Family activities

Explore family-friendly activities that celebrate culture, wellness, and togetherness. From cultural festivals and community events to nature trails and interactive workshops, there are countless ways to bond with your loved ones. Discover resources for creating memorable moments

Cultural Events and Festivals

1. Africa Oyé Festival (Liverpool): The UK’s largest free celebration of African music and culture, featuring live performances, workshops, and activities for all ages. Africa Oyé Festival
2. Notting Hill Carnival (London): A vibrant Caribbean festival with parades, music, and cultural displays, offering a family-friendly atmosphere, especially on Children’s Day. Notting Hill Carnival
3. Liverpool Black History Month Events: A series of workshops, exhibitions, and performances throughout October, celebrating Black heritage and contributions. Liverpool Black History Month
4. Africa on the Square (London): An annual event in Trafalgar Square celebrating African culture with live music, dance, food stalls, and family activities. Africa on the Square
5. Jamaican Independence Day Celebrations (Various Locations): Events across the UK commemorating Jamaican independence with cultural performances, food, and family activities. Jamaican High Commission UK
6. Caribbean Food and Music Festivals (Nationwide): Festivals celebrating Caribbean cuisine and music, offering a family-friendly environment. Caribbean Food and Music Festival

Museums and Historical Experiences

1. Black Cultural Archives (London): The UK’s only national heritage centre dedicated to preserving and celebrating the histories of African and Caribbean people in Britain. Black Cultural Archives
2. International Slavery Museum (Liverpool): Offers insights into the history and legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, with educational exhibits suitable for families. International Slavery Museum
3. M Shed Museum (Bristol): Features exhibits on Bristol’s history, including its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, with family-friendly tours. M Shed Museum
4. Hackney Museum (London): Explores the diverse history of Hackney, including stories from African and Caribbean communities, with interactive exhibits for children. Hackney Museum

Creative and Educational Activities

1. African Drumming Workshops (Various Locations): Interactive sessions teaching traditional African drumming techniques, suitable for families. African Activities
2. Family Storytelling Sessions (Online & In-Person): Events featuring African and Caribbean folktales, engaging for both children and adults. The Story Museum
3. African Heritage Art Workshops (Nationwide): Hands-on art sessions exploring African artistic traditions and crafts. October Gallery
4. Afrobeat and Soca Dance Classes (Various Locations): Family-oriented dance classes introducing Afrobeat and Soca rhythms. Danceworks

Outdoor Activities

1. Black Heritage Walks Network (Nationwide): Guided walks exploring Black history and landmarks in various UK cities. Black Heritage Walks Network
2. Community Picnics and BBQs (Summer Events): Organized gatherings celebrating Black culture with food and activities. Eventbrite
3. Caribbean Cooking Classes for Families (Nationwide): Classes teaching families to prepare traditional Caribbean dishes. The Avenue Cookery School

Community and Supportive Networks

1. Black Girl Fest Family Days (London): Events designed for Black women and girls, featuring workshops and activities for families. Black Girl Fest
2. Afrocentric Book Fairs and Storytimes (Nationwide): Events promoting literature by Black authors, with readings and activities for children. Round Table Books

Single parenting

Being a single parent comes with unique challenges and rewards, and it’s important to have the right support. From navigating financial assistance and childcare options to building a strong support network, resources are available to empower and uplift you. Discover community groups, parenting tips, and tools designed to help you thrive and create a nurturing environment for your family.

