Hello everyone,
Hope you’re keeping well.
As you are aware, we have been on a mission this year to support diverse voices and communities across the UK, so here is one more of our endeavours.
Back in June, we made a commitment to support the BLM movement and we are taking active steps to stand by that decision. We recently joined #BrandShareTheMic to give a platform to inspiring individuals from the Black community to share their positive stories that challenge negative stereotypes. We were joined by Tiwalola Ogunlesi - A confidence coach, who used our Instagram channel to share her tips on dealing with negative thoughts and developing a positive mindset.
Our efforts haven’t stopped there. We’ve embarked on a new journey to support 5 wonderful charities who are doing meaningful work to support Black communities. We have donated a sum of £8.5K split equally amongst the 5 charities through our partners Neighbourly.
These 5 charities are truly exceptional local, grassroots charities, diverse in age, geographical location and support. The charities that we are supporting are UACS, Hapani, Black Out, Centre for African Entrepreneurship and Adira.
Here is a peek into the wonderful work these charities are doing and what impact our donations have made on them.
UACS - Focussing on loneliness and isolation in the elderly community - initially started to support to tackle discrimination and promote equality for people of Caribbean and African decent and now welcome people of all heritages in Ealing/Acton London.
How are they using the funds?
The donations will benefit almost 100 people per week. They are using the funds to organise support events and provide the essentials for the elderly.
Hapani - Supporting people from the Horn of Africa and beyond in Northern Ireland. The charity refugees and asylum seekers to help them integrate in their local communities.
How are they using the funds?
Supporting around 96 people, the charity is using the funds to organise activities and sporting events for youngsters.
BlackOut - This charity supports Black gay, bi and trans men in the UK. Black Out gives a platform for social interaction, workshops, events and support sessions to help Black gay men.
How are they using the funds?
The charity supports 150 per week. This grant will enable them to deliver great content and grow membership on their digital app the BLKOUTHUB - directly connecting Black queer men with vital services and the support, reducing isolation and loneliness.
Centre for African Entrepreneurship - This charity supports and promotes entrepreneurship in the Black and Refugee community in Swansea. Centre for African Entrepreneurship helps in encouraging these people to start their own business, setting it up and also guides them in becoming successful at it.
How are they using the funds?
The charity supports 150 people per week. This funding will go towards wellbeing and mental health support of the BAME community affected by the pandemic. The donation will help people who’ve lost their jobs and those working in high risk jobs and also provide them with remote and online services.
Adira - Supporting communities of Black women suffering from abuse and/or mental health issues in Sheffield. During the pandemic they’ve delivered food to vulnerable community members and run online conferences and listening services on mental health and help them deal with trauma and grief.
How are they using the funds?
During the pandemic, the charity is using the funds to support people who’ve lost
their jobs. They will also be using these funds later to provide Christmas hampers
for community members and families in need.
If you want to know more about how giffgaff is supporting Black communities, or find out how you can help donate to any of these causes, please visit our dedicated Neighbourly page
