We are a CIC based in North Watford that principally supports the local black community, most of whom
originate from West Africa.  We will also support any other local citizens who need our assistance.
Originally we were entirely focused on supporting children and young adults in our community to
improve their ability in mathematics and English language and that is indeed still the cornerstone of our
mission. However, we realise that, whilst education of the young is important, it is vital that we support
the well-being of the family unit to create a stable environment in which the future community can
thrive.

We therefore developed a number of initiatives to support adults, which are described below.
A significant common problem we see is the inability to deal with written English, notably letters from
Local Authorities, Government Departments, General Practices, landlords and potential employers. This
leads to a poor outcome for those already experiencing the following:

• Sub-standard housing
• The varied effects of low incomes, especially for women and children
• Poor health
• Low opportunities for employment

We address the problems at four levels
1. We run a community foodbank that stocks non-perishable foods focussing on those staple to West
African culture, which we operate with a central foodbank called Manner Food Bank. Effectively we are
a distributor at community grass roots level. This is a crucial support for many and it also provides us
with visibility and an opportunity to show what other services we can offer.

2. We run a tuition programme that provides a service to help people read and understand written
communications and to make a referral onto the most appropriate resource for advice and action. We
support the individual through the process. These basic skills are essential to personal advancement,
without which individuals are less likely to reach their potential, particularly in employment.

3. We do not offer careers advice but we do provide a CV writing service, schooling people to present
their experience and potential into a format that is structured. We will explain any job adverts or offers
that they receive. 

4.We provide recreational/socialising opportunities for both adults and youths in an Afro-Bashment
dance club that we run in a local church hall.  We also run a popular youth club for older children at the
same venue.

From experience we know that household domestic abuse is not uncommon.  This is partly created by
people being away from an extended family network and also the pressures of dealing with the
disadvantages of being an immigrant with low language skills.

Additionally we partner with the following organisations to ensure a close relationship that enables us
to make an effective referral.

• WATFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL
• WEST HERTFORDSHIRE POLICE WHO HAVE APPOINTED US AS THE ACCREDITED COMMUNITY ADVISOR FOR OUR COMMUNITY IN HERTFORDSHIRE CONSTABULARY.
• HERTFORDSHIRE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
• HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL