Community Facilitators

Saada Osman: Higsad Alool Weavers 

Saada works to support Somali women in Sheffield take part in a range of events. She organises physical activities like walking and chairobics in the Darnall area and also acts as an interpreter for them when needed. Saada is a Community Facilitator with Common Threads and previously worked as Community Producer on Hinterlands where she programmed cross-cultural events with women in Darnall. Saada helped to found the Higsad Alool Weavers, a group of Somali women living in Darnall who practise and teach traditional Somali weaving as part of the Common Threads Festival. 

Hui Lai Ming: Re: Water

Ming is a co-founder of Re-Water, started in December 2021—an arts and community platform where Hong Kong culture keeps flowing through cultural diversity, freedom of expression, and the philosophy of fluidity, like water. In Sheffield, she invites communities to connect and live beautifully together, from a Lunar New Year party to our Mid-Autumn Fest—collaborating with the Museum Trust every year. As an organiser and performer, Ming brings Hong Kong stories to life through street works inspired by Lo Ting (盧亭), and through community projects such as the Lennon Flag Project, where people knit together to create and collect flags—turning shared hands into shared hope. Instagram: @rewater_sheffield

Charu Asthana: SuNrit Culture Group

Charu is a producer, performer and educator specialising in Indian dance, cultural heritage and community arts. Sunrit Culture creates inclusive spaces to experience and share Indian traditions and culture, celebrating South Asian heritage through music, dance, creative arts, and shared celebrations. If you’re interested in arts, culture, festivals, or volunteering follow them on social media @sunrit_culture, come and say hello at an event, or email them at sunritculture@gmail.com.

Drew Simms: Craft Social at Gut Level and Peak Queer Adventures 

Drew (they/them) is a lifelong knitter who has gradually acquired most other yarn crafts over the years. They are a volunteer and organiser in LGBT+ groups throughout Sheffield and nationally. Amongst these, Drew runs a monthly craft group at Gut Level in association with Peak Queer Adventures. To come along, all you need is a Gut Level membership. Craft groups run 5pm-10pm the second Wednesday of every month, unless listed otherwise.

Chris Attwell: Manor Weavers

The Manor Weavers are a Sheffield based group of weavers and spinners who meet weekly on a Wednesday morning. Their roots are a Workers Education Association (WEA) course in the 90’s, which was set up to encourage people to enjoy the creativity and satisfaction of making their own textiles, some of the group became so interested in textiles they went on to study the subject and gain qualifications in weaving. Originally the group was based on the Manor, hence the name, but they are now at St Johns Church on Bernard Street. They are a friendly and supportive peer led group, and welcome anyone who is able to attend regularly and interested in textile craft. Anyone who attends can use their weaving equipment, including a couple of spinning wheels, and 10 four shaft Harris looms. so no need to bring your own loom. If your interested in knowing more contact Manor Weaver via email manorweavers@gmail.com or Instagram  @manor_weavers