Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation

What Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation does

Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation (SACMHF), also known as the Kuumba Centre, is a registered charity (Charity Number 1082017) founded in 1994 to address mental health inequalities and systemic racism affecting Black African and Caribbean people in the West Midlands. Headquartered at the Kuumba Centre on Boulton Road, West Bromwich — its home since 2000 — the organization operates as a small community-based nonprofit with an 11–50 employee range supplemented by a volunteer workforce, led by CEO Patricia Johnson (in role since 2002). The charity delivers a portfolio of free, culturally responsive services including the Nia Imani Counselling Service, outreach and family support, Care for You (carers' support), MAN II MAN men's group, Ujima collective, the iMatter youth service for ages 11–25, Tech Connect digital inclusion, bereavement support, therapeutic gardening (Time to Grow), cooking programs (Cooking with Kuumba), and Recovery College workshops.

SACMHF operates without proprietary technology; service delivery relies on standard digital communication tools (Zoom, email, social media channels on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, and YouTube) rather than a dedicated platform. Operational quality is supported by ISOQAR-UKAS certification (Certificate 15992), compliance with the Fundraising Regulator, and co-production governance including service user representation on the Board.

The revenue model is entirely grant- and donation-funded: SACMHF raises money through individual donations, corporate contributions (e.g., A & K Painting Services £150, Willowbrook Care Home £605), community fundraising events, a patron program, and a diversified grant portfolio spanning Sandwell Council, the UK Government, West Midlands Combined Authority Community Green Grants, Heart of England Community Fund, Cycling UK, Groundwork, Recovery College, Bentley Advancing Life Chances, Community Environmental Fund, Arts Council England, and Resuscitation Council UK. Services are provided free of charge to beneficiaries; there are no pricing tiers, subscription models, or fee-based offerings. Distribution is regional, reaching 100+ community members overall, 27 young people through iMatter, and 47 clients through the recently concluded Advocates for Change project, with documented outcomes including a 2% psychiatric hospital admission rate and 100% user involvement in recovery planning.

Name

Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation

Legal name

Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation

Website

https://sacmhf.co.uk

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation (SACMHF) is a UK registered charity founded in 1994 that delivers culturally responsive mental health support, counselling, carers' services, youth programs, and wellbeing activities for Black African and Caribbean people and their families in the West Midlands, operating from the Kuumba Centre in West Bromwich.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Mental Health Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGACAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGAEAH), Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAK), Mental Health Counseling & Psychotherapy Services (EDALAFAB)

Keywords

• Mental health services
• Community counselling
• Cultural advocacy
• Youth mental health
• Bereavement support

Headquarters

HQ city

West Bromwich

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Voluntary Contributions: SACMHF relies primarily on voluntary donations from individuals and organizations to fund operations. The website encourages supporters to make financial contributions to support the work with African and Caribbean people affected by mental ill health. Contact with CEO Patricia Johnson is suggested for donation inquiries.
2. Fundraising Activities: The organization conducts various fundraising activities including events, community donations, corporate donations (e.g., A & K Painting Services £150 donation, Willowbrook Care Home £605 donation), and grant applications. Supporters are encouraged to fundraise on behalf of the charity.
3. Grant Funding: SACMHF receives grant funding from various sources including UK Government (funded by UK government logo visible on website), Sandwell Council, Cycling UK, Groundwork, West Midlands Combined Authority Community Green Grants, Heart of England Community Fund, Recovery College, Community Environmental Fund, Bentley Advancing Life Chances grant, and Resuscitation Council UK.
4. Patron Program: The organization invites supporters to become patrons to help ensure sustainability of Kuumba centre services, providing another avenue for financial support beyond direct donations.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation (SACMHF), operating from the Kuumba Centre in West Bromwich, provides free, culturally responsive mental health services to Black African and Caribbean people, their families, carers, and the wider community. Its portfolio includes counselling (Nia Imani Counselling Service), outreach and family support, carers' support (Care for You), men's mental health groups (MAN II MAN), youth services (iMATTER for ages 11-25), digital inclusion (Tech Connect), bereavement support, and therapeutic group activities such as gardening and cooking.

Product overview

Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation (SACMHF), also known as Kuumba Centre, operates as a single unified charity offering a portfolio of culturally responsive mental health services for Black African and Caribbean people, their families, carers, and the wider community. The organization provides direct support services including counselling (Nia Imani), outreach support, carers' support (Care for You), and specialised men's mental health groups (MAN II MAN). Additional services include digital inclusion (Tech Connect), youth services (iMATTER), therapeutic gardening (Time to Grow), cooking programmes, and bereavement support. The portfolio operates as a coordinated service ecosystem rather than a platform-based architecture, with all services designed to address the cultural and mental health needs of the African Caribbean community in Sandwell.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Outreach Client & Family Support
• Care for You, Carer's Support
• Nia Imani Counselling Service
• Step Up Sandwell
• Ujima
• MAN II MAN
• Tech Connect
• Birmingham Bereavement & Wellbeing Service
• iMATTER Youth Service
• Time to Grow Gardening Project
• Cooking With Kuumba
• Recovery College Workshop Programme

