Coronavirus Archives - African Caribbean Community Initiative

The Grand Theatre visits ACCI

admin — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 13:30:00 +0000

How you can help

You can designate funds to an emergency response, make an unrestricted annual gift or recommend recurring payments to a special appeal. Another option is to support programs that meet your interests, such as maternal and newborn health, early childhood education, gender equality, child rights and more.

A donor-advised fund allows you to give back to a cause that’s close to your heart. It’s an opportunity to put your charitable dollars to work – where the need is great – but on your own terms. Thus, you have flexibility to tailor your philanthropic giving in easy, cost-effective ways.

This is the exact decision that Enbridge’s wanted.

But that money can’t drown out the voices of Minnesotans who have repeatedly said they do not want this pipeline. Over 90 percent of the public comments submitted to the Public Utilities Commission opposed Line 3, and that should matter more than Enbridge’s dollars.

Obama Protects the Arctic Ocean

Building on this momentum, thousands of people called on President Obama to use his legal authority to make the U.S. Arctic Ocean off limits from future oil drilling. In late 2016, Obama took action to permanently protect all of the Chukchi Sea and the vast majority of the Beaufort Sea — as well as a number of biologically important undersea canyons in the Atlantic.This was a big victory for the people-powered climate movement, signalling that the relentless expansion of the oil industry into new areas was finally at an end.But then Trump happened.

The Trump Twist

Trump came into office calling climate change a hoax and giving handouts to dirty energy companies. His plan to open up nearly every U.S. coastline to more oil and gas drilling was extremely unpopular, and in the case of the Arctic Ocean, it outright ignored the fact that Obama had already ruled out future leasing there.

Trump’s new offshore oil plan called for lease sales in the Beaufort Sea starting in 2019 and the Chukchi Sea in 2020. In response, Greenpeace joined with other groups in a lawsuit to challenge the plan in court. Earthjustice and the Natural Resources Defense Council led the litigation, representing Greenpeace along with Alaska Wilderness League, Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, League of Conservation Voters, Northern Alaska Environmental Center, Resisting Environmental Destruction on Indigenous Lands (REDOIL), Sierra Club, and the Wilderness Society.

The key issue was that when Congress enacted the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), it gave the president authority to withdraw areas from oil and gas leasing, but made no mention of revoking previous withdrawals.

John Doe Tweet

That’s an act that only Congress itself can take. Judge Sharon Gleason agreed with this analysis, and as she stated in her ruling, Obama’s withdrawals “will remain in full force and effect unless and until revoked by Congress.” The government may appeal this ruling, but for now this is a big victory for the climate.

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ACCI Gala is hailed as a huge success

admin — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 12:51:46 +0000

2022 ACCI Reconnecting Gala hailed a huge success!

Saturday 10th September saw almost 450 people attend the African Caribbean Community Initiative (ACCI) Annual gala event at Wolverhampton Racecourse to celebrate reconnecting with our members, the community and to recognise 35 years of our charity delivering mental health support services.

Hosts for the night

Our annual event was a huge success with ITV The Chase star, Shaun Wallace in attendance to help celebrate our 35-year milestone and present awards to Service Members, employees and volunteers.

To help us celebrate 35 years of serving the community, legendary comedian, John Simmit hosted the event with live performances from The Voice UK 2021 singer & songwriter, Janel Antoneshia, The Black Country Choir, and local singer-songwriter, Xolo Spkq.

ACCI stands for

We provide holistic and comprehensive support for African Caribbeans affected by mental ill-health. Our services include; supported housing and advice, day facilities and specialist outreach. They also provide an extensive and holistic counselling and therapeutic service and facilitate a dedicated and proactive Carers’ Support Group.

Alicia's message

This was the first gala hosted by us since the COVID pandemic. Alicia Spence, CEO said, ‘Over the last few years, our annual gala couldn’t take place due to the pandemic, but now, more than ever, we need events like this one to amplify our voice and help us raise funds to continue delivering our services to the local community’. Alicia went onto say ‘I would like to thank our sponsors and the local community for continuing to support ACCI. The money raised from the event will make a huge difference to our members.’

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World Mental Health Day 2021

admin — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 14:32:03 +0000

World Mental Health Day takes place this year on Sunday 10th and we’ll be celebrating all throughout the month of October. We know the last few years have been tough so throughout October we are practising the art of gratitude. People who regularly express gratitude for the positive things in their life are shown to be happier overall, leading to lower rates of stress and depression.

Black people are four times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act,
Being exposed to racism may increase your likelihood of experiencing mental health problems such as psychosisand depression.
Black men are more likely to have experienced a psychotic disorder in the last year than White men

Raising awareness of mental health amongst the local community and providing culturally appropriate support for the African and Caribbean community experiencing mental ill-health is extremely important to us.

World Mental Health Day Church Service

ACCI in conjunction with the Jubilee Christian Centre will be hosting a live Zoom service from 12pm to celebrate World Mental Health Day

Guest speaker: Pastor Paul
Performances by Angela Corinna & others
Date: 10/10/2021
Start time: 12pm

If you would like to attend this free service here are the meeting details:

Meeting ID:876 0819 0321
Passcode: 285590

Listen to ACCI Director of Services explain why World Mental Day is important to the charity ACCI celebrates World Mental Health Day 2021

Why World Mental Health Day is important to ACC!?

Listen to ACCI Director of Services explain why World Mental Day is important to the charity ACCI celebrates World Mental Health Day 2021

Celebrating Mental Health 365 days a year

We celebrate mental health all year around and practicing gratitude on a daily basis is a great way to feel more positive and happier. We’ll belaunchingagratitudechallengeandshowcasing service members’mental health recovery journey.

Want to volunteer at ACCI?

If you are passionate about improving mental health within the black community, we are always looking for people who would be willing to pledge one hour a week and help out.

As well as taking up a general admin role in the ACCI offices in Wolverhampton, there are many other ways you can give your time. If you are green-fingered, we have opportunities to help out our allotment. Alternatively, if you have a couple of hours a month to spare, we have befriending roles too.

If you would like more information about volunteering some of your time please get in touch with us. Offices are open between Monday - Friday on 01902 571 230.

Donate Today

Your support means everything to us and our service members. Your donations help to improve the lives of African and Caribbeans experiencing mental ill-health.

Join us in continuing to help our members on their mental health recovery journey – donate.

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Strengthening our partnership with the Council to help eradicate COVID

admin — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 14:31:13 +0000

We’ve teamed up with Wolverhampton City Council to help encourage the local community to get their COVID vaccination, if they haven’t done so already.

As a result of a lower take up of the covid vaccination across Wolverhampton, we’ve teamed up with the City Council to educate and raise awareness of the importance of the vaccination amongst the local community.

“Working with the Council to help dispel the myths around the vaccine amongst the local community is really important to us. We have a duty of care to provide as much information and knowledge as possible to the local community and make sure everyone is aware of the importance of