Over the last financial year, Restore Black C.I.C has made a substantial positive impact on the community through activities enabled by grant funding. The grant has empowered the company to significantly expand vital mental health resources specifically for the Black community, addressing stigma and promoting wellbeing. Key achievements include the successful establishment and ongoing operation of two therapy groups: a Black women’s therapy group and the Black Kings Wellbeing and Mental Health Circle for men, in collaboration with Artlift. These groups have provided safe, supportive spaces where community members can engage in healing, share experiences, and participate in meaningful dialogue around mental health challenges. Beyond the therapy groups, Restore Black C.I.C’s activities, such as producing and promoting the Restore Black podcast, have expanded the reach of mental health conversations, making stories and discussions accessible on multiple digital platforms. This has helped normalise mental health struggles and reduced stigma within the community. The company has also delivered impactful written content through regularly published blogs on LinkedIn, Gloucestershire News, and Yahoo, further broadening awareness and education on mental health topics affecting Black individuals. These combined efforts have not only benefited individuals directly involved but have also encouraged other organisations outside the immediate community to learn and consider how they can contribute positively to mental health support. Additionally, the growth and visibility of Restore Black C.I.C have elevated my professional profile, leading to invitations to speak at events. My hope is that during the next financial year, this will with the creation of new income streams to sustain and grow the company’s community-focused work. Overall, the company’s activities funded by grants received have been transformative in fostering a more open, informed, and supportive environment for Black mental health, directly benefiting community members through therapeutic support, education, and accessible dialogue.

There has been active consultation with the company’s stakeholders throughout this financial year as part of the development and delivery of Restore Black C.I.C’s mental health initiatives. The primary stakeholders include members of the Black community who are regularly engaged through trusted community group leaders. For example, I have ongoing relationships with Ebony Community Carers, where I am invited to attend community group meetings, share project plans, answer questions, and receive feedback directly from group members. Additionally, I liaise closely with Black church group leaders, who serve as vital bridges for open communication regarding the mental health needs and concerns of their congregations. During this period, a key partnership was formed with one of the stakeholders, Artlift, an NHS supported Gloucester charity, one of the UK's first ever arts on prescription providers approving positive impact on mental health. Together, we co-produced a pilot project aimed at positively impacting the mental health of Black men in Gloucester. This pilot was successful, and as a direct result, the group continues to meet regularly, providing an ongoing supportive space for participants. Feedback gathered through these collaborations and consultations has informed the company’s decisions and helped tailor its programs to be more responsive and effective. This includes the establishment of therapy groups specifically for Black women and men, alongside the production of mental health content such as podcasts and blogs that address the community’s evolving needs. This consultative approach ensures that Restore Black C.I.C remains closely connected to its community, fostering trust and maximising the positive impact on Black mental health.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration