Principal activities of the company

For the period 1 March 2023 to 28 February 2024 At TRIYBE CIC, our commitment to amplifying voices and making a meaningful impact on individuals and communities remains at the heart of everything we do. Between February 2023 and February 2024, TRIYBE continued to strengthen its mission of centering the experiences of Black heritage communities through research, creativity, innovation education and community-led engagement. Our work during this period focused on exploring identity, well-being, visibility, and the often-overlooked health implications linked to hair care practices. 1. Great Western Railway (GWR) Project TRIYBE successfully completed its funded project with Great Western Railway (GWR), promoting diversity, representation, and cultural awareness of those that made contributions to the railways. The project showcased TRIYBE’s ability to collaborate across sectors and ensure Black heritage voices are represented in public spaces that shape identity and belonging. This initiative also strengthened partnerships with local organisations and laid the foundation for future work in creative and heritage storytelling. 2. Community Research: The Impact of Black Hair Care Products TRIYBE received funding from UKRI (UK Research and Innovation), in partnership with the British Science Association (BSA) and the University of Reading, to launch a community-led research project investigating the potential physical and mental health impacts of Black hair care products. The community-led research project known as Project Natura explores the intersection of chemical exposure, black hair care beauty standards, and the for accessible alternatives for Black heritage communities. Key strands of this work include during the Research Activity Testing stage Community engagement workshops exploring lived experiences around Black hair care. Discussions on mental health, body image, and cultural pressures surrounding hair in education and employment. Outreach across Reading and surrounding areas, ensuring accessibility and community representation. These activities form the foundation for the ongoing community led research (Project Natura) which connects science, chemistry, culture, and community voice to influence positive health and social outcomes. 3. Community Engagement and Capacity Building Throughout the year, TRIYBE expanded its community presence by: Hosting events exploring identity, heritage, and well-being. Building networks among parents, young people, and professionals in education, health, and science. Developing Community led Reaserch (Project Natura) as a platform for Black hair education, health awareness, and empowerment. This work reinforced TRIYBE’s commitment to ensuring communities are not just subjects of research but co-creators of knowledge and change. Looking Ahead As TRIYBE moves beyond February 2024 and further to 2025 our focus is on deepening our Black Heritage Hair and Wellbeing research, developing In the Lab workshop series, and publishing insights from the BSA-supported study. We aim to influence positive change in health awareness, product safety, representation, and empowerment through the combined power of community led research, creativity, education, science, and storytelling. During the financial year 2023–2024, TRIYBE CIC continued to make a meaningful impact across Black heritage communities by using research, education, and creative engagement to amplify community voices, improve well-being, and promote Black Heritage visibility. Our work directly benefited the community through: Black Heritage Representation and Awareness Through our collaboration with Great Western Railway (GWR), TRIYBE promoted positive representation and visibility of Black heritage stories across public spaces. Engaged and interviewed those who worked on the Railways to tell their stories. This helped strengthen pride, belonging, and cross-cultural understanding. Community-Led Research and Empowerment TRIYBE launched a research project ,( Project Natura) UKRI- and British Science Association -funded the community led research project in partnership with the University of Reading, exploring the potential health impacts of chemical exposure in Black hair care products. The project during its Activity testing phase engaged community members through workshops and discussions,podcasts ensuring that their lived experiences informed scientific understanding and advocacy for safer, and alternative products. This will be explored further during 2024 and 2025. Along with In the Lab workshops supported by Reading University Chemistry department by providing the Lab space and technician Health, Wellbeing, and Education Through community workshops and dialogues, participants explored the connection between identity, self-image, and mental health These spaces provided trusted, empowering environments for reflection, learning, and connection, especially for Black Heritage males, Elders, young people and parents navigating challenges. Capacity Building and Community Connections TRIYBE built local partnerships with local organisations, Black heritage communities, parents, young people, Elders to promote and engage with our projects The development of Project Natura created a platform for sustained community involvement in health awareness, cultural pride, and collective learning. Through these activities, TRIYBE strengthened community cohesion, visibility, and empowerment ensuring that Black heritage communities are not only represented but also active co-creators of knowledge and social change.

This report was approved by the board of directors on 31 October 2024
and signed on behalf of the board by:

Name: Claudette Maharaj
Status: Director