Financial Assistance, Mental Health Support, and Community Groups

1. BAME Lone Parents Network: Provides expert advice, practical support, and essential resources to help single parents navigate challenges such as poverty, social isolation, and mental health struggles.
bameloneparentsnetwork.co.uk
2. Single Parents Support and Advice Services (SPSAS): Offers support and advice to single parents, including hardship loans, care hampers, and assistance with gas and electric top-ups
singleparentssupportandadviceservices.co.uk
3. Black Mothers Matter: Delivers resources and services that provide accurate, relevant, and safer information and support to Black and mixed-Black women and birthers, focusing on mental health and well-being.
blackmothersmatter.org
4. The Motherhood Group: Focuses on the mental health of Black mothers, offering prenatal, pregnancy, and antenatal counseling, access to doulas, events, campaigns, and peer support sessions.
https://themotherhoodgroup.org/
5. Gingerbread: Provides advice and support services for single parents, including information pages, a helpline, webchat, an online forum, and local and digital groups
gingerbread.org.uk
6. Single Parents Wellbeing: Offers well-being workshops, creative workshops, and a young person’s project to support single parents’ mental health and well-being
singleparentswellbeing.com
7. SingleParents.org.uk: Provides information and resources on various aspects of single parenting, including financial advice, mental health support, and community connections.
singleparents.org.uk
8. Mental Health Foundation’s Single Parents Projects: Conducts programs focusing on the mental health and well-being of single parents, offering resources and support.
mentalhealth.org.uk
9. Turn2us: A national charity providing financial support to help people get back on track, offering information on welfare benefits, grants, and managing money.
   
turn2us.org.uk
10. Black Women Rising: Provides support groups and resources for Black women affected by cancer, focusing on mental health and community support.
blackwomenrisinguk.org
11. Mind: Offers mental health support and information, including specific resources for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities.
mind.org.uk
12. The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN): Connects individuals with qualified therapists from Black, African, and Asian backgrounds, offering culturally sensitive mental health support.
baatn.org.uk
13. National Debtline: Provides free, confidential, and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems.
nationaldebtline.org
14. Citizens Advice: Offers free advice on various issues, including financial assistance, legal matters, and housing, with services available nationwide.
citizensadvice.org.uk
15. Family Lives: Provides support and advice on all aspects of family life, including parenting, financial concerns, and mental health.
familylives.org.uk
16. Home-Start UK: Offers support, friendship, and practical help to parents with young children, through a network of trained volunteers.
home-start.org.uk
17. The Trussell Trust: Supports a nationwide network of food banks, providing emergency food and support to people in crisis.

    trusselltrust.org
18. Black Women’s Health & Family Support (BWHAFS): Provides health and social care services to Black and minority ethnic communities, focusing on health education and advocacy.

    bwhafs.com

Education advocacy

Supporting children in achieving quality education is essential for their future success. Advocacy ensures they have access to equitable opportunities, inclusive environments, and the tools they need to thrive. Learn about resources to navigate the UK school system, access support for special educational needs, and connect with organizations promoting fairness and representation in education.

Navigating the UK School System

The UK school system has structured stages designed to support children’s development, academic progress, and preparation for adulthood.

Key Stages and School Types

1.  Early Years Foundation Stage (Ages 3–5):

• Nurseries and reception classes focus on social, physical, and basic academic skills through play-based learning.
• Look for Ofsted-inspected nurseries and local council services for early education.

2.  Primary School (Ages 5–11):

• Covers Key Stage 1 (Ages 5–7) and Key Stage 2 (Ages 7–11).
• Children study core subjects like English, maths, science, history, and physical education.
• Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) are taken in Year 6.

3.  Secondary School (Ages 11–16):

• Covers Key Stage 3 (Ages 11–14) and Key Stage 4 (Ages 14–16).
• Students study a wider range of subjects and choose GCSE options in Year 9 for exams in Years 10 and 11.
• School choices include state-funded, grammar schools (with entrance exams), and private schools.

4.  Further Education (Ages 16–18):

• After GCSEs, students can pursue A-levels, vocational courses (like BTECs), or apprenticeships.
• Sixth-form colleges or vocational colleges often offer these pathways.

Tips for Parents

• School Choice: Research local schools using the UK Government school comparison tool.
• Admissions Process: Apply for schools through your local council’s admissions system. Deadlines are critical!
• Stay Informed: Engage in parent-teacher associations and attend open days to understand school culture.
• Special Educational Needs (SEN): Seek support through the SEN department if your child has additional needs.

