Beyond Stigma

What Beyond Stigma does

Beyond Stigma is a registered Irish charity (Charity Number: 20206087) founded in 2012 that develops evidence-based programmes to address internal stigma and feelings of worthlessness and shame among vulnerable populations in Ireland and the Global South. Its core methodology is Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction (IBSR), also known as The Work of Byron Katie — a structured self-inquiry technique using four questions and turnaround exercises — combined with creative modalities (storytelling, art, music, movement), mindfulness, emotional literacy, and peer support. The flagship product is Wakakosha ('I'm Worth It'), a six-day residential peer-led programme originally developed for young people living with HIV in Zimbabwe, with adaptations including Me Sombo in Ghana and pilots in Rwanda and South Africa.

The organisation operates a portfolio of programmes — Wakakosha, the Peer Support Guide (four-session peer-led follow-up), Self-Worth Experiential Workshops, and tailored curriculum for survivors of gender-based violence, sex workers, people living with obesity, people living with tuberculosis, and migrant women in Ireland. Distribution is partner-led: Beyond Stigma's 6-person Dublin-based team works through more than 12 community-based organisations (Zvandiri, SCDI Vietnam, WAPCAS, DAAKYE, Dream Village, Right to Care, PEPY, CeSHHAR Zimbabwe, The Thinking Project) and academic and global health partners (UNAIDS, GNP+, ViiV Healthcare Positive Action, Trinity College Dublin, RCSI, DCU, Irish Global Health Network) to deliver programmes in seven countries.

Beyond Stigma's revenue model is a non-profit mix of individual donations (via PayPal), corporate sponsorship (Core Partner, Programme Sponsor, Event Sponsor, Workplace Giving/Matching), a 3–5 year Patron Programme, community group sponsorships, grant funding (ViiV Positive Action, UNAIDS-aligned activities, historical Trocaire support), and a small consultancy line for facilitation, team development, IBSR sessions, and research/evaluation services. There is no public pricing; the organisation reinvests consultancy profits into community and research programmes.

Name

Beyond Stigma

Legal name

Beyond Stigma

Website

https://beyondstigma.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Beyond Stigma is an Irish-registered charity that delivers evidence-based, peer-led programmes — primarily Wakakosha — using Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction to address internal stigma and shame among young people living with HIV and other vulnerable populations in seven countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Other Individual and Family Services (62419), Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (54172)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Mental Health Screening, Assessment & Referral Coordination (School-Based) (EDAKAMAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Restorative Practices, Conflict Resolution & Discipline Alternatives (EDAKAMAG), Behavioral & Social-Emotional Support (ABA, PBIS, Counseling) (EDAJAKAE)

Keywords

• HIV stigma reduction programmes
• Mental health psychosocial support
• Peer-led evidence-based interventions
• Inquiry-based stress reduction
• Internal stigma self-worth programmes

Headquarters

HQ city

Dublin

HQ country

Ireland

HQ region

Europe

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Beyond Stigma accepts one-time and monthly donations from individual supporters via PayPal. Over the past decade, individual donors have been instrumental in growing the organisation's services and research. No minimum or maximum donation amount is required.
2. Community Group Sponsorship: Beyond Stigma partners with over 12 community-based organisations across its programme countries. Individuals, families, or organisations can sponsor a specific group, project, or programme over 2–5 years as a bespoke partnership.
3. Patron Programme: Substantial and/or recurring donations over three to five years from individuals, families, or foundations. Patrons receive strategic involvement opportunities, exclusive events, and recognition in reports.
4. Corporate Sponsorship: Corporate partners provide funding aligned with brand values. Packages include Core Partner (3–5 year unrestricted funding), Programme Sponsor, Event Sponsor, and Workplace Giving or Matching.
5. Professional Services / Consultancy: Beyond Stigma offers facilitation, team development, IBSR sessions, and research/evaluation services at consultancy rates, with all profits reinvested into community and research programmes. Services target nonprofits, academic institutions, healthcare providers, foundations, government bodies, and individuals.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels14 records

Core offering

Beyond Stigma develops and delivers evidence-based programmes, notably the Wakakosha ('I'm Worth It') programme, that combine Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction (IBSR/The Work of Byron Katie) with emotional literacy, mindfulness, and creative methods (storytelling, art, music, movement) to address internal stigma, shame, and worthlessness among vulnerable populations. These programmes are delivered as six-day residential courses, peer-led four-session support guides, and standalone experiential workshops across Ireland and the Global South. The organisation also provides facilitation, IBSR sessions, team development, and research/evaluation services on a consultancy basis, with all profits reinvested into community and research programmes.

