Poetic Unity
Poetic Unity is a Black-led UK charity founded in 2015 that uses poetry to deliver mental health support, creative education, and social justice programmes for young Black and mixed-Black people aged 10-30 across the UK.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Poetic Unity does
Poetic Unity is a Black-led registered charity (Charity No: 1171832) founded in 2015 by Ryan J. Matthews-Robinson (Ragz-CV) and headquartered at 1 Windrush Square, Brixton, London. The organisation uses poetry as a tool for change and transformation, delivering programmes for young Black and mixed-Black people aged 10-30 across the UK, including regular events, school and community workshops, mental health support, social justice campaigns, and youth employment initiatives such as the Cultural Leaders Employment Scheme, which has placed 36 young people with a 72% progression rate into full-time work or further education.
Its portfolio of programmes spans mental health (Mandem Lets Talk, Galdem Lets Talk, Mental Health Matters, The Communion), creative education (More Than Shakespeare, Get Started In Spoken Word with The Prince's Trust, Black British History), social justice campaigns (Protest Poetry, Clean Air For The Ends in partnership with Live + Breathe), cultural access (No Cost in Giving, launched March 2023 with Picturehouse, National Theatre, Royal Court Theatre, Bush Theatre, Southbank Centre, Old Vic, Hackney Empire), and youth entrepreneurship (Mindful Ventures with Save the Children). In 2024 the charity produced the 'Who Does A Ceasefire Harm?' film and partnered with Transport for London to platform young poets' work on World Poetry Day.
Revenue is generated through a mix of donations (PayPal), grants from foundations (National Lottery Community Fund, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Mayor's Young Londoners Fund of £180,000, Hidden Healing Fund $100,000 in April 2025), corporate sponsorship (Forest Bikes, Cano Water, Aromatherapy Associates), earned income from the Book a Poet service for corporate and private events, and a small number of programme partnerships. The organisation has 1-10 employees, is led by founder Ryan J. Matthews-Robinson, and has George The Poet as its first patron since 2024.
Poetic Unity firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Poetic Unity
- Legal name
- Poetic Unity
- Website
- https://poeticunity.org.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Poetic Unity is a Black-led UK charity founded in 2015 that uses poetry to deliver mental health support, creative education, and social justice programmes for young Black and mixed-Black people aged 10-30 across the UK.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Poetic Unity industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Youth Community Poetry and Mental Health Services
- akta.pro primary industry
- Poetry Workshops (EDAMAMAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Arts Education & Community Arts Programs (BPAGAHAC), Literary Arts & Writing Organizations (BPAGAHAK), Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAK)
Keywords
Where Poetic Unity is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Poetic Unity business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Donations: The organisation accepts donations through PayPal to support its charitable activities and programmes.
- Book a Poet Service: Poetic Unity offers a service to book poets for corporate events, conferences, film screenings, charity events and work parties. Clients can select from a roster of poets who reflect the organisation's values, with tailored performances for event needs.
- Grants and Funding: The organisation receives grants from foundations and government bodies including National Lottery Community Fund, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, and has received £180k from the Mayor's Young Londoners Fund.
- Corporate Sponsorship: The organisation partners with corporations for campaigns such as the Clean Air For The Ends campaign, receiving sponsorship from Forest Bikes, Cano Water, and Aromatherapy Associates London.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
Poetic Unity product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Poetic Unity is a Black-led charity that delivers poetry-based programmes and mental health support for young people, primarily those of Black and mixed-Black heritage aged 10-30. Its core offerings include regular poetry events, school and community workshops, mental health programmes, social justice campaigns, cultural access initiatives (No Cost in Giving), and youth employment schemes, supplemented by a paid Book a Poet service for corporate and private events.
