CARIBBEAN &AFRICAN
COMMUNITY HEALTH
SUPPORTFORUM
2024- 2025
Annual
Report
Celebrating the work to improve the health and well-being
of the local community.
M&R CA
.Woodbridge
CARIBBEAII&AFRICAN
COMMUNITY HEALTH
SUPPORTFORUM
CACHSF
Annual Report 2024-2025
page 2
Company
Information
CARIBBEAN & AFRICAN
COMMUNITY HEALTH
SUPPORTFORUM
Organisation name.. Caribbean & African
Community Health Support
Forum
ICACHSFI
SUFFOLK
Community
Foundolion
Charity number:1162605
Crown Hall Chambers, 10 Crown Street,
Ipswich, IPI 3LD, United Kingdom (serving
principally Caribbean
and African
communities in Suffolk)
•8 NATIONAL
Jsuffolk
County Councll
Purpose l Mission.. CACHSF exists to raise
the profile of health and well-being within
the Caribbean and African community.
NHS
East Suffolk and
North E55ex
NHS Fouridbtiort Trust
Table of Content
Public Health
& Communities
l.Chairman's Report Ipage 31
2.Mental Health & Wellbeing Ipage 41
3.Unity Befriending Project Ipage 61
4.Cancer Awareness Ipage 7]
5.Diabetes & Hypertension Awareness tpage 91
6.Axter Climate Community Fund - Exercise
and Walking to Wellness Project Ipage101
7. Dice & Spice Project Ipage111
8.Annual Financial Report Ipage121
THE ROPE TRUST
Suffolk
Recipient
Suffolk BME Business Awards
Winner 2024
The Klng'sAwaYd
lor Voluntary Servic•
CACHSF
Annual Report 2024-2025
page 3
Chairman's
Report
On behalf of the Caribbean and African Community Health
Support Forum ICACHSFI, I would like to thank the CACHSF
Board of Trustees, Volunteers, staff, and beneficiaries and all
those who have supported the work of CACHSF over the course
this year. We would also like to thank all the organisations that
have funded the various projects and activities that we have
delivered.
I would also like to thank our Project coordinators., for their
outstanding work this year in planning and delivering the much-
needed services in activities and responding to needs in the local
community.
It has been encouraging to read the monthly project reports
from each coordinator that has kept us up to date with their
progress. These include Cancer prevention, Walking to Wellness,
Men's mental health group, Dice 'n' Spice,. (hot meal delivery
service), Befriending services, weekly exercise class and individual
support.
During 2023 CACHSF were requested to vacate our previous
premises at Tower Street, where we were conveniently
positioned for community access in the center of town, having
been there since 2014. We moved into new premises at Crown
Street, in May 2023.This was one of the many challenges that we
faced this year along with change of address and printing of new
promotional materials e.g. leaflets, flyers, banners, letterheads
etc. This was a time consuming, expensive but necessary process
to inform the community of the change.
Despite all of the challenges, we were very pleased with what we
were able to achieve in 202312024 and feel confident that we will
extend our services and provision to the Caribbean, African and
wider communities moving into 2025.
Clem Turner
Chairman
CARIBBEAN &AFRICAN
COMMUNITYHEALTH
SLIPPORTFORUM
CACHSF
Annual Report 2024-2025
page 4
The Importance of Mental Health and
Well-Being Community
- Project Coordinator, Angelina Quamina MBE
The Men's Mental Health and Well-Being project, "It's All About Youll,
sought to
emphasise the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment where men
can explore their identities, connect deeply, and build meaningful relationships with
others. Through this initiative, participants had the opportunity to curate and celebrate
their generational legacy during a transgenerational gathering which celebrated Men's
Mental Health week in June 2024 where the men were able to showcase how far they
had come in their mental health journeys as they showcased music they had written to
the audience in attendance.
The project aimed to foster an avenue for conversation surrounding the mental health
and well-being of Black men in Suffolk. In 2024, we proudly entered the second year of
this transformative initiative, focused on addressing the unique challenges faced by
Black men, particularly those exacerbated by the pandemic. With an emphasis on
creating a supportive environment, the project sought to empower individuals to
embrace their authentic selves while promoting personal growth.
Central to the project are the monthly Check-lns, where participants gather in a
nurturing space to explore their spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
These gatherings, facilitated by our Community Project Coordinator, Angelina Quamina
MBE. create an atmosphere of trust and openness. During these sessions, participants
engage in thoughtful discussions that allow them to articulate their experiences,
aspirations, and challenges, fostering a sense of camaraderie and solidarity.
The transformative space cultivated during these Check-lns encourages creativity and
self-exploration. Pa rticipants are i nspired to think innovatively about their well-being and
to push the boundaries of what is important to them. They delve into various activities
designed to enhance their self-awareness and emotional intelligence, contributing to a
holistic approach to their personal development. By providing tools and resources for
men to reflect on their identities, we are fostering an environment that champions
vu I nerability and courage.
The group participated in learning new skills ranging from Kitchen Safety to learning
how to record, produce and speak on a podcast. These serve to provide a connection
with those member5 who choose to stay at home and have one-to-one conversations.
Featuring authentic stories and real-life challenges, the podcasts promote ongoing
conversations among men and serve as a vital resource for those seeking connection
and understanding.
CARIBBEAN &AFR
COMMUNITYHEALTH
SLPPQRTFOIIIJI
CACHSF
Annual Report 2024-2025
page 5
Ultimately, this initiative aspires to cultivate meaningful relationships and empower
Black men to strive towards a brighter future, not just for themselves but for generations
to come. Through this work, we hope to illuminate their paths and celebrate their
unique stories, ensuring they resonate deeply within our community. This year saw
many partnerships to include Ipswich Community Library and Ipswich Community
Media with the men using their culinary skills to prepare and serve the community
during a transgenerational brunch. As they enter year 3 the men hope to capitalise on
their skills as they develop a community gathering called 'The Breakfast Club,.
CACHSF
Annual Report 2024-2025
page 6
Unity Befriending Project
Project Coordinator, Bev Uter.
The Befriending project had largely been running without a paid coordinator in 2022. We
addressed this in 2023 responding to the local needs and ensured Volunteers had
adequate support.
Volunteer befrienders still met monthly to update the team on the outcomes of their
Befriending work they were conducting. They ensured their befriendees were linked
back in to CACHSF and mainstream services through the process of referrals, food
parcels were requested from 2 members based on their hardship, and many were
accessing the Dice 'n' Spice Hot Healthy Meals.
Sadly, two of our elders passed away during this time,. Mr Davis and Mrs Mcconney and
this came as a real shock to us all. Cards were sent to their families, and some CACHSF
Committee members attended the funerals.
The Befriending project part time coordinator interviews were conducted in May 2023,
and we successfully recruited Beverley Uter to the post, commencing l Jun 24. She got
straight into the role and attended the Suffolk Windrush event at the Cornhill on 22nd
June 2024 to promote the work, and to introduce herself and the project, successfully
recruiting volunteers and befriendees from the local black communities.
The original initiative was in response to COVID in 2019, where our elderly and vulnerable
people were isolated from their communities. Now, Bev has started to really adjust the
project to meet the new demands post-COVID as the health of our communities has
seen some changes.
8everley has been facilitating the monthly Befriending Team meetings with the
volunteer Befrienders, where we all update on our interactions with Befriendees, flag any
issues arising, update each other on events in the local community that may benefit
8efriendees, and update on Safeguarding issues.
The programme is currently continuing to seek community members to volunteer to
make short weekly telephone calls to vulnerable members of the community. I have
planned mandatory Safeguarding training and completed DBS checks for the team. At
the end of her 24125 Report year, she has recruited Tracey, Dian, Bernadette, Kemi, as
befrienders scheduling and asslsting them through the Safeguard training and DBS
process and most recently Nekesha still to complete her process. She has additionally
recruited volunteers Veronica & Christine to act as the DBS admin verifier and ID verifier,
together with Malika a young volunteer helps out at events. Increasing the program by
120¥0. This program initiative is continuing to be a well needed project in the community.
To end the year Beverley and her Befrienders on 31 May 25, hosted an area at the Wolsey
Theatre Big Event, in Ipswich attended by the Community and guests from Bethesda
Care Home. The afternoon was filled with festivities and fun throughout the event.
COMMUNITYHEALTH
SUPPORT FORUM
CACHSF
Annual Report 2024-2025
page 7
'Head out of the Sand, Cancer Awareness
and Prevention Project (HOOTSCAP)
Project Coordinator, Imani Sorhcyindo.
2024r2025 was the second year of the project, where I
continued to engage the Black and minority ethnic
communities
health discussions
around
cancer
prevention. Issues such as limited information, the mistrust
of mainstream healthcare, myths about the prostate cancer
test, all contributed to the high levels of disparity in the
community, leading to many in our community getting
checked out very late, if at all.
We worked closely with Kim from SNEE, Kimya from Cancer
Support Suffolk, Mollin and Helda from Phoebe and Romeo
from the Ipswich Romanian Community. This ensured that
those most marginalised received up to date information
and support regarding the need for early intervention.
Our work over-achieved this year as we engaged well over
200+ adults in the communities, with 17% referrals showing
early stages of risk at 1-2 stage cancer indicators. The
remaining 83% were able to receive direct assistance to get
early tests and reassurance that they were fine, access to
health and well-being checks and treatments.
The responses to the community talks were very positive.,
particularly at the Tacket Street church, Phoebe and the
Romanian Community,the HIVE.
THE
Err
McKellar
Some of the main issues raised by clients were around
misinformation in their culture around culture and how you
can contract it through intercourse. There were some
communities who shared that there was a cultural
insensitivity to when they came into the GP surgery., often
not feeling welcomed or that people were actively listening
to them based on their accent.
IIN4
We also delivered 3 presentations around diet, nutrition,
mental well-being and exercise for cancer prevention and
these went down very well.
IIN8
IIN12
PLEDGE
TO MOT 14Y
PAOSYAYe ev•RY
YEAR FOA LIFE
'MOT(3
CACHSF
Annual Report 2024-2025
page 8
During 202412025 we planned and delivered the Prostate cancer talk and invited Errol
McKellar MBE down to Ipswich. The event was held at the HOLD, Suffolk Archives and we
received a great deal of support from Mandy Flawlins and Barbara at the Hold. It was a
positive event and the community came out in numbers. Over 50% of the black men who
attended reported that they would get their test done as a result of the talk.
One to One support has continued with more people needing and using the service.
We have worked hard and continued to engage and educate the community about
signs and symptoms of cancer and what steps can be taken to prevent it. 200+ people
have been engaged this year. We have worked with various communities such as
F2omanian', African., white British,. Iranian and Caribbean communities. We have focused
on Breast, prostate, bowel and cervical cancer where we have put on several workshops
and events.
We continue to make excellent links with partners to
educate the community about cancer. There is a lot of work
still to be done and this project must continue.
Imani, Kimyo (Concer Support Suffolkl
or)d Nelly Icommunity Action Suffolk) at
the HIVE, delivering C(Jncer prevention
to the Romanian Commur)ity.
CARIBBEA14 &AFRFCAN
COMMLINITYHEALTH
SUPPORTFORUM
CACHSF
Annual Report 2024-2025
page 9
Diabetes arnd Hypertension Awareness Event
We also put on a Diabetes and Hypertension Awareness Event in collaboration with
Suffolk and North East Essex,. Xyla and the Suffolk Black Community Forum,. which was
one of the requests that came out of our Cancer prevention sessions as a topic that
participants wanted to see covered. We worked hard to engage and educate the
community about signs and symptoms of diabetes and hypertension., how to manage
these chronic illnesses and what Steps can be taken to prevent them. This was a
successful event with over 40+ in attendance. We had in attendance the NHS Be Well
Bus who provided blood pressure monitoring and diabetes assessment. Many in
attendance had the opportunity to have blood pressure checked and diabetes risk
assessment.
Below is some feedback we received from the event.