Addressing Racial Bias in Schools

Racial bias in schools can take subtle and overt forms, but parents and communities can work together to create a more inclusive environment.

Identifying Racial Bias

• Unconscious Bias: Teachers or staff may unconsciously treat children differently due to stereotypes.
• Disciplinary Disparities: Black children are disproportionately more likely to face exclusions or punishments.
• Representation: Curriculums may lack diversity in history, literature, or role models.
• Microaggressions: Comments or actions that reflect stereotypes can harm children’s self-esteem.

What You Can Do as a Parent

1.  Educate Yourself and Your Child:

• Discuss racism and its effects openly with your child. Equip them with language to report any issues.
• Use resources like Show Racism the Red Card for discussions at home.

2.  Understand School Policies:

• Review the school’s anti-racism policies and procedures for reporting bias or discrimination.
• Push for transparency and updates on diversity and inclusion strategies.

3.  Engage the School Community:

• Attend meetings or PTA events to raise concerns about bias or lack of diversity.
• Advocate for workshops or training on anti-racism for staff and students.

4.  Leverage External Support:

• Contact organizations like the Runnymede Trust for guidance on addressing bias in schools.
• Escalate unresolved concerns to local education authorities or the Department for Education.

Finding Tutors Who Reflect Diverse Backgrounds

Tutors who understand and respect cultural diversity can significantly enhance your child’s learning experience.

Why Choose Diverse Tutors?

• Culturally aware tutors provide relatable role models and address any cultural gaps in the school curriculum.
• They can build confidence and motivation in children who may feel underrepresented in traditional learning environments.

How to Find the Right Tutor

1.  Use Specialized Platforms:
Explore tutor platforms that prioritize diversity and inclusion, such as:

• Tutorful (filter for cultural specialties or backgrounds).
• MyTutor (offers personalized matching with tutors).

2.  Leverage Local Networks:

• Community groups, cultural organizations, or local libraries often host directories for tutors of diverse backgrounds.

3.  Engage Schools and Councils:

• Many schools maintain lists of vetted tutors and enrichment programs.
• Local councils may offer grants for tutoring, particularly for low-income families.

4.  Assess Their Suitability:

• Check qualifications and experience. Ask about their familiarity with culturally diverse learning needs.
• Request references or testimonials, and consider trial lessons.

5.  Community Recommendations:

• Join forums like Black British Mums to connect with other parents for trusted referrals.

Cultural Enrichment Programs

• Enroll your child in programs like the Saturday Schools Network to supplement formal education with Afrocentric perspectives.

Motherhood and Support

FIVEXMORE

From connecting with other mums to expert tips, we’re here for every step of your journey.

Designed specifically for Black mothers and birthing people who are pregnant or have a child under 2, our app is packed with:

💡 Expert-led videos covering maternity, mental health, and parenting topics
🌍 A supportive community to share experiences and get advice
📆 Access to live events and Q&As with health professionals
📚 Resources to help you advocate for yourself during appointments
🛠 Tools and guides tailored for each stage of pregnancy and early parenting

Blackmums App

BlackMums is a UK-based platform that provides a safe space for Black mothers to share, discuss, support, and laugh with each other through shared experiences.The platform aims to create a community where Black mothers can have access to connect, find support  and community who are there to listen, share information and offer valuable advice. https://blackmums.com/

Mummy’s Day Out

Mummy’s Day Out is an award-winning network dedicated to inspiring, empowering, and encouraging mothers throughout their motherhood journey. By hosting child-friendly events across London and surrounding areas, they aim to reduce isolation and create opportunities for mothers to connect and support each other. Their initiatives include Mama Meet-Ups, Family Fun Days, Mum 2 Mumpreneur networking, and parent workshops, all designed to foster a supportive community for mothers

https://www.mummysdayout.com/