Product overview
Poetic Unity is a Black-led charity offering a diverse portfolio of poetry and mental health programmes primarily serving young people of Black and mixed-Black heritage aged 10-30. The organisation operates as a unified platform combining regular poetry events, creative education in schools and communities, social justice campaigns, mental health support, and youth employment initiatives. Core offerings include: poetry events and spoken word theatre; mental health programmes (Mandem Lets Talk, Galdem Lets Talk, Mental Health Matters, The Communion); creative writing programmes (More Than Shakespeare, Get Started In Spoken Word); social justice campaigns (Protest Poetry, Clean Air For The Ends); cultural access (No Cost in Giving programme providing free tickets to cultural activities); youth development (Mindful Ventures entrepreneurship programme, Cultural Leaders Employment Scheme); and event services (Book A Poet). The programmes work collectively to provide safe spaces for creative expression, mental wellbeing support, and community advocacy.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- No Cost in Giving Programme Provides young Black/Black mixed people aged 12-30 free tickets to cultural activities including cinema, theatre shows, art galleries and cultural events, with post-activity gatherings to encourage discussion and connectivity.
- Protest Poetry Social justice campaigns using poetry as a tool for advocacy, including ceasefire solidarity films, sickle cell awareness, and clean air activism.
- Poetry Events Regular poetry events providing safe spaces for young people to perform, share, and engage with spoken word and performance poetry.
- Mandem, Lets Talk Mental health programme tailored to help young boys express themselves through poetry, boost self-esteem and breakdown stigma.
- Poetry In Motion Combines physical exercise with poetic affirmations to promote mental and physical wellbeing among young people.
- Mental Health Matters Educates young people on mental health, creates safe discussion environments, and provides skills to express themselves through spoken word.
- More Than Shakespeare Highlights modern poetry and its relationship to rap music, demonstrating that poetry can be relatable to any generation while improving writing skills.
- Get Started In Spoken Word In collaboration with The Prince's Trust, helps young people begin their poetry journey with performance training, writing skills, and confidence building.
- Black British History Workshop exploring Black British History not taught in mainstream education to improve community understanding of Black people's impact in Britain.
- The Communion (CU) Safe space for open discussion centred around mental health topics such as anxiety, depression and PTSD, building community cohesion and lasting connections.
- Mindful Ventures Programme 6-week programme in partnership with Save the Children, designed to empower young people in pursuing entrepreneurship while prioritising mental health.
- Galdem, Lets Talk Safe space programme for women and girls to explore mental health through poetry, discussing situations specific to the female experience and building connections.
- Spoken Word Theatre Year-long programme providing weekly workshops teaching young people performance skills, writing skills, and culminates in a play performed to an audience.
- Cultural Leaders Youth Employment Scheme Youth employment programme that has provided jobs for 36 young people aged 18-30 with 72% going on to full-time work or further education.
- Clean Air For The Ends Campaign Campaign highlighting air pollution inequality in South London, promoting alternative travel such as biking and roller skating for young Black and marginalised people.
- Book A Poet Service Booking service connecting event organisers with poets for conferences, corporate events, film screenings, charity events and work parties.
- Poetic Rise International Exchange International poetry exchange programme with R.I.S.E. in Toronto, supported by British Council, High Commission of Canada, and Farnham Maltings New Conversations grant.
Companies that use Poetic Unity
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Poetic Unity technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Poetic Unity partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
33 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- R.I.S.E (Toronto)coreCultural exchange partnership through New Conversations grant from British Council, High Commission of Canada, and Farnham Maltings. Three young poets from each organisation travelled to partner's country for performances, workshops, and knowledge exchange.
- George The PoetflagshipGeorge The Poet, an internationally renowned artist and social commentator, became Poetic Unity's first patron in 2025 during the organisation's 10-year anniversary. His contributions include performing at key events, supporting fundraising efforts, and helping the charity break into new spaces to achieve its vision of platforming marginalised communities.
- PeabodyminorHousing association partner supporting Poetic Unity's community work.
- YoungMindsminorMental health charity partner, aligned with Poetic Unity's mental health focus.
- Save the ChildrenminorPartnership for Mindful Ventures Programme supporting youth entrepreneurship with mental health focus.
- The Prince's TrustcoreCollaboration on Get Started In Spoken Word programme helping young people start their poetry journey with performance training.
- Black Cultural ArchivesminorHeritage organisation partner exploring and celebrating Black British history through poetry collaborations.
- Theatre PeckhamcoreVenue partner for poetry events and performances, including Poetry Foyer events.
- Streatham Space ProjectminorVenue partner for community events and performances.
- Dark Matter AgencyminorCreative agency partner involved in No Cost in Giving programme.
- We Are ParableminorCreative agency partner in No Cost in Giving programme, working with young Black audiences.
