Blossoms: Reem's Story

Our Blossoms workshops continue to support both local and refugee women in North Africa. These workshops use art and drama therapy to help women emotionally process and express their difficult experiences in a safe environment.

Reem* is a lady in her 30s who attended one of our Blossoms workshops this year. On the last day of the workshop, her eyes were bright with excitement. She had a permanent, glistening smile. A member of our team decided to approach her to ask her about her experience of the workshop. She answered our questions with the same sparkle of joy that was written on her face.

Q: What prompted you to attend  Blossoms?

Reem: I was going through difficult circumstances. I was praying that God might provide me with a way out. The next day, a friend of mine called me and asked me if I wanted to join her at a workshop on mental health. I attended, and I found my way out. I truly felt that my prayer was heard. I was in real need of such a workshop.

Q: How has it impacted you?

Reem: Even though my circumstances have not changed, I have discovered exactly what my problem is and what I need to do to help myself. I learned to define my feelings and never to deny them, but rather allow myself to feel them.

Q: Do you have a highlight from the experience?

Reem: I have actually attended many mental health workshops before, but this was my first women’s only group. Here, I experienced the power of women gathering together. We provide great support to each other because we can understand and appreciate each other’s feelings. I realised that the women here all share the same psychology, even though we come from different cultural backgrounds.

Q: What has changed for you as a result what you’ve learned?

Reem: I now know what my goals and priorities are. I know where I am, where I want to go, and what tools will help me to get there. Before the workshop, I had difficulties in relating with some people in my life. But now that I understand what I am going through, I am able to reconnect with those people again. I am very happy and thankful to you; the workshop was incredibly timely for me.

Stay tuned for more stories of unstoppable hope from our women’s projects, coming soon!

*pseudonym