Product overview

Beyond Stigma is a non-profit organisation offering evidence-based programmes and resources focused on addressing internal stigma and promoting mental health and wellbeing among vulnerable populations. The core product is the Wakakosha ('I'm Worth It') programme, a six-day residential course combining Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction (IBSR), creative methods, and peer support. This is complemented by the Beyond Stigma Peer Support Guide (four-session peer-led programme) and Self-Worth Experiential Workshops (one-off introductory sessions). Beyond Stigma also provides Expert Technical Support and consultancy services including Facilitation & Team Development, IBSR Sessions, and Research & Evaluation. The organisation offers resources such as the 'Dear Me' Podcast Series, Poetry Collection, and various toolkits. The Wakakosha programme was adapted for Ghana as 'Me Sombo' and is delivered alongside longer-term mentoring, communities of practice, and ongoing reflection spaces.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Wakakosha: Core evidence-based peer-led programme designed to address internal stigma and strengthen self-worth among young people living with HIV. Named 'I'm Worth It' in Shona language.
• Me Sombo
• IBSR: The Work
• Dear Me Podcast Series

Products and services

• Wakakosha ('I'm Worth It') Programme An evidence-based, peer-led programme designed to address internal stigma and strengthen self-worth among vulnerable populations, primarily delivered as a six-day residential course combining Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction (IBSR), emotional literacy, mindfulness, and creative methods (storytelling, art, music, movement). Targeted at young people living with HIV (ages 15-24), survivors of gender-based violence, and other marginalised groups.
• Beyond Stigma Peer Support Guide A four-session, peer-led programme designed to support groups who want to continue working on internal stigma and self-worth, building on the foundations of Wakakosha with a structured yet flexible framework for reflection, discussion, and skill-building. Each cycle has the potential to reach 150+ additional young people through 30 trained peer leaders.
• Self-Worth Experiential Workshops Interactive, one-off sessions that introduce participants to Beyond Stigma's core principles through creative and inquiry-based activities, often used as a taster to a wider programme of work or as a standalone experience.
• Facilitation & Team Development Services Conflict resolution, team-building, and workshop facilitation services for families, workplaces, and community groups tailored to specific contexts. Services are offered at consultancy rates with profits reinvested into community and research programmes.
• Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) Services One-on-one sessions, group facilitation, and issue-specific programmes (e.g. HIV, obesity, survivorship, anxiety) based on The Work of Byron Katie methodology. Services are offered at consultancy rates with profits reinvested into community and research programmes.
• Research & Evaluation Services Participatory research support from study design to publication, with a focus on impact, ethics, and community voice. Services are offered at consultancy rates with profits reinvested into community and research programmes.
• Expert Technical Support Expert technical support and collaboration for organisations working on stigma reduction, advocacy, measurement, communication, research, and programme design, drawing on experience across multiple countries and contexts.
• Me Sombo ('I Am Worthy') Programme The Ghanaian adaptation of the Wakakosha programme, meaning 'I Am Worthy' in Ga language, co-designed by Beyond Stigma, Zvandiri, WAPCAS, and DAAKYE to ensure cultural relevance, linguistic adaptability, and local ownership. Delivered as a six-day residential programme in Kumasi, Ghana in November 2024.
• From the Inside Out: TB-related Self-Stigma Toolkit A training toolkit designed to help people identify, understand, and address self-stigma and anticipated stigma, specifically providing a framework and tools to reduce self-stigma in people with tuberculosis.

