Mafia Weekend CIC: addressing Climate anxiety through collective Story-making

Mafia Weekend CIC is a participatory film production company dedicated to fostering positive social change through storytelling. Since 2019, we’ve collaborated with organisations such as English Heritage, Thames Water, and Southwark Council to empower communities and amplify their voices. At the heart of our work is the belief that storytelling can bridge divides, strengthen relationships, and inspire action for a more equitable and sustainable world.

In 2023, we launched The Story Gathering, a series of immersive events designed to tackle loneliness, climate anxiety, and social division. By combining storytelling, film, music, and food, these events create safe, inclusive spaces where individuals can connect, share, and build resilience. The success of our pilot events has inspired us to expand and deepen our work in 2025.

Past Chapters: The Journey So Far

Chapter 1: Winchester

Our journey began in Winchester, where participants engaged in live folk tales, interactive conversations, and communal meals inspired by Joanna Macy’s The Work That Reconnects.

Chapter 2: Soho, London

The second gathering in Soho featured live harp music, Syrian cuisine, award-winning film screenings, and storytelling workshops. Sunday was transformed into a source of energy and motivation for the week ahead.

Chapter 3: Leeds

In Leeds, we partnered with local food producers, creatives, and storytellers, offering live acoustic music, organic meals, and interactive activities to reconnect participants with nature and each other.

Chapter 4: Bristol

The final gathering of 2024 took place in Bristol, featuring storytellers Mica Sinclair and Kabbo Hue Ferdinand, a Soil & Nutrition Workshop by Matthew Adams from Growing Real Food for Nutrition CIC, live singing by choir leader Pearl Love, and a nourishing Ethiopian meal.

What People Are Saying

    “The Story Gathering was such a unique experience. I didn’t realise how much I needed a space like this to connect and feel part of a community. It’s given me hope.”

    — Sophie, Winchester attendee

    “The blend of storytelling, music, and incredible food was unforgettable. I left feeling inspired and ready to take action in my community.”

    — Yusuf, Soho attendee

    “I loved how welcoming and inclusive the event was. It felt like a safe space to share emotions about the climate crisis and find ways to contribute positively.”

    — Priya, Leeds attendee

    “It was a beautiful day of connection and learning. I especially appreciated the focus on practical solutions to local issues and how to get involved.”

    — Tom, Bristol attendee

Plans for 2025: Expanding Our Impact

In 2025, we’re taking The Story Gathering to four new cities across the UK. Each event will address the emotional toll of the climate crisis while providing practical tools and inspiration for community-led action.

Hackney, London (February 2025)

A vibrant urban gathering highlighting local climate justice movements, featuring storytelling, film screenings, and workshops on sustainable urban living.

Southampton (April 2025)

A coastal-themed event focusing on community resilience in the face of rising sea levels and the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.

Bradford (July 2025)

Exploring the intersection of climate action and cultural heritage, this gathering will celebrate the diverse voices and traditions of Bradford’s communities.

Bristol (October 2025)

Returning to Bristol, we’ll share the outcomes of our year-long intergenerational climate action programme, showcasing stories of resilience and community-led change.

Complementary Projects in 2025

Overnight Dartmoor Trip (April 2025)

In collaboration with the Campaign for National Parks, this two-day, one-night experience will provide participants with opportunities to connect with nature, reflect, and develop practical skills for climate resilience.

Tree Planting Expedition (February  2025) in collaboration with St Ethelburga's: centre for Reconcillitation and Peace.

A two-night, three-day adventure with young Bristolians at the UK’s first Organic Halal Farm in Oxfordshire, focusing on environmental stewardship and cross-cultural connections. We will planting over 150 native trees to encourage wildlife and protect soil. Details of the lifeline project can be found here.

Intergenerational Climate Action Programme (February-September 2025)

Funded by the #iwill Fund and SNG Housing, this 8-month programme will unite young people and elderly residents to co-create solutions for community climate related resilience, fostering intergenerational connections. #iwill Fund have awared Mafia weekend CIC £10,000 to create this community climate resilience project.

Our Vision and How We’ll Use the Money

Our vision is to inspire community-led action across the UK by reconnecting individuals with each other and the natural world through storytelling. We aim to:

• Address the emotional impact of the climate crisis through creative expression.
• Equip participants with practical skills such as food growing, tree planting, and renewable energy installation, and guide them toward specific regenerative activities in the local area to support the transition to climate-resilient neighborhoods.
• Empower underrepresented voices and celebrate diverse cultural narratives.

We’re raising £35,000 to achieve this vision. The funds will cover event delivery, accessibility measures, youth leadership development, and the creation of a documentary showcasing the impact of The Story Gathering. Key areas of expenditure include:

•     Practitioner fees and fair wages for facilitators and contributors.
•     Travel subsidies and wraparound support for participants.
•     Marketing campaigns to reach underrepresented demographics.
•     Venue hire, catering, and materials for immersive, impactful events.
  
  

The Power of Storytelling to Transform Communities

With partnerships like the Climate Majority Project and the Association of Sustainability Practitioners, our work is rooted in collaboration and care. Stories from The Story Gathering will be shared nationally, creating a ripple effect of inspiration and action.

By supporting this project, you’ll help us create safe, inclusive spaces that empower communities to face the climate crisis with creativity, connection, and resilience. Together, we can inspire a future rooted in justice, equity, and care for our planet.

Join us on this transformative journey. Let’s build a movement of storytellers shaping the future.

Mafia Weekend CIC co-created a youth-led, participatory film in partnership with Thames Water and Backyard Nature, exploring climate anxiety and our relationship with nature.