ACCI Named Opus Prize Finalist and Awarded $150,000 in Historic First for a UK Charity

The African Caribbean Community Initiative (ACCI) has been announced as a finalist for the internationally acclaimed Opus Prize, receiving a prestigious $150,000 award in recognition of its decades-long commitment to culturally appropriate mental health support and community empowerment in Wolverhampton and across the West Midlands.

The Opus Prize is one of the world’s largest faith-based humanitarian awards, honouring organisations and leaders from any faith tradition who demonstrate exceptional dedication to addressing persistent social challenges with innovation, dignity, and compassion. While the prize is presented in partnership with Catholic universities in the United States, recipients may come from all backgrounds.

This year marks a historic achievement: ACCI is the first UK-based charity ever to be recognised as an Opus Prize finalist.

A Milestone Moment for ACCI

CEO Alicia Spence and Health and Wellbeing Practitioner Candeece Harvey represented the charity at the awards ceremony held on Thursday 13 November 2025 at Xavier University of Louisiana, where they accepted the honour on behalf of the organisation and the wider Wolverhampton community.

The recognition comes at a crucial time for UK charities, many of which are navigating significant funding cuts and increasing demand for services. As ACCI nears its 40th anniversary, the award brings renewed hope, global acknowledgment, and a powerful affirmation of the organisation’s vital work.

Reflections from ACCI Leadership

Alicia Spence, CEO of ACCI, described the experience as transformative:

"It was truly a phenomenal experience and a huge accomplishment being a finalist in the Opus Foundation award ceremony. The event, hosted in collaboration with Xavier University in New Orleans, provided a vibrant, energising and inspiring environment. We are in a climate where negative energies often surround us, but this occasion shifted the focus to positive opportunities—allowing us to network, build meaningful global relationships, and appreciate the invaluable work of so many unsung heroes. The space Opus Foundation and Xavier University created was once in a lifetime. I will always remain immensely grateful and proud."
Alicia Spence
CEO
"Being part of this experience has been truly inspiring. Connecting with other finalists from around the world deepened our understanding of the gaps within our own community—and the opportunities we have to address them. Witnessing the incredible global work on display sparked new ideas and fresh approaches to uplift our members and the wider Wolverhampton community. What stood out most was the shared heart and passion for service. Despite different cultures and countries, we were united by one purpose: to change lives, strengthen communities, and bring hope. It would be an honour for ACCI to reconnect with the finalists and Xavier University to explore future collaboration. This experience has broadened our vision and deepened our commitment to serving with creativity, compassion, and unity."
Candeece Harvey
Health and Wellbeing Practitioner
"We were thrilled to celebrate you, your team, and the entire community of ACCI! Thank you for sharing your inspiring stories with the Xavier students and with their friends and partners in New Orleans. What a week!”
Daniel M. McGinty
Ed.D. Executive Director Opus Foundation

A Global Recognition of Local Impact

For ACCI, the Opus Prize is more than an award, it is a global endorsement of the power of community connection, cultural understanding, and accessible, culturally grounded mental health support. It highlights Wolverhampton as a place of world-leading innovation in community-led mental health care.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *