AIG
Projects
At Afro Innovation Group, we are committed to driving meaningful change and empowerment within our communities. Through a diverse array of impactful projects, we address the unique needs of refugees, migrants, asylum seekers and other marginalised groups.
Sound Project
The Sound Project is an initiative aimed at supporting refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in Leicester through the power of music. Running from September 2024 to September 2025, this weekly programme provides participants with the opportunity to develop their musical and singing skills in a supportive and creative environment. Participants will learn to play a variety of musical instruments including guitars, keyboards, drums, traditional drums and kit drums, while enhancing their singing abilities with guidance from experienced artists and tutors. Through music, participants will have the chance to share their personal experiences and cultural heritage, building confidence and self-esteem along the way. Performance and showcase events throughout the year will provide opportunities for participants to display their newfound skills and creative expression.
BASE+
BASE+ is the successor project to our initial BASE project which commenced in 2016. Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, the project offers a range of support to participants covering employment, education, immigration, advocacy, translation, befriending and much more. The project is also helping us to grow our business development capabilities.
Debt, Benefits & Finances
Our Debt, Benefits & Finances project at Afro Innovation Group is dedicated to supporting families and vulnerable low-income individuals in understanding and managing their household finances, debts and benefit entitlements. Through collaborative partnerships with organisations like StepChange and local community law centres, we provide expert guidance tailored to each individual's needs. Our qualified advisors offer personalised counselling sessions and assistance to self-employed individuals and business owners, helping them navigate financial challenges and access relevant support programmes. Additionally, we explore Debt Relief Orders for those facing severe financial hardship, aiming to alleviate debt burdens and promote financial stability.
Youth Project
Our AIG Youth Project supports young people from refugee, asylum seeker, migrant and BAME communities in Leicester and Leicestershire. We offer physical activities, sports and learning opportunities to help young people enter education, training, volunteering or employment. Afro Innovation Group has supported young people with mental health issues, trauma and school nonattendance through partnerships with Sport England and music/art therapies. Weekly activities include sports like football, basketball, yoga and music sessions. If any young person would like to join our programme, please contact our team.
Mental Health and Health Inequalities
The Mental Health and Health Inequalities project at Afro Innovation Group focuses on enhancing the well-being of affected community members by offering services such as befriending and professional counselling facilitated by our qualified sessional workers who are trained counsellors. Our efforts extend beyond individual support to address health disparities within our communities. We actively engage in multi-agency forums to advocate for policy changes aimed at improving access to essential health services, including GP support and assistance for individuals grappling with significant health challenges. Additionally, we strive to address systemic barriers, such as structural racism, that hinder marginalised individuals from accessing mental health resources.
Women's Empowerment
Women’s Empowerment funding is helping us to provide support to BAME women, especially vulnerable young women, women who have experienced exploitation and abuse and those seeking to empower themselves through employment, self-employment or starting their own business. Through this programme we have been able to reach out and support women who have experienced domestic violence, human trafficking and modern slavery.
Incubator
In our Incubator programme, we offer complimentary spaces for members of our community who aspire to launch their own businesses or charities. Through mentorship and coaching provided by our experienced senior managers and board members, we guide aspiring entrepreneurs in navigating the complexities of policies, taxes and regulations to ensure their ventures' success.
Universities & Schools Mentoring and Placement
This project enables us to work with a number of academic institutions including community colleges, further education colleges and senior schools. We offer work experience placements of between six weeks and six months for students who have the chance to build community development skills and to gain a great deal of invaluable real-life, professional experience, from working with people from diverse communities and different backgrounds.
