Sonya creates safe space for women of Exeter at crafting hub
Exeter business Woman Sonya Ellis has created a safe space for the community, particularly women at her Craft Hub on Sidwell Street.
Exeter Craft Hub opened in 2019 and has become a welcome safe spot for the local community and shoppers. As well as offering a retail outlet for local crafters and suppliers, the hub also offers an inclusive creative space for the community to come together and enjoy craft workshops and to make connections.
The shop even includes its own therapy pet. Orsa, a qualified NHS therapy dog is important to regular visitors such as families of children with autism who can find visits to the city centre difficult.
Sonya Exeter Craft Hub Owner said: “A visit to see Orsa helps calm anxiety and is often the highlight of the shopping trip for families. She has a lot of students come into the shop to visit her who may be feeling anxious or missing their pets at home. She is also an ambassador for the Proud to Care scheme.”
She added: “In recent years there has been some negative perceptions surrounding Sidwell Street so a safe and welcoming space is vital to the retail environment for local people and visitors. I have tried to create a colourful, welcoming, and inclusive space with a strong connection to the local community for all but particularly women, people from the pride community and anyone who may feel vulnerable. Being inclusive is hugely important to Exeter Craft Hub and in fact a number of the crafters, volunteers and customers do have either hidden or visible disabilities or find shopping a challenging experience which can lead to anxiety.”
As one of the first signatories to the Exeter Safety of Women at Night (SWAN) initiative, and a guardian for networks which enhance the safety of women, girls and non-binary people such as Urban Angels in Exeter, Sonya actively promotes her premises as a safe space should women feel threatened while in the area.
Sonya will be at the award-winning Creative Craft show is arriving at Westpoint Exeter from 21st – 23rdSeptember. The weekend will see the return of exciting workshops, expert-led demonstrations, and inspiring make and take sessions. With over 100 stands filled with crafty supplies, tools and projects, this weekend will be an unmissable event for hobbyists and crafters.
This year the Creative Craft Show will focus on cosy crafting this Autumn, with all your favourite exhibitors encouraging visitors to adopt a new craft hobby for Autumn/Winter as the shorter and darker evening approach.
SHOW INFORMATION
· 21st – 23rd SEPTEMBER 2023
· Westpoint, Exeter, Hall 1
· OPENING TIMES: 9:30am-5pm
· FREE parking onsite
Prices:
Adult tickets: £10
Under 16's Free when accompanied by an adult.
Disabled concessions & group booking rates available.
For more information or to book tickets please visit www.www.creativecraftshow.co.uk.
