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Leeds, UK – August 2026
Afrikindness is delighted to announce that it has been awarded one year of funding from the Leeds Community Foundation to deliver a pioneering community mental health programme focused on improving mental health outcomes for Black men and strengthening support for Black families across Leeds.
The funding comes at a crucial time. While Afrikindness has supported hundreds of parents through its parenting, wellbeing and community empowerment programmes, the organisation has identified a significant gap in engaging Black men. Fathers, husbands, sons and male carers are often underrepresented in community wellbeing initiatives despite facing unique cultural, social and emotional barriers to seeking support.
This new programme will create trusted, culturally safe spaces where Black men can openly discuss mental health, build meaningful peer connections, access early intervention, and receive practical support without fear of stigma or judgement.
The programme builds on Afrikindness’ recent community research undertaken in partnership with Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service (LMWS) and Touchstone, exploring the question:
“What might be preventing Black communities in Leeds from accessing mental health support?”
The research, jointly led by Dr Terrence Isaacs (Afrikindness) and Beth Stefan (Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service), and the team from both organisations, brought together the voices and lived experiences of Black communities across Leeds.
The research dissemination will hold virtually on the 2nd of September and will highlight the key outcomes from the 1-year project. The findings from the research have directly informed the design of this new community programme, ensuring that local voices remain at the centre of service development.
A Community-Led Approach
Beginning in July 2026, the project will deliver a comprehensive programme of community engagement, including:
- Community mental health awareness sessions
- Monthly Afrikindness Men’s Circle
- Online webinars and educational workshops
- Black Men’s Podcast featuring lived experiences and inspirational conversations
- Community conferences and networking events
- Annual Movember awareness campaign
- Boys to Men mentoring and early intervention programme
- One-to-one intervention and signposting support
- Community outreach and partnership events
- Development of culturally appropriate mental health resources
Together, these activities will strengthen culturally responsive mental health support, reduce barriers to accessing services, increase awareness of available help, encourage earlier intervention, and empower Black men and their families to prioritise their mental wellbeing.
Steering the Project
The project will be overseen by the Afrikindness Mental Health Steering Group, bringing together community leaders, lived experience representatives, researchers and mental health professionals to ensure the programme remains community-led, evidence-informed and sustainable.
Dr Terrence Isaacs – Afrikindness Mental health lead
Tolu Owolabi – Afrikindness Trustee
Modestus Okonkwo – Afrikindness Research team lead
Emmanuel Nwofe – Igbo Union Yorkshire President
Mr Lamin Kinteh – Community leader
A Word from Afrikindness
“Mental health conversations cannot exclude men if we are serious about strengthening families and communities. Every father who feels supported creates a stronger home. Every man who feels safe enough to ask for help becomes a role model for the next generation. This funding enables us to create spaces where Black men are heard, understood and supported in ways that respect their lived experiences and cultural identity.”
Join the Movement
Afrikindness is inviting Black men, community leaders, employers, partners and supporters to become part of this growing movement.
Men can join the Afrikindness Men’s Circle WhatsApp Community to hear about upcoming sessions, events and opportunities:
Click to Join Men’s Circle here
Research Dissemination Event
Join the research dissemination event here:- https://mentalhealthdissemination.eventbrite.co.uk
Thank You
Afrikindness extends its sincere thanks to Leeds Community Foundation for investing in this important work and recognising the need to tackle mental health inequalities through community-led, culturally responsive approaches.
Together, we can break stigma, strengthen families, and build healthier, more resilient communities.
Media Contact
Afrikindness
Email: info@afrikindness.org
Website: www.afrikindness.org
Follow us on social media: @Afrikindness