Quantifiable outcome

• 12% increase in self-confidence and 21% increase in constructive coping behaviours among 30 participants in South Africa (2025), measured via pre- and post-course assessments six weeks apart
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• ZvandiricoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Zvandiri is Beyond Stigma's primary implementing partner in Zimbabwe and a co-developer of the Wakakosha programme. The partnership combines Zvandiri's community network for young people living with HIV with Beyond Stigma's IBSR methodology. Zvandiri Peer Counsellors are trained as IBSR coaches and Wakakosha facilitators. The partnership has been supported by ViiV Healthcare's Positive Action and has expanded to South Africa and Rwanda.
• CeSHHAR ZimbabwesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCeSHHAR Zimbabwe (Centre for Sexual Health, HIV and AIDS Research) collaborates with Beyond Stigma and Zvandiri in the development and delivery of the Wakakosha programme and related HIV self-stigma research.
• SCDI VietnamsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSCDI (Supporting Community Development Initiatives) is a Vietnam-based NGO that partnered with Beyond Stigma to deliver self-stigma workshops for sex workers (2017–2018) and to produce the 'Embrace Yourself' video series (2020) targeting sex workers, people living with HIV, and other marginalised groups.
• PEPY Empowering YouthsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPEPY Empowering Youth is a Cambodia-based NGO that partnered with Beyond Stigma to deliver self-stigma workshops ('Leadership, Management, and Communication') and mini camps ('Thinking Outside the Box') in Siem Reap.
• The Thinking ProjectsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Thinking Project creates innovative ways to deliver inquiry-based stress reduction to young people. It partnered with Beyond Stigma and PEPY Empowering Youth to deliver the Cambodia workshops with a fun and impactful experience.
• WAPCASsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerWAPCAS is a Ghana-based partner that co-designed the Me Sombo programme alongside Beyond Stigma, Zvandiri, and DAAKYE, ensuring cultural relevance, linguistic adaptability, and local ownership of the Wakakosha adaptation.
• DAAKYEsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerDAAKYE is a Ghana-based partner that collaborated on the co-design and local adaptation of the Wakakosha programme as Me Sombo in Ghana.
• Dream VillagesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerDream Village is a Rwanda-based organisation that partnered with Beyond Stigma and Zvandiri to conduct the six-day Wakakosha residential pilot in Kigali in July 2024, engaging 30 Community Adolescent Treatment Supporters.
• Right to CaresupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerRight to Care is a South African health NGO that partnered with Beyond Stigma and Zvandiri to deliver the 2025 Wakakosha programme for young people living with HIV in Limpopo, North West, and Northern Cape provinces.
• UNAIDScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNAIDS has provided support and direction for Beyond Stigma's expanded network since 2023, which now includes Ghana and Rwanda alongside existing operations. UNAIDS supported the Wakakosha 2.0 training and the Global Partnership for Action to Eliminate All Forms of HIV-Related Stigma and Discrimination initiative.
• GNP+ (Global Network of People living with HIV)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGNP+ is a key global partner. Beyond Stigma co-hosted the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Webinar 2023 with GNP+, Y+ Global, and ICW, and participated in learning and sharing events with NAP+ Ghana and Zvandiri, supported by GNP+ and UNAIDS.
• Byron Katie InternationalcoreTechnology or IntegrationThe Work of Byron Katie (Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction) is the foundational methodology underpinning all Beyond Stigma programmes. Byron Katie International provides the intellectual property and training framework for IBSR. Certified Facilitators of The Work deliver Beyond Stigma programming worldwide.
• Speak Up Speak OutsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpeak Up Speak Out is a music school that partnered with Beyond Stigma on the Grá Mór concert and Rwanda-Ireland choir exchange, supporting creative expression and cross-cultural connection in the programmes.
• Trinity College DublinsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrinity College Dublin collaborates on Beyond Stigma's research programme, including the obesity-related self-stigma study and global health research activities. The collaboration involves the School of Social Work and Social Policy and contributes to the organisation's evidence base.
• RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerRCSI collaborates on Beyond Stigma's research programme and community-led initiatives for migrant women in Ireland. Beyond Stigma's research is significantly based within RCSI. The 'Living Well' Scale was developed in collaboration with RCSI.
• DCU (Dublin City University)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerBeyond Stigma's research programme is significantly based within DCU in addition to RCSI and Trinity College Dublin.
• Irish Global Health NetworksupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Irish Global Health Network (IGHN) is a network that Beyond Stigma engages with for global health advocacy and collaboration. Dr Nadine Ferris France serves as part-time Executive Director of IGHN, linking the organisations.
• The Community of The Work in ZimbabwesupportingTechnology or IntegrationThe Community of The Work in Zimbabwe comprises certified IBSR facilitators who provide in-country facilitation capacity for Wakakosha and related programmes, including the Wakakosha 2.0 training.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Grassroot Soccer: Uses sport and mentorship to deliver adolescent HIV and sexual-health programming across sub-Saharan Africa. Closely comparable in target demographic (15-24 year olds), peer-led delivery model, and partnership-driven country expansion.
• PATA (Paediatric-Adolescent Treatment Africa): Network of frontline healthcare providers across sub-Saharan Africa delivering paediatric and adolescent HIV treatment, care and psychosocial support. Comparable in adolescent HIV focus and partnership-driven delivery model.
• mothers2mothers: African peer-mentor organisation employing women living with HIV as frontline health workers. Directly comparable peer-led, evidence-based model targeting HIV-related stigma and treatment adherence among women and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Africaid: Parent of Zvandiri. Focused on adolescent HIV disclosure, adherence and psychosocial support in Zimbabwe. Comparable in internal-stigma and adolescent-HIV specialisation, though operates at larger organisational scale.
• Zvandiri: Zimbabwe-based community organisation delivering peer-led mental health and HIV support to young people living with HIV through Community Adolescent Treatment Supporters. Direct implementing partner and closest comparable in target population, peer-led delivery model and country footprint.
• Sentebale: Charity co-founded by Prince Harry supporting young people affected by HIV in southern Africa and Lesotho. Comparable in mission (HIV-positive youth wellbeing), peer-mentorship approach, and Africa-focused footprint.

Broad incumbents

• Born This Way Foundation: Foundation co-founded by Lady Gaga focused on youth mental health and kindness. Comparable in mission (building self-worth and mental health in young people) and non-clinical programme delivery approach.
• The Trevor Project: US-based non-profit providing crisis intervention and mental health support to LGBTQ+ young people. Comparable in mission (marginalised-youth mental health and self-worth), though operates at materially larger scale and different geography.
• Movember Foundation: Global men's health charity funding mental health and suicide prevention programmes. Comparable in donor-funded mental-health mission, peer/community-led programme funding model, and global non-clinical footprint.
• Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation: Large US-based non-profit focused on ending paediatric HIV/AIDS globally through research, advocacy and programme delivery. Comparable in HIV-focused mission and global programme footprint, though operates at much larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/BeyondStigma_
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC_va-jHohI_MSdD7z7J7LLA
• Facebookfacebook.com/beyondstigma1
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/beyond-stigma-org
• Instagraminstagram.com/beyondstigma_

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Beyond Stigma