66
Rea Ily informative, engaging talks. Lovely food. It
is really good to learn more about hypertension
and diabetes to be aware of risk factors
66
Very Informative talks learned a
lot about hypertension and will
be more aware in future
99
66
Very good information about
the different types of diabetes
99
66
Very useful and eye opening,
Thankyou
99
66
Very Informatlve and explalned
in easy to understand terms
99
66
Very informative and able to
take away some valuable.
practical words and actions
CARIBBEAN &AFRICAN
COMMUNITYHEALTH
SUPPORTFORUM
99
CACHSF
Annual Report 2024-2025
page 10
Axter Climote Community Fund - Exercise and
Walking to Wellness Project
The project consisted of 46 weeks of exercise
classes
for
members
of the
Ipswich
community, as well as walking to wellness in
the local Christchurch parks when the weather
was warm. Over 20 people aged 50+ took part
in the weekly activities to improve standards in
health and well-being, and a larger group
participated in the walking to wellness event to
Woodbridge, where we also received support
from the Suffolk County Counc1 to extend this
work.
CACHSF worked with Nefer Graphics to come
up with a Walking to Wellness logo which was
used on all marketing and t-shirts for all who
booked to attend the walk. All the partners
were highlighted as they contributed greatly
to helping make the day a success! The food
was prepared and delivered by Smokehouse in
Ipswich.
ING ro
greateronglla
The grant made a significant impact in our ability to offer healthy exercise and walking
opportunities to some of the most vulnerable adults in Ipswich, allowing experienced
practitioners to ensure mixed ability groups were safely guided access. Overall, 50+
people took part in the project. which consisted of 46 weeks of exercise classes at the
new Wolsey Community Hub, and walking to wellness walks in local parks.
Momentum grew as they progressed. and more vulnerable adults started to hear about
the classes, which led to an increase in attendance. IO0% of those attending reported an
increase in health and well-being, flexibility, core strength and endurance as a result of
the classes. They also added that it became a social vehicle for them to come outdoors
and meet others. The project impacted on their mental and physical state and
addressed isolation. The Walking to Wellness theme became a 'brand identity, for the
group, which helped us to drive the campaign for healthy walking. It offered an
opportunity for those most isolated, fearful of walking alone, to be able to have a group
to walk with in the local parks and green spaces. This was the first time for many of the
individuals that they had access to local parks and countryside. We anticipated that the
quality of life amongst the African and Caribbean community would vastly be improved,
along with their general health and well-being. and this certainly has been the casel The
wider outcomes have been far-reaching., with inter-racial friendships fostered, access to
the Theatre to see a Footloose play for some who could never afford to get tickets, and to
be part of a larger walking project to Woodbridge. It has been a project where lives have
certainly been enriched as a result of this grant.
There were no major challenge5 apart from plannirig walks and then it rained a few
times. We always had a plan B. For the walk in Woodbridge, we had to collaborate with
Suffolk County Council to ensure train fare support for those who would otherwise have
had to access to green spaces in the countryside.
CACHSF
Annual Report 2024-2025
page 11
The Unity Exercise Closs members sociolising ofter fheir work outsl
Dice & Spice Report
This project has proved to be a much-needed resource
in our community, as hot meals are requested on a
weekly basis. These meals are culturally based whilst
healthy changes are made during their preparation eg
11owsaltl.
The numbers that we cater for presently, had to be
limited., due to lack of committed volunteers for
shopping, preparation, cooking, delivery and clean-up
is an ongoing issue.
Future volunteers or staff are needed to be able to
increase the numbers and help to carry this valuable
service forward into 2025.
CARIBBEAN &AFRICAN
COMMUNITYHEALTH
SUPPORTFORUM
CACHSF
Annual Report 2024-2025
page 12
Annual Financial Report
Financial Summary
Financial Year l April 2024- 31 March 2025
Overvlew
This section presents a comprehensive summary of the organisation's financial
performance for the year 2024-2025. It details the opening and closing balances,
outlines sources of income and major expenditure items, and provides key insights into
income stability, cost structure, and overall financial health. The report highlights the
predominant reliance on grant funding, the significance of professional fees and rent in
total costs, and concludes with a positive net surplus, demonstrating prudent financial
management and sustainability for the year ahead.
Openlng Balance
The organisation began the financial year with a balance of £21,818.35, as confirmed by
the bank statement.
Income Overvlew
Total income for the year amounted to £39,227.75. Nearly 89%-was sourced from grants,
Additional income was generated through project activities and fundraising, including..
Dice & Spice sales.
Exercise Project Income, Sickle Cell Community Foundation, Diabetes &
Hypertension, Men's Health, and Donations.
Expendlture Breakdown
Total expenditure for the year was £34,187.24. The most significant costs were..
Professional Fees and Office rent and venue usage
Other notable expenses included general running costs, travel, IT, printing, utilities, and
volunteer subsistence.
Net Posltlon and Closlng Balance
The organisation achieved a net surplus of £5,040.51 for the year (income minus
expenditure), resulting in a closing balance of £26,858.86 as of 31 March 2025.
CARIBBEAN &AFRICAN
COMMUNITYHEALTH
SUPPORTFORUM
CACHSF
Annual Report 2024-2025
page 13
Key Insights for Stakeholders
Income Stability.. The organisation's reliance on grant funding remains high, but
successful fundraising and project income provide additional support.
Cost Structure.. Professional fees and rent together account for over 60% of total
expenditure, reflecting a focus on professional services and maintaining operational
facilities.
Financial Health.. The year concluded with a healthy surplus and an increased closing
balance, indicating prudent financial management and a strong position for future
sustainability.
CARIBBEAN &AFRICAN
COMMUNITYHEALTH
SUPPORTFORUM
CARIBBEAN &AFRICAN
COMMUNITY HEALTH
SUPPORTFORUM
Reclpient
cachsf.org
Thi Klng'5Aww4
## Caribbean and African Communities Health Support Forum Annual Income and Expenditure 01/04/2024-31/03/2025
|b/f 31/03/2024
Natonal Lotery Fund (for a two-year period)
Sufolk Community Foundaton
General Running Costs/Admin/Ofce
Petrol
IT
printng
Travel
Telephone/Internet
Rent
Utlity
Maintenance
Statonery
Exercise Project Income
Dice & Spice
Sickle Cell Community Foundaton
Professional Fees
Volunteers Subsistence
Diabetes & Hypertension
Men's health
Donatons
balance c/f 01/04/2025|Expenditure
Income
Balance
21,818.35
20,000.00
15,000.00
1,172.00
1,386.19
665.61
936.72
1,535.32
670.96
6,241.15
327.62
566.95
29.75
1,500.00
2,929.51
2,520.00
10.00
14,688.41
361.06
1,362.75
2,475.99
320.00
200.00
15.00|Expenditure
Income
Balance
21,818.35
20,000.00
15,000.00
1,172.00
1,386.19
665.61
936.72
1,535.32
670.96
6,241.15
327.62
566.95
29.75
1,500.00
2,929.51
2,520.00
10.00
14,688.41
361.06
1,362.75
2,475.99
320.00
200.00
15.00|
|---|---|---|
||34,187.24
40,727.75
6,540.51
28,358.86||
|||28,358.86|
as per bank
S.L.Collyer Bookkeeping and Accounts
he Laurels,, Station Road, Alresford
Colchester, Essex, C07 88S
Sarah Collyer 07001302496
Email . ses
live.co.uk
Mr Clem Turner
Chairman
Caribbean and African Community
Health Support Forum (CACHSP)
Crown Hall Chambe
10 Crown Street
Ipswich
IP138E
5th March 2026
Dear Mr Turner,
I can confimi that I have checked through your figures for 202412025 and I can verify Ihat the
calculats'ons are correct.
As discussed on the telephone, I cannot verify that the amounts stated relate directty to
invoices produced, funding agreements and bills received because I do not have access to
these, but l am satisfied to trust your figures. Please be aware that the HMRC reserve the
right to require aCsS to these documents, if they so wish.
I will sign this letter to confirm the above and ask that you please sign it too, to confirm that the
figures given to me are a true account of both income and expenses.
Yours faithfully
Mrs S.L.Collyer
MAAT
Signed Mr Clem Turner
Oated