2023

In 2023, we were delighted to donate £23,000 to three fantastic groups: £15,000 was awarded to Black Families Education Support Group with grants of £4,000 to each of Make a Move and Sporting Family Change. These groups will all make a significant difference in the lives of local women and girls facing the challenges of prejudice, mental health, and post-natal depression.

Black Families Education Support Group promotes race equality and cultural diversity in education, specialising in supporting Black and Minority Ethnic children, young people and their parents, through supplementary schooling; mentoring and an advice and advocacy service.

With the BWF grant Black Families Education Support Group will deliver a new “Inspire and Aspire Project”, specifically aimed at Black and Minority Ethnic girls and young women. The project brings three different generations of local Black and Minority Ethnic women, young women and girls together within an educational and pastoral programme that aims to share lived experiences, particularly around race, racism and identity, along with educational, career and financial knowledge and expertise.

The project is needed to support Black and Minority Ethnic girls and young women who face a range of barriers within the education system. They can feel isolated and unsupported, particularly in the context of mainly white school environments across B&NES, and risk developing issues in relation to their emotional well being, confidence, identity and self esteem. This girl’s testimony illustrates her experience at school; “I had several occasions of racial abuse at school. Black Families Education Support Group worked with my family to make sure I took part in their activities. I found myself around more people like me from different backgrounds who didn’t judge me but understood my situation and this made me feel confident. This has given me the motivation to get through college and apply for university” (17 year old Mixed Race White / Black Caribbean girl).

The project will provide increased opportunities for Black and Minority Ethnic girls and young women to come together in a safe space to learn and support each other, reducing isolation and exclusion. In addition through activities promoting young leadership and peer mentoring girls and young women will be given the opportunities and tools to become active citizens, participating in and making a positive contribution to their local community, particularly in relation to issues of equality and diversity.