At TRIYBE, our commitment to amplify voices whilst making a meaningful impact on individuals and communities is at the core of everything we do.Between February 2024 and February 2025, TRIYBE CIC built on the strong foundation laid in previous years, continuing its mission to amplify Black heritage voices through research, creative education, and science-led community engagement. This year saw TRIYBE grow visibility, community partnerships, and recognition. The organisation deepened its work Black Heritage hair care, health, identity, creativity and well-being. TRIYBE launched their In the Lab Workshop series supported by Reading University Chemistry Department. and began developing the promotion of science and the STEM subjects. 1. Expansion of the Black Heritage Hair Project: Project Natura: Following the success of the activity testing community research into the harmful effects of Black hair care products (funded by the UKRI, British Science Association and supported the University of Reading), TRIYBE transitioned into the next phase Project Natura. The workshops became safe, empowering spaces where science met culture demystifying the chemistry behind hair products while reconnecting participants to natural, heritage-based self-care practices. Community engagement and workshops exploring lived experiences around Black hair care. Quantative and Qualitative Data was collected from the community to evidence the research Collaborative science-based sessions with researchers examining the presence of harmful ingredients in commonly used products. Dialogue on mental health impacts, body image, and cultural pressures surrounding hair presentation in education and employment. Outreach across Reading and surrounding areas and London , ensuring the research remained rooted in community voices and accessible spaces. Delivery of In the Lab workshops 2. University and Community Partnership Development: TRIYBE continued its collaboration with the University of Reading, ensuring Black community perspectives remain central to research and engagement practices. Through public engagement events, student collaborations, and academic dialogue, the partnership: Created opportunities for mutual learning between researchers and the Black heritage community. Supported community researchers to present findings and lead discussions. Strengthened local trust and visibility of science within underrepresented communities. 3. Focus on Mental Health, Identity, and Well-being: Recognising the deep connection between cultural identity, self-image, and emotional health, TRIYBE delivered storytelling, reflective, and discussion-based sessions exploring Black male mental health, identity, and resilience. Through these activities, TRIYBE provided: Safe spaces for men to explore vulnerability and emotional expression. Visibility for Black male narratives often excluded from mainstream conversations. These conversations contributed to wider Black History Month 2024 programming at the University of Reading, 4. Community Impact and Outreach: Over the year, TRIYBE engaged 550 face to face community members through creative and educational outreach and workshops across Reading the Thames Valley and London These engagements strengthened TRIYBE’s role as both a community educator and a community researcher, helping to link scientific literacy with lived experience and social understanding. Notable achievements include: Enhanced brand identity and visibility through improved visuals and outreach materials. Ongoing collaboration with local and national organisations videographers and professionals to capture the authentic voices of Black heritage communities. Strong Community and intergenerational engagement TRIYBE’s Social Media engagement presence continued to grow, reaching over 7,900 social media engagements within six months. This demonstrates strong community interest and increasing visibility around black heritage identity, hair and wellbeing initiatives. Increased recognition from local institutions, cultural networks, and funders, demonstrating the trust and value TRIYBE has built as a community-led organisation. Looking Ahead (2025–2026) TRIYBE aims to: Publish findings from Community Research Project Natura and produce accessible educational materials for schools and families. Expand Lab Workshops nationally, supporting community researchers to lead sessions in other UK regions. Continue to develop partnerships with universities and scientific bodies to influence public health discussions around Black hair care. Secure further funding to sustain the research, creativity, community science education, intergenerational engagement, and mental health initiatives. Acknowledgements Special thanks to our Community Researchers Tyler Hinkson, Sharon Titus, and Nicola Bennett, and to our academic researchers Dr. Tamanda Walker (Postdoctoral Researcher, Leeds Arts and Humanities Research Institute, University of Leeds), Dr. Alice Mpofu-Coles (Senior Research Fellow and Refugee Champion, Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading), and Symiah Barnett (PhD Research Student, Department of Chemistry, Loughborough University). We also extend our gratitude to the individuals and communities who took part and contributed to TRIYBE’s ongoing research and community initiatives, whose insight, creativity, and lived experiences continue to shape and inspire our work

During the financial year 2023–2024, TRIYBE CIC engaged regularly with stakeholders to ensure that its activities remained community-led and reflective of local needs. Consultation took place through community workshops, feedback sessions, and meetings with partners. Input from researchers, community members, and professionals informed the design and delivery of TRIYBE’s projects, particularly TRIYBE's research project (Project Natura). Ongoing communication with funders and community partners helped maintain transparency, shared learning, and collaborative development throughout the year.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration