Below is a list of some organisations in Manchester that work to support Black, African and Caribbean communities:
BHA For Equality – BHA For Equality (formerly Black Health Agency) was set up in 1990 and emerged from a grassroots movement, established in response to the lack of HIV information and services for Black communities in Manchester. It was developed to ensure that Black communities had access to accurate and culturally appropriate information on HIV. BHA further advocated for the delivery of healthcare services for Black and other racially marginalised communities at local, regional and national levels. BHA now runs commissioned projects for racially marginalized communities and those who are otherwise disadvantaged, across the North of England.
Caribbean and African Health Network - The Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN) was set up in 2017 to address long-standing health inequalities disadvantaging people of Black Caribbean and African heritage. From our humble grassroots beginnings, we have advanced along a trajectory which has rendered us a leading powerful national voice for health equity. We hold the unique mandate from the Black community to be partners in change. For CAHN this involves breaking down the structural, systemic barriers, and the wider determinants of health including racism. We champion strategic engagements to ensure the voices and lived experiences of Black people are at the forefront of public policy and practice.
Louise Da-Cocodia Education Trust - Our mission - To provide relevant and accessible education, employment and enterprise services, in particular to people of African and Caribbean heritage, so they can fulfil their potential and achieve their aspirations. Our vision - To be renowned as a catalyst for promoting and increasing levels of diverse representation in education, employment and enterprise, in particular for people of African and Caribbean heritage.
National Black Arts Alliance - Originally known as Black Arts Alliance when formed in 1985 by a group of community artists attending the Sheldon Trust, who considered that Black art was being marginalised in the UK by funders, art audiences, and politicians alike. NBAA is a registered charity run by Black artists, managed by a board of trustees and a development group of active members. We deliver education & community workshops; teachers CPD; exhibitions; performances; community cohesion seminars; conferences; prison & mental health engagement; public art; leadership; and creative participation opportunities. We curate the North West England’s only dedicated Black art and culture library: it is available for research studies at The Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Relations Resource Centre in Manchester Central Library.
OBADO (Older Black African Day Opportunities) - We work collaboratively with health professionals: General Practitioners (GPs), District Nurses, Social Workers; local churches etc. to empower older black Africans by increasing their knowledge of services available in their local areas. Helping them to confront issues and obstacles they face in their lives whilst participating in fun activities they have told us they would like to do. Also removing barriers that prevent them from accessing mainstream services and participation in their communities.
Sam Buah Foundation - Sam Buah Foundation is a registered charity with the mission to mentor, train, nurture, coach and provide professional opportunities to the talented, gifted, and most disadvantaged within the minority ethnic community. We are the conduit for provide Mentoring, Coaching, Training, Scholarships, and Work Placements to help ensure our members are fully equipped and prepared to start a fulfilling professional career.
Uganda Community in Greater Manchester (UCOMM) - UCOMM is all about you. UCOMM is your good companion in situations of loneliness. It is a ‘backup’ or ‘place to run to’ in case you have a problem or need help. UCOMM is a non-profit charity organisation, originally created by Ugandans in Greater Manchester for the benefit of all people of black, Asian, and minority ethnic origin living in Greater Manchester and surrounding areas. We have recently extended our services to other areas beyond Greater Manchester, and the UK, with the aim of creating the possibility of collaborating with other charities, organisations, and individuals around the world.
Afrocats - We're a female-led charity that works closely with the communities and people that access our projects to create inspiring experiences and opportunities. Together, we address and dismantle inequality by identifying and breaking down barriers.
Our vision is a robust and more inclusive social environment for adults seeking sanctuary and diverse young people.
Our mission is to build agency, aspiration and opportunity for mainly women and young people to improve their overall life chances through creative engagement.
African Rainbow Family - African Rainbow Family (ARF) is the leading national Experts by Experience and grassroots LGBTIQ+ charity that campaigns for and supports LGBTIQ+ refugees and people seeking asylum of African heritage and the Global Majority in the UK.
Blossom Foundation - At Blossom Foundation, we understand how crucial it is for young girls to have a nurturing and supportive environment to reach their full potential. We offer consistent assistance and services to help them overcome obstacles and succeed in all aspects of their lives. We provide comprehensive programs and support to assist young girls in accomplishing their objectives. We aim to empower girls and young women by providing individualised support and programs catering to their unique needs. We offer a broad range of workshops that cover personal development, health, and wellness, as well as career guidance, equipping girls with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in today's world.
Legacy901 CIC - Legacy 90.1FM is the only African and Caribbean community radio station in Manchester. In March 2021 we became a CIC (Community Interest Company) which is a not-for-profit, social enterprise. In addition to making it clear that we exist to serve our community, this not-for-profit status helps us to raise funds in different ways such as grants, donations and sponsorship. As a CIC we report to the CIC regulator every year to tell them what we have done for the music industry and for African and Caribbean communities in Manchester.
Rainbow Noir – we are committed to creating a space of our own, places to feel safe, where LGBTQI people of colour can meet, hang out, form friendships and find community. We facilitate a bi-monthly social space in person and a lively WhatsApp group chat.
Manchester Congolese Organisation – MaCO is a volunteer led organization engaging Congolese people in Manchester to reconnect and rebuild their lives so they can develop, achieve their full potential and contribute to the local community.
You can find out about volunteering opportunities with local groups through our Volunteer Centre.