A Tapestry of Voices: Reflecting on Belonging in North Lanarkshire”

Title: “A Tapestry of Voices: Reflecting on Belonging in North Lanarkshire”

The rain falls softly on the streets of Coatbridge, a steady rhythm that feels almost comforting. I walk past the familiar shops, their windows glowing warmly against the grey October evening. The smell of freshly baked bread mingles with the faint scent of spices from the Asian takeaway down the road. It’s a small thing, but it reminds me of how much this place has changed—and how much it hasn’t.

I moved to North Lanarkshire over two decades ago, carrying with me the hopes and fears of someone starting anew. Back then, the sight of someone who looked like me was rare. I remember the curious glances, the occasional awkward questions, and the times I felt like an outsider in my own community. But I also remember the kindness—the neighbour who brought me soup when I was unwell, the teacher who encouraged my child to share stories about our culture during show-and-tell, and the friends who stood by me when I needed them most.

North Lanarkshire is a place of contrasts. It’s a region steeped in industrial history, where the echoes of coal mines and steelworks still linger in the air. But it’s also a place where new stories are being written every day—stories of people like our fathers, who came here from faraway lands, carrying pieces of our homelands in their hearts. We’ve brought our languages, our traditions, and our dreams, weaving them into the fabric of this community.

Yet, belonging is a funny thing. It’s not something you can claim overnight. It’s a slow, sometimes painful process of finding your place in a world that doesn’t always make space for you. I’ve felt the sting of exclusion, the frustration of being misunderstood, and the ache of missing the place I once called home. But I’ve also felt the joy of being seen, the pride of sharing our culture, and the warmth of building connections that transcend borders.

Over the years, I’ve watched North Lanarkshire grow more diverse. The once-homogeneous streets are now alive with the sounds of different languages, the colours of different traditions, and the flavours of different cuisines. Diwali lights twinkle alongside Christmas decorations, and the sound of the call to prayer mingles with the chimes of the local church bells. It’s a beautiful mosaic, but it’s not without its cracks.

There are still days when I feel like an outsider, when the weight of being “different” feels too heavy to carry. But then I remember the small moments that remind me I belong—the smile from the shopkeeper who knows my name, the nod of recognition from another parent at the school gate, and the sense of pride I feel when I see my culture celebrated at local events.

Belonging, I’ve come to realise, is not about erasing who you are to fit in. It’s about finding a place where you can be yourself, where your story matters, and where you can contribute to the larger narrative of the community. It’s about building bridges, not walls. And it’s about recognising that diversity isn’t a challenge to overcome—it’s a strength to embrace.

As I walk home, the rain still falling gently around me, I think about the future of North Lanarkshire. I think about the children growing up here, our children, their identities shaped by the rich tapestry of cultures that surround them. I think about the work that still needs to be done to ensure that everyone, no matter where they come from, feels like they belong. And I think about the role I can play in making that future a reality.

North Lanarkshire is my home now. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine. And as I step through my front door, greeted by the familiar warmth of my family, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for this place—for its challenges, its beauty, and its endless possibilities.

Reflection Questions for Readers:

What does belonging mean to you in the context of your community?
How can we create spaces where everyone feels valued and included?
What small steps can we take to celebrate and support ethnic minorities in North Lanarkshire?

This piece is a reminder that our stories matter, and that together, we can create a community where everyone feels at home. Let’s keep weaving this tapestry, one thread at a time.