Creating space for mixed heritage families to connect

It may seem like any normal play session but to the families in attendance, it is so much more.

The Beyond the Mix team branched out in September to create a dedicated programme of events for mixed heritage families, filling “a massive need” in terms of space for children and their parents to connect, learn and share.

The sessions are held at different locations in Bristol and have attracted families from across the city and as far afield as Newport and Gloucester, with many attendees saying they have been crying out for something that gives them and their children a chance to come together.

“There was a gap in the market for it,” says Caprice Fox, one of the four women leading the project.

“It’s definitely been an opportunity for the adults to learn through the connections that have been made.

“Last month, one of the people said that they have really loved coming to the events because her little one has been asking quite a lot of heavy questions about race in particular and she almost didn’t know where to start. And so she’s been able to connect with other families like hers at these events and share parenting tips and knowledge, which was really lovely to hear.”

Beyond the Mix host sessions for mixed heritage children and their families – photo: Beyond the Mix

Born in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement and toppling of Colston’s statue in 2020, Beyond the Mix was founded as a safe space for mixed heritage women to connect.

It soon became apparent that there was a lack of dedicated opportunities for mixed heritage children and their families to come together, learn and share their own unique experiences – so the team set about creating such a space.

“We wanted children to have a safe place to meet other mixed heritage children and just grow the community so that parents become more confident in meeting the needs of children who have a different heritage to themselves, explains Sarah Lewis-Paul.

“And do it in quite a relaxed way where they can make new friendships and connections.”

Caprice, Sarah, Leanne and Laura Lewis-Paul found there was a “gap in the market” for dedicated mixed heritage family sessions – photo: Tasha Hylton

Sarah, along with sister Laura, Caprice and Leanne Lewis run Beyond the Mix. Meeting in Porto Lounge on Fishponds Road, Sarah, Caprice and Leanne reflect on why it is important to have safe spaces for people of mixed heritage.

“There is massive need for this,” says Sarah. “A lot of the conversations that came up would be around maybe it might have been better if your parents had done something when you were younger.

“Or going through your whole life not really knowing other mixed heritage people. It was that feeling of how it would be really great if we could help that not happen.”

Caprice adds: “The minute the Instagram page was created, there were families getting in contact asking what was happening and saying they’d been looking for something like this. So it’s been really special.”

Beyond the Mix have collaborated with We The Curious and other organisations to host events and sessions – photo: Beyond the Mix

Beyond the Mix secured some money from the Lottery Community Fund to run the sessions that have proved so popular. The team are now looking at how they can launch something for mixed heritage teenagers who might be less keen to attend events with their families.

All family sessions are run on a ‘pay a donation’ basis to ensure they are as inclusive and accessible as possible. There is also a lot of signposting for parents seeking resources and information to share with their children or to answer questions.

“We just want to make sure we are providing what the community needs,” says Leanne, adding that there is huge potential for Beyond the Mix to expand their offering if they are able to secure more long-term funding.

The organisation has already collaborated with the outreach team from We The Curious and will be hosting sessions  in the new year with Tiny Travels, an organisation that offers children a chance to learn about cultures around the world. There is talk of running courses for parents and possibly hosting a retreat for mixed heritage women. In everything they do, the women want to ensure inclusivity is at the heart.

For Caprice, as a queer woman and parent, it has been especially encouraging to see the diverse mix the family events have attracted.

“I would think before that I was the only non cis woman in the room,” says Caprice. “Just having more visible intersections is massive.”

The family sessions aim to be as inclusive and accessible as possible – photo: Beyond the Mix

The next session for mixed heritage families takes place on Sunday at Southmead Adventure Playground (The Ranch) on Doncaster Road from 11am-1.30pm. Find out more via: www.beyondthemix.org/.

Main photo: Beyond the Mix

Read next:

• The trio behind a new initiative for mixed heritage women
• 7 days out with a baby in Bristol 
• The transformative power of a haircut

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