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Hackney CVS has recently received MATCH funding to embed anti-racist commissioning principles to address a chosen health inequality faced by communities in City and Hackney. The five principles are:
The Young Black People’s Mental Wealth Fund was launched in June 2024. Community members, the EPIC Health team and City and Hackney Population Health Hub have been working together to develop data and evidence for alternative ways of commissioning to meet community need. This work tests the co-developed anti-racist commissioning principles.
The Young Black People’s Mental Wealth fund commissioning process was developed through the anti-racist commissioning MATCH project workshops, which were delivered between September 2023 and March 2024.
Click here for the City and Hackney Population Health Hub presentation detailing how they are improving the health of the local population.
Betaminds is a youth and community organisation dedicated to supporting marginalised groups by fostering connections and enhancing personal, social, mental, and emotional wellbeing. With the Roots of Resilience project, they are creating safe spaces for young people to build peer support networks, develop life skills, and promote intergenerational healing.
Dipped In Creativity Engagement (DICE) is a youth engagement service and agency dedicated to connecting with and championing young people aged 16-30 from underrepresented and underserved communities. DICE specialise in engaging those who have often been overlooked by traditional services, helping them overcome barriers and progress into the destinations of their choice. Visit website
Positive Role Models is dedicated to empowering young Black people through culturally relevant support and mentoring. With the Kings of the Court Mental Wealth Initiative, they’re using basketball and mental health workshops to foster resilience, emotional well-being, and community connections, ensuring young Black people in Hackney thrive on and off the court. View website
Pantonic Steel Orchestra, based in Hackney, fosters creativity and personal growth through steel pan music. Its “Pan in Harmony” project, for young black people aged 12-18, promotes mental wealth, resilience, and well-being through music therapy, cultural exploration, and group discussions in a safe and supportive environment. Visit website
Talking Stigma CIC, through the Young Black People’s Mental Wealth Fund project, presents the “Community Roots: Mental Wealth Empowerment” programme. Designed to enhance young Black men’s mental health, the program uses local barbershops as trusted community spaces. Through bi-weekly workshops, an intergenerational mentorship program, and mental health ambassador training, the initiative fosters resilience, open dialogue, and leadership. The programme reduces stigma while delivering culturally relevant support and empowering the community.
The Young Black Men’s Mental Wealth project aims to create a supportive and empowering environment where young Black men can collaboratively design and develop mental health interventions. Through unconferences, design challenge training, and hands-on workshops, the project will foster innovation, collaboration, and practical solutions to improve mental health outcomes.
For more information, please contact Kemar Walford kemar@hcvs.org.uk
Our Anti-racist commissioning work has been highlighted by the Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR). Read here.
We supported UKHSA and London Councils to develop ‘A Strategic Framework to Tackling Ethnic Health Inequalities through an Anti-Racist approach’. Read here
