Sunderland African Community Association (SACA)

Aim

To promote community inclusion, tackle social isolation, reduce inequality, and empower residents to achieve their full potential.

Sunderland African Community Association (SACA) works to support African and other Black and Minority Ethnic communities across Sunderland and the surrounding region taking Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Health wellbeing as a priority. Our mission is to reduce social isolation, tackle disadvantage, and promote integration and opportunity for all. We run a range of grassroots programmes that include food support, advice and signposting, youth mentoring, health and wellbeing workshops, and intercultural community events.

This work builds on successful pilot initiatives delivered during the pandemic and is in direct response to increasing demand from our local community. The proposal outlines the need, our approach, and the anticipated impact. We believe this aligns strongly with your foundation’s commitment to supporting organisations that deliver meaningful social impact across the UK.

What We Would Like to Do

With funding from the Garfield Weston Foundation, we would like to expand and run our Community Inclusion and Wellbeing Programme. This programme will deliver:

• Bi-monthly food support and culturally appropriate meals for families in crisis
• Community drop-in sessions offering signposting, form-filling, and practical help (benefits, housing, employment)
• Health and wellbeing workshops, including mental health awareness, blood pressure checks, and women’s health sessions
• Youth empowerment activities (mentoring, cultural awareness, educational support)
• Intercultural community events to celebrate diversity and promote social cohesion

This programme will run over a 12-month period, benefiting at least 500 individuals from diverse backgrounds.

 How This Supports Crowdfunder Mission

Your foundation’s commitment to welfare, education, youth, and community resonates deeply with our objectives. This programme directly supports:

• Social inclusion for marginalised groups, especially African and BME residents
• Health and wellbeing improvements through food support and health education
• Community cohesion, reducing division and fostering understanding
• Educational opportunity for disadvantaged youth
• Empowerment of women and new migrants through access to resources and support

 The Difference Our Work Will Make

This programme will deliver real, measurable impact by:

• Reducing hunger and hardship among low-income African and BME households
• Improving access to services and increasing confidence among residents with limited English or digital literacy
• Reducing isolation and loneliness, especially for elderly residents and refugees
• Building trust and connection between ethnic minority groups and mainstream services
• Giving young people a voice and tools to succeed in education and future employment

 Is This New Work?

This programme builds on successful pilot work we delivered during and after COVID-19, where we supported over 180 households with emergency food and wellbeing support. Feedback from the community and local agencies (e.g., schools, food banks, social services) has strongly encouraged us to expand and structure this work more formally.

However, demand has grown significantly, and we currently lack the capacity to meet it. Funding from Crowdfunder will allow us to scale up and deliver meaningful change with consistency and greater reach.

. Monitoring and Evaluation

We will track outcomes using:

• Sign-in sheets and feedback surveys
• Case studies and testimonials
• Monthly activity reports
• Pre- and post-programme questionnaires
• Ongoing consultations with community leaders and stakeholders

 Sustainability

In addition to seeking Garfield Weston funding, we are:

• Applying to National Lottery Awards for All and local authority grants
• Growing our local partnerships (e.g. schools, VCS networks)
• Exploring corporate sponsorship and fundraising events
• Investing in volunteer development to reduce staffing costs

Conclusion

We believe this project is timely, needed, and aligned with your foundation’s values. With your support, SACA will continue to be a lifeline and bridge for African and BME communities navigating hardship, promoting empowerment, and contributing to a vibrant, inclusive Sunderland.

Thank you for your consideration.

This project closed unsuccessfully on 26th September 2025