During the reporting period, the organisation delivered activities designed to promote Integration, Diversity and Inclusion of all people from diverse backgrounds, Culture and Tradition, Nationalities, Languages, Race, Gender, Religion or Spiritual Belief, Age Group, Health status etc through understanding, visibility and appreciation of African and Caribbean culture, heritage and creativity within the community. The CIC’s work focused on cultural education, community engagement, celebrating of tradition and multi-cultures, community socialisation and networking, arts-based learning, and heritage preservation, with all activities aligned to our values of Collaboration, Authenticity, Inclusion, Education & Learning, and Community Empowerment. Key activities and achievements include: Promoting accurate and authentic representation of African and Caribbean, other multi-cultures to address underrepresentation, stereotypes, and misconceptions. Delivering educational and cultural programmes that strengthened community identity, increased cultural awareness, and supported inter-community connection. Delivering heritage-focused projects such as Black History Month programming and educational initiatives, including work exploring the history of cultural and contemporary topics. Creating awareness on mental health and well-being events through games of yearly football organised by Telford and Wrekin Council. Acting as an outreach coordinator and engagement partner for institutions seeking to connect with hard-to-reach communities. Providing the platform for people to exhibit their talent, skills, confidence-building activities, and support culturally enriching programmes to the youth in the community. Working collaboratively with new partners including Hollinswood and Randley Parish Council Hall, Telford & Wrekin Council, and Wrekin Housing Group to enhance programme delivery and local community impact. Organising and delivering cultural events, arts showcase, creative performances, and heritage-themed activities that promoted empowerment, cultural pride, and positive diversity. Facilitating intergenerational engagement through activities designed to bring younger and older community members together for cultural exchange, shared learning, and social connection. Create awareness through events on knife and other crimes in the community liaising with West Mercia Police. Hosting events aimed at strengthening integration, cohesion, and cultural understanding, providing safe and inclusive spaces for dialogue, cultural exchange, and community interaction. Supporting the development of social, creative, and professional networks that helped reduce isolation and improve community wellbeing, particularly within the African and Caribbean and other multi-cultural communities in Telford. Delivering key events including: Black History Month Cultural Cafe (26 October 2023), funded by Telford & Wrekin Council, featuring traditional drumming in partnership with Olugbala Kukomo and supported by Wrekin Housing Group. Afro Culture Heritage & Health Family Fun Day (19 August 2023), supported through Councillors’ Pride Funding, promoting cultural heritage, health awareness, and community cohesion. Overall, the CIC’s activities provided direct cultural, educational, and social benefit to the community, improved representation, and visibility for African and Caribbean heritage, and strengthened community cohesion and cultural pride within Telford and the surrounding area.

The companys stakeholders include members of the African and Caribbean communities within Telford and the surrounding areas, local residents, community groups, heritage organisations, arts practitioners, partner institutions, local authorities, funders, schools, families, young people, older adults, and collaborators involved in cultural, educational and community development activities. The CIC consulted with stakeholders in a variety of ways throughout the reporting period to ensure our programmes remained relevant, inclusive, and responsive to community needs. Consultation methods included: Event and programme feedback, collected through evaluation forms, surveys, informal conversations and post-event discussions at cultural events, workshops, learning trips and heritage activities. Community engagement sessions, where participants shared ideas, raised concerns, and highlighted cultural or educational priorities important to them. Ongoing dialogue with partner organisations, including local councils, housing groups, community centres, and arts/heritage groups, to understand community needs and strengthen collaboration. Digital engagement and social media feedback, with comments, suggestions and messages received through platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and email enquiries. Direct consultation with artists, cultural practitioners, and community leaders, to guide programme design, ensure authenticity in cultural content and support the development of new collaborative projects. Intergenerational conversations, where families and community elders shared perspectives on cultural heritage, identity, and wellbeing, informing the development of inclusive, age-friendly activities. Feedback gathered through outreach activities, particularly from individuals and groups identified as underrepresented or harder to reach, informing ways to improve accessibility and participation. Actions taken in response to stakeholder feedback: Feedback gathered throughout the year directly shaped our delivery approach and programme development. In response to stakeholder input, the CIC: Expanded cultural and heritage-focused programming, including additional workshops and engagement activities requested by local families and young people. Strengthened partnerships with local institutions such as parish councils and housing groups, following positive feedback on collaborative events and their community impact. Developed more intergenerational activities, following community interest in opportunities that bring different age groups together. Enhanced cultural authenticity within events and educational content by incorporating suggestions from cultural practitioners, elders, and community leaders. Improved accessibility and communication, adapting event formats, increasing local promotion, and offering clearer information about activities in response to community requests. Introduced wellbeing and confidence-building elements, such as exploring cultural identity, heritage pride, and traditional practices, based on participant feedback about the need for culturally affirming spaces. Ongoing monitoring and community consultation continue to inform programme planning, ensuring that the CIC responds effectively to the evolving needs, aspirations, and cultural priorities of its stakeholders.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration