Tarannum Khan

We were honoured to welcome Nabila Tarannum Khan, a PhD Research Fellow at the University of Manchester, who brought a wealth of international clinical experience to the session. Nabila has worked with communities in Myanmar, Iraq, Syria, and Sri Lanka, offering psychological support to displaced individuals and families affected by trauma and uncertainty.

At our event, she gently guided us through a deeply reflective session titled “Emptying Your Cup.” The focus was on recognising our stress, understanding its symptoms, and learning how to create space for our emotional well-being.

 

 

What Happened in the Room

The room was filled with warmth and openness as people shared their stories—some heavy, some hopeful. We explored the physical, mental, and behavioural signs of stress, and together we completed a simple stress scale to help everyone understand their emotional state.

Nabila then led us through a calming breathing technique, paired with soft music, creating a moment of peace that many said they had not experienced in a long time. We ended the session with coffee, smiles, and conversations—new friendships were made, and people lingered long after the formal session ended, simply enjoying being together.

A Community Effort

The event was made possible through the support of Ethnic Health Forum and Manchester Global Foundation, two organisations deeply committed to the health and empowerment of marginalised communities. Their partnership was instrumental in helping us reach a diverse audience and ensure the event was grounded in local needs.

Why It Mattered

This was not just a workshop—it was a turning point. It reminded us that mental health is a shared concern, and healing begins when we feel safe enough to speak, listen, and be heard.

We saw firsthand the power of culturally sensitive, inclusive engagement. Many participants expressed how meaningful it was to talk about mental health in their language, in a space that respected their background and experience.

What is Next?

This is just the beginning. We plan to:

• Host follow-up sessions based on feedback from attendees.
• Co-create future activities with community members to ensure their voices guide the process.
• Build partnerships that support long-term engagement and mental well-being.
• Share what we have learned with other CEIG groups and research teams to strengthen community-led research and mental health awareness.

Final Thoughts

Our first CEIG event in Manchester showed what is possible when people come together with open hearts. It affirmed the importance of human-centred, community-led work, and we are excited to continue building on this momentum, one conversation, one connection at a time.