Quiches, sausage rolls, party rings, and plastic cups filled to the brim with orange squash – all staples of a British picnic.

However, in this Bristol park, hope was the main thing on the menu.

Funded via the ‘A Million Acts of Hope’ campaign, Migrant Help was able to support South West-based ‘Mothers for Mothers’ and ‘Trashëgimia – The Albanian Heritage Group’ to put on a picnic in the park – providing over 20 Albanian and Kosovan mothers and their children with the opportunity to relax, switch off, connect, and celebrate Children's Day in Albania.

As the name suggests, ‘Mothers for Mothers’ offers support and advice to women, birthing people, and their families across the Bristol area. One of the groups they support is the aforementioned ‘Trashëgimia’, a Community Interest Company (CIC) dedicated to preserving Albanian language and culture for future generations, while supporting their community to feel connected, empowered, and proud.

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With the British summer weather ever the contrarian, the sun decided to make an appearance after a morning of light drizzle. Safe in the knowledge that the picnic didn’t have to move inside, we decided to make camp beneath the canopy of towering trees. Slowly but surely, mothers and their children descended on the park, each with a smile growing bigger and warmer as they approached their community, their reminder of home.

Music from home echoed through the rented speakers, mothers danced traditional dances, providing a glimpse into their heritage. Children played, laughed, and escaped the grasp of someone dressed in a questionable Shrek costume. This was community and this was hope. 

 

Sitting down to have a chat with one of the attendees, she encapsulated it perfectly:

“The idea of coming together and helping people by sharing stories and experiences is very important to any community — not just ours, but all communities. Sharing and giving advice matters.”

The power of coming together, switching off, and leaning on others is unmatched. It was so clear to see the hope that was created through a simple picnic in a park. Because that is what hope is: simple, but vital.

“Hope is when you have someone or something to hold on to - it is the only thing that keeps you going and thinking about a better future. It’s a very powerful word, and the last thing to die.”

The immediate hospitality shown by attendees and organisers alike, in the form of ice lollies, sandwiches, and Albanian energy drinks, made me feel at ease as though I were an old friend.

Trashëgimia Director, Adriana, talked to me about this kindness and how it “plays such a key role in building relationships and communities”, also highlighting how “you never know what someone is going through, and we might never realise how important even a small act of kindness can be in making someone’s day brighter.”

Talking about her hopes for the future, she said: “I hope for a world with more kindness, empathy, and humanity, and for stronger communities, which is why events like this are so important. Everyone here lives in different areas of the city, so having the opportunity to gather together away from life’s stresses helps us escape from it all.”

Despite arriving as someone outside the community, I left feeling part of it, and grateful that there are community-led projects like this.

Speaking to our wonderful Community Liaison Coordinator (CLC), Mickell, who helped put this picnic together, she echoed my thoughts and said:

“It was so nice to be part of this and do something positive for the community. Events like this are so important, as they show unity, togetherness, and the sharing of ideas and culture.”

That feeling was challenged by a conversation I had with an attendee, who told me:

“I want people to give us the opportunity to adapt and integrate into the culture. It’s so simple — believe me, when someone gives me a smile, I give them two back.”

Although they were so willing to include me, they shared that this kindness is not always returned in everyday life — a reminder of why events like these matter.

“These things need to continue, because even though we live in the UK, it’s a multicultural society. We should allow people from different cultures to celebrate their heritage with others.” – Mickell, CLC

Not only do they provide an escape, but they allow people to connect, integrate, and share their culture with others. Because, as Adriana said, “hope is the feeling that keeps someone alive, and it should never end.”

The picnic was truly an event to remember, and a highlight of my time at Migrant Help, because it reinforced that small acts of hope can have a real impact, and reminded me:

“Fun, dance, music, and food — what more could someone want?” – Adriana