- Brixton ProjectminorBrixton-based partnership supporting local community initiatives.
- 4Front ProjectminorYouth justice organisation partner with shared values on social justice.
- Purpose FoundationminorFoundation partner supporting Poetic Unity's mission.
- Raw MaterialminorMusic and creative industry partner.
- EndeavorminorGlobal entrepreneurship organisation partner involved in No Cost in Giving programme.
- Chimo TrustminorCharitable trust supporting Poetic Unity's work.
- Live + BreathecoreAir quality organisation Poetic Unity has been collaborating with for two years on air pollution awareness. Partner in Clean Air For The Ends campaign.
- Transport for London (TfL)coreTfL partnered with Poetic Unity for World Poetry Day 2024, projecting young poets' work at Brixton and Stockwell tube stations. Poems also displayed at London Bridge, Waterloo, and Victoria stations.
- Forest BikesminorSponsor of Clean Air For The Ends campaign, donating 100 free bikes for activation day.
- Cano WaterminorSponsor of Clean Air For The Ends campaign, providing 120 cans of free water.
- Aromatherapy Associates LondonminorSponsor of Clean Air For The Ends campaign, contributing free boxes of muscle gel.
- ACLTcoreBlood donation charity partnership for Sickle Cell awareness. Joint poetry masterclass and exclusive screening event at Ritzy Cinema, Brixton.
- Picturehouse CinemascoreCultural institution partner in No Cost in Giving programme, providing free cinema tickets for young Black people.
- Royal Court TheatrecoreTheatre partner in No Cost in Giving programme opening doors to young Black audiences.
- Bush TheatrecoreTheatre partner in No Cost in Giving programme.
- National TheatrecoreCultural institution partner in No Cost in Giving programme.
- Southbank CentrecoreCultural institution partner in No Cost in Giving programme.
- The Old ViccoreTheatre partner in No Cost in Giving programme.
- Hackney EmpirecoreTheatre partner in No Cost in Giving programme.
- Ticket BankminorCharitable ticketing platform partner providing access to spare tickets for young people.
- Mind Over MatterminorMental health organisation partner in No Cost in Giving programme.
- South London GalleryminorGallery partner in No Cost in Giving programme.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Poetic Unity competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Apples and Snakes: England's leading spoken word poetry charity, running poetry performances, education programmes, and youth development across the UK. Directly comparable to Poetic Unity as both are arts nonprofits focused on spoken word poetry for young people and communities.
- Ministry of Stories: London-based creative writing charity working with young people aged 11-18, particularly those from under-represented backgrounds. Directly comparable as a London creative writing charity serving marginalised youth.
- SLAMbassadors UK: UK youth slam poetry programme (run by Poetry Society) targeting young people with workshops, slams, and performance opportunities. Closely mirrors Poetic Unity's spoken word workshops and youth-focused creative writing mission.
Peers
Market position
Strengths6 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Poetic Unity social profiles
Digital presencePoetic Unity financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Poetic Unity leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Poetic Unity funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Poetic Unity M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Poetic Unity
What does Poetic Unity do?
Poetic Unity is a Black-led charity that delivers poetry-based programmes and mental health support for young people, primarily those of Black and mixed-Black heritage aged 10-30. Its core offerings include regular poetry events, school and community workshops, mental health programmes, social justice campaigns, cultural access initiatives (No Cost in Giving), and youth employment schemes, supplemented by a paid Book a Poet service for corporate and private events.
Is Poetic Unity a public or private company?
Poetic Unity is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Poetic Unity founded?
Poetic Unity was founded in 2015. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Poetic Unity based?
Poetic Unity is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Poetic Unity make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Donations are the primary driver. The others are book a Poet Service, grants and Funding and corporate Sponsorship.
Who are Poetic Unity's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Apples and Snakes, Ministry of Stories and SLAMbassadors UK. Spread the Word is listed as a peer.
Does Poetic Unity have an API?
No public API is recorded for Poetic Unity.
What industry is Poetic Unity in?
Poetic Unity's product category is Youth Community Poetry and Mental Health Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAMAMAB, Poetry Workshops, with a secondary code of BPAGAHAC, Arts Education & Community Arts Programs.