During Black History Month, lots of people may be thinking about what they can do to carry on supporting the Black community in Bristol and how to continue to be an ally past the month of October. One way to do this is to continue supporting some of the community organisations and charities that support issues surrounding and affecting the Black community in Bristol and elsewhere.
Here are a few that can benefit from your support beyond Black History Month:
Bristol Black Carers
Bristol Black Carers provide support and assistance for the Caribbean, African and Asian Carers in Bristol. The multi-award-winning charity is committed to providing person-centred, holistic services to all in need. The charity provides support through a range of means, such as - helping carers understand complex medical information, guiding them through the process of accessing government services and providing respite through support groups and access to trips, activities and events.
Those who wish to support their work can sign up on their website to donate or volunteer.
Read More: BristolLive supports black-owned businesses throughout the city
Project Zazi
Project Zazi works with Black people and young people of colour, supporting them in exploring culture and identity and tackling issues of inequality and oppression. It does its work through a range of means such as therapies, groups such as 'girl talk' and 'masculinity group' - which provide tailored spaces for particular discussions.
They also offer social action projects that look at campaigning, activism, culture, history and intersectionality as components and accelerants of change. Project Zazi takes donations through registered charity 'Off The Record' via their website.
Nilaari
Nilaari is a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) led community-based charity, delivering culturally appropriate and responsive social care support and talking therapies designed to support emotional wellbeing and mental health. The charity ensures its services are accessible, supportive and culturally relevant to Bristol residents with complex needs such as mental health issues, involvement in the criminal justice system and equality issues.
Those who wish to support their work can get in contact via email at nilaari@nilaari.co.uk or by phone at 0117 952 5742.
akt
akt supports LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 in the UK who are facing or experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment. The charity has been shining a light on Black LGBTQ+ icons from history during Black History month. akt help LGBTQ+ people stay safe in a crisis, find emergency accommodation, access specialist support and develop skills and identify and achieve life goals. Their work is done by providing access to mentors and housing specialists, a safe place to stay and knowledge and support networks.
To support their mission it is possible to donate, volunteer or fundraise towards their work via the 'support us' tab on their website.
Integrate UK
Integrate UK is a youth-led charity that empowers young people to take an active and positive role in transforming the society they live in. As well as supporting young people with their learning, ambitions and aspirations - they run a wide range of creative and educational projects that enable young people to learn and develop transferable skills in many different areas.
As well as this, they deliver peer-education workshops in schools nationally using our young activists’ youth-friendly, accessible media resources. Their workshops encourage discussion around a range of challenging issues including female genital mutilation (FGM), honour-based abuse (HBA), sexual harassment and assault, racism and different forms of extremism. Those who wish to support the work of Integrate UK can donate via their website.
Black South West Network
With a vision to achieve a society free of racial discrimination, Black South West Network is a driving force for racial equality in the South West and nationally through releasing the agency and voice of Black and Minoritised people. It helps to build strong Black and Minoritised communities, businesses, and organisations that are empowered to flourish.
It runs a number of projects and programmes that provide expert advice, personal and business development coaching, mentoring, focused programmes, peer-to-peer learning, and expert-led workshops. You can visit its website here.
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