FAQs
Here, you can find all the information you need to figure out if this day is for you and what you need to do to prepare. If you have a question that is not answered here, please drop us an email at: info.africolab.uk@gmail.com with BPL in the subject line.
When is it?
Saturday 1st February 2025, 10am - 5:30pm
What are the timings for the day?
- We will start at 10am there will be fruit, teas, coffees and pastries available. - Lunch will be around midday/1pm - We will end by 5pm sharp. The timings may shift and move depending on what happens in the moment so please free up your time to be present for the whole time- if you have to have your phone on for a specific reason please do let us know
Can I arrive late/leave early?
Unfortunately not. It is important we all start the day together and end the day together. We have carefully planned the day to flow in order to get the most out of the time and to support our facilitators. We also realise we will be meeting people for the first time- it is hard to hold space with intention and care for all if folks arrive in the middle of a session, or leave before we have ended the day. We have lots of other offerings and we will be doing this session again- so perhaps join our mailing list and attend another time.
I have specific access needs- can i be supported?
Please email info.africolab.uk@gmail.com with BPL in the subject line
Who is this day for?
Global Majority people living or working in Hastings, Rother & East Sussex, who hold space for others in their lives. You might be an artist, creative, therapist, carer, nurse etc or you may have caring responsibilities outside of your work. You may have to hold specific racialised space in your work. This is a creative away day for those who are often left holding space to support others and who might not have a space to be held. Global Majority is a collective term that refers to people who are Black, Asian, Brown, indigenous to the Global South, dual-heritage with heritage from the Global South and/or racialized. We use this as it is a phrase that is more empowering than ethnic minority/BAME etc Holding Space for us means you are responsible for caring, the well being of another person and/or group. You might have to look after folks in high pressure or emotional situations as the space holder you often do not have space to centre your needs.
What if I can't make it?
Please let us know as soon as you can. Latest by 28th January midnight. This will support us to try and allocate your place to someone else. It will also allow us to make changes to our planning. If you cancel your spot after 28th January this becomes really tricky for us as it means we will still incur the costs of the spot without necessarily being able to re-allocate it. As we have had many folks cancel last minute or not turn up after booking we have put into place a rule which means for future free to attend ACL events we will have to ask for a deposit to secure your place. Please see our full cancellation policy below -Cancellation Requests: If you need to cancel your registration for the event, please notify us in writing at info.africolab.uk@gmail.com with your name and reason for cancellation by midnight on 28th January 2025. -Late Cancellation/No-shows: If you cancel after this date or are a no-show, you will be asked to pay a deposit to attend any future free-ticketed Afri-Co-Lab events with limited spaces. -Transfer of Tickets: If you cannot attend and would like to transfer your ticket to another person, please check in with us first via email at info.africolab.uk@gmail.com. Breathe Play Laugh is a curated event designed to meet the needs of everybody who attends. It's important for us to know who is attending so we can make sure everybody feels included and welcomed. -Cancellation or Postponement by the Organisers Event Cancellation Policy: In the unlikely event that Breathe Play Laugh is cancelled by Afri-Co-Lab or the venue, we will contact you as soon as possible. We will make every effort to reschedule the event. If we are unable to rearrange Breathe Play Laugh, you will be given priority for a spot at the next Breathe Play Laugh event.
How much does it cost?
It is free. What?! I know FREE. It is important for us to remove barriers to this type of rest and restorative practice as we know this is often a barrier for many to explore this type of space. The day is costed at around £170 per person and we have worked really hard to fundraise for this in order to make it free to all participants. Last minute cancellations and no-shows have a big impact on the day. The funds invested in your spot don't get used and it also affects our ability to secure funding for future events. . Additionally we often have more interest than space available, so when someone doesn't show up it means another person misses out.
How do I get there?
TRAIN The Nearest station is Bexhill (Southern) it is about a 10-15 minute walk on relatively level ground (no hills) BUS The Stagecoach Wave 99 bus runs between Eastbourne, Bexhill and Hastings every 20 minutes and stops right outside the De La Warr Pavilion. The number 98 goes through Sidley and Pebsham to Bexhill Town Centre BIKE Bike stands are situated at the front (north) entrance of the building next to the auditorium. If you need to support getting to the De La Warr we might be able to help you arrange a pick up/lift with another participant please drop us a line as soon as possible to info.africolab.uk@gmail.com
What do I need to bring?
We will be working indoors and we will also be moving so please wear or bring comfortable clothing and flat shoes/trainers. If you have a reusable water bottle please bring it. There will be time to reflect and write down thoughts so please bring a pen & notebook -if this is something you would like to do (we will have paper on the day)
How can I prepare for the day?
-We will send you a confirmation email to let you know that you have secured your place. -We will also be in touch with a gentle reminder -Finally, we will send you an email the day before our gathering with any last bits of info.
What can I expect to happen on the day?
We will meet at 10am for fruit, teas, coffees and pastries. We will meet and introduce each other. We will have one creative session in the morning led by Anna Maria and Deanne Then a group lunch together (provided by us) After lunch a creative session in the afternoon led by Birungi Kawooya More snacks and a closing of the space. There will be breaks and time to reflect throughout the day.
What can I expect to happen after the day?
We will be in touch to find out your thoughts and feedback of the day and we will continue to invite you with your permission to other events happening at Afri-Co-Lab
Who are our funders?
Necessity, Arts Council England and National Lottery
Who will be there?
The building will be open to the public but there it will probably be a little quieter than usual as there are no exhibitions on that weekend. Afri-Co-Lab’s Anna Maria & Deanne will be with you all day and your main points of contact and we will be joined by artist and facilitator Birungi Kawooya
I am not an artist/creative/mover/ is that okay?
Yes - of course! Though we are using creative and artistic practices throughout the day there is no experience or specific skills needed- just an openness to try and meet the exercise with wherever you are at.