Introduction Yarira CIC is a community interest company committed to improving the wellbeing, cultural confidence, and social outcomes of Black women, young people, and families through movement, dance, education, and community-led dialogue. Our work centres African and diasporic experiences, using culturally grounded practices to support mental wellbeing, identity, and social justice. This report outlines Yarira CICs key activities and impact delivered between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025. Strategic Focus Areas During FY24, Yarira CICs activities aligned to the following focus areas: Black maternal health advocacy and awareness Mental wellbeing for women and girls Cultural education and identity development for children and young people Intergenerational dialogue and social justice Community engagement through African and diasporic dance Activities Delivered: April 2024 Black Maternal Health Advocacy Actively supported Black Maternal Health Awareness Week, highlighting that Black women are four times more likely to die during pregnancy, childbirth, or up to six weeks postpartum in the UK. Publicly supported and amplified the work of Five X More, encouraging community engagement and advocacy. Participated in Black Mental Health and Maternity Week. Attended an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) meeting in Parliament alongside approximately 50100 attendees, including charities and CICs supporting Black mothers. Contributed to discussions on findings from The Black Maternity Experiences Report 2022, chaired by Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP. Impact: Strengthened Yarira CICs advocacy voice within national conversations on Black maternal health. Built relationships with organisations and policymakers working in maternal health and racial equity. May 2024 Community Partnerships and Womens Wellbeing African Youth Arise 10th Anniversary Celebrated the 10th anniversary of African Youth Arise (AYA), a community organisation empowering young people aged 1125 of African descent. Supported AYAs mission of fostering respect, discipline, work ethic, and cultural pride among young people. Womens Wellbeing and Dance Gifted four tickets to women within the Yarira Network to attend the Radiant Souls Womens Wellbeing Day Dance Experience. Facilitated a Mindful African Dance session for 50 women. Participant Feedback: Attendees described the session as unique, uplifting, and empowering. Participants expressed improved mood, emotional release, and a strong desire for follow-up sessions. Impact: Improved mental wellbeing and self-expression for women through culturally rooted movement. Reduced barriers to access for women experiencing stress and mental health challenges. June 2024 Children and Identity Development Took YariraKids to a With Nature in Mind Community Art Workshop held by the canal side. Supported children to explore identity, creativity, pride, and recognition through art and nature-based activities. Impact: Encouraged confidence, cultural pride, and emotional expression among children. Provided safe, inclusive environments for identity exploration. July 2024 Youth Education and Cultural History Delivered a talk and dance session to 30 young people from African Youth Arise. Explored the history of Amapiano music, tracing its roots to apartheid-era Soweto, South Africa. Highlighted the genres cultural significance and its role in elevating female DJs within a male-dominated industry. Impact: Increased cultural awareness and historical understanding among young people. Inspired youth through narratives of resistance, creativity, and gender inclusion. October 2024 Black History Month Participated in the African Youth Arise Black History Month event. Impact: Contributed to community-wide reflection, celebration, and education on Black history and heritage. November 2024 Transatlantic Sounds and Social Justice Delivered a talk and cultural dance workshop with Insociety. Explored transatlantic sounds addressing injustice, from Africa to the Caribbean. Connected historical and contemporary music with cultural dance movements reflecting resistance and resilience. Impact: Deepened participants understanding of shared diasporic histories. Used embodied learning to explore social justice and cultural continuity. February 2025 Intergenerational Exchange and Civic Dialogue Facilitated a movement session for approximately 100 attendees during the 60th anniversary of Malcolm Xs visit to Smethwick. Contributed to Whose City Is It?, an intergenerational exchange event curated by Gary Younge. Supported conversations on racial inequality, social justice, community, and Birminghams future. Impact: Enabled intergenerational connection through movement and shared reflection. Positioned Yarira CIC as a contributor to civic and social justice dialogue. Overall Impact Summary - Across FY24, Yarira CIC: Engaged over 280+ participants across women, children, young people, and community members. Delivered culturally grounded wellbeing and educational activities rooted in African and diasporic traditions. Strengthened partnerships with grassroots organisations, cultural institutions, and advocacy groups. Supported mental wellbeing, cultural pride, and social awareness through accessible community programmes. Looking Ahead In the next financial year, Yarira CIC aims to: Expand womens mental wellbeing and movement programmes. Deepen work in Black maternal health advocacy. Increase youth leadership and cultural education initiatives. Secure sustainable funding to scale community impact.

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