Pottery Session – Tea and Talk

On 15 February 2026, SABA hosted a Pottery Session at its Auburn office , bringing together 19 young people from Hazara and Lebanese backgrounds for an afternoon of clay, creativity, and conversation.

Known as Tea and Talk, the session was designed to support mental wellbeing and social inclusion through hands-on creative engagement. More than just a craft class, it was a chance for young people from different communities to sit together, slow down, and connect.

Purpose and Objectives

The program was intentionally designed to do more than teach pottery , it used creativity as a vehicle for wellbeing, mindfulness, and community belonging.

• Promote mental wellbeing and relaxation
• Encourage self-expression and mindfulness
• Foster social inclusion and community connection
• Teach basic pottery skills
• Build friendships and lasting community ties

On the Day

Participants jumped straight into the pottery-making process , using the wheel, shaping clay by hand, and crafting their own pieces to take home. The room quickly filled with quiet focus and laughter as participants encouraged each other and shared the experience of creating something from scratch.

The hands-on nature of the activity encouraged mindfulness and calm. For many participants, working with clay became a simple but powerful way to step away from everyday pressures and be fully present in the moment.

In the Room

Outcomes and Impact

What It Showed Us

The Pottery Session demonstrated that sometimes the most meaningful community programs are the quietest ones. Sitting together, creating together, and simply being present with one another , these moments build the social bonds that matter most for young people navigating complex lives.

SABA will continue to create these kinds of spaces , where creativity, culture, and wellbeing come together in a way that feels safe, inclusive, and genuinely worthwhile.