Quantifiable outcome

• 2% psychiatric hospital admissions - demonstrating effective community-based support preventing escalation to psychiatric care
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NHS EnglandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSACMHF partnered with a Senior User Researcher from NHS England to support the development of new NHS services, contributing to NHS England's 10-Year Health Plan consultations and research workshops on healthcare access, digital solutions, and prevention.
• Race Equality FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSACMHF works very closely with the Race Equality Foundation, participating in research workshops as part of NHS England's 10-Year Health Plan development. The Race Equality Foundation leads criticism of government mental health plans on behalf of racial equality organizations.
• Black Country TouringminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollaboration to bring Film Fiesta community cinema event to the Kuumba Centre, combining theatre and dance focus with community film programming.
• Stop for Life SandwellcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStop for Life Sandwell delivered a free Stop Smoking workshop at the Kuumba Centre, providing expert advice on effects of smoking and vaping on physical health, finances, and mental health. The program is a free 12-week smoking cessation service for Sandwell residents.
• 2 Much Passion CICcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to deliver a 6-week cultural cooking programme as part of Step-Up Sandwell, aiming to equip participants with hospitality industry training and culinary skills, with Level 2 Health and Hygiene certification at completion.
• University of Birmingham (Co-Stars)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with University of Birmingham on delivery of Phase 2 of Co-Stars community-based research sessions, focusing on engaging participants from global majority backgrounds to explore mental health service access experiences and discuss policy change influence.
• Co-opminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-op Estate Planning Team delivered an informal workshop to service users on accessing legal information and guidance, breaking down barriers presented by traditional law firms with a light-hearted and jargon-free approach.
• Mini First Aid BirminghamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to deliver a vital Resuscitation Workshop for Year 9 students at Aston Manor Academy, funded by the Resuscitation Council UK, providing life-saving skills to young people.
• OrchidcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrchid, a leading charity fighting male cancer, facilitated a Prostate Cancer information session for SACMHF's Men's Group as part of Men's Health Awareness Month, addressing the increased risk for Black men (1 in 4).
• PohwercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in Advocates for Change project providing culturally appropriate advocacy for African and Caribbean communities with mental health needs across Birmingham and Solihull. Pohwer supported people in in-patient settings.
• Catalyst4ChangecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in Advocates for Change project where Catalyst4Change supported carers as part of providing culturally appropriate advocacy for African and Caribbean and other racialized communities with mental health needs.
• West Bromwich African Caribbean Resource CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with West Bromwich African Caribbean Resource Centre for Windrush Day 2024 celebration, recognizing contributions of Windrush generation migrants.
• University of WolverhamptonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health student nurses from University of Wolverhampton undertake work placements at SACMHF, gaining experience while contributing to service delivery including workshops on nutrition, hydration, and sleep.
• Sandwell Metropolitan Borough CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSACMHF participated in DFE Link Programme Event facilitated by Sandwell Metropolitan Council at West Bromwich Town Hall, focusing on emotional wellbeing and mental health interventions for young people.
• Cranstoun HousingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization in Advocates for Change project offering valuable housing support to clients.
• Birmingham MIND Wellbeing HubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Advocates for Change project providing wellbeing support to clients transitioning from the project.
• New Testament Church of GodminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization partner in Advocates for Change project offering valuable support to clients.
• African and Caribbean Community InitiativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization in Advocates for Change project serving African and Caribbean communities.
• Khidmat CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization in Advocates for Change project enabling engagement with South Asian communities in Birmingham.
• Inspiring SistersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization in Advocates for Change project enabling engagement with South Asian communities.
• KaleidoscopeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner at DFE Link Programme Event providing counselling services and mental health support.
• KoothminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner at DFE Link Programme Event providing telephone support service for young people.
• Simmer Down FestivalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual community festival at Handsworth Park where SACMHF maintains an information stall showcasing services and engaging with the community.
• Aries EVC ServicesminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPresented Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training for SACMHF staff members, covering legal framework, bias understanding, and action planning.
• New UnionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with Sandwell Metropolitan Council in Hate Crime Workshop series across multiple towns, with Nathan Coyle facilitating workshops including one at Kuumba Centre.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN): Manchester-based charity tackling health inequalities for Caribbean and African communities, including mental health. Similar culturally specific health-equity mission and grassroots community-delivery model.
• Touchstone: Leeds-based mental health and wellbeing charity with significant BME-focused services. Comparable in providing culturally responsive mental health support in a defined UK region with similar service-portfolio structure.
• Black Thrive: Lambeth-based partnership addressing mental health inequalities for Black communities in London. Most directly comparable UK organization to SACMHF in mission, cultural specificity, and NHS-system engagement model.
• Black Health Initiative: Bradford/Leeds-based charity addressing health inequalities for Black communities including mental health. Comparable as a regionally focused Black-led health and wellbeing charity using community engagement and outreach delivery.
• African Health Policy Network: National policy and advocacy organization working on African health issues including mental health in the UK. Comparable as a Black-led health charity engaging in both service delivery and systemic advocacy.
• The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN): UK-wide network connecting Black, African, and Asian clients with culturally competent therapists. Closest analogue to SACMHF's Nia Imani counselling service and cultural-credibility positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Together for Mental Wellbeing: National UK mental health charity supporting people with mental health needs through recovery-focused services. Comparable as a community-delivery mental health provider, though with a non-culturally-specific remit.
• Rethink Mental Illness: National UK charity supporting people affected by mental illness through services, campaigning, and information. Comparable as a large UK mental health charity, but mainstream rather than culturally specific.
• Mind: The UK's largest mental health charity, providing general mental health services and advocacy nationwide. Comparable as a mental health charity operating in the same broad space, but without cultural specificity to African Caribbean communities.

Emerging players

• The Ubele Initiative: London-based social enterprise supporting African and Caribbean diaspora communities through capacity building, leadership development, and social enterprise support. Comparable in mission focus on Black community infrastructure and resilience.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/kuumbaf
• Facebookfacebook.com/SACMHF
• Instagraminstagram.com/sacmhf1/?hl=en
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sandwell-african-caribbean-mental-health-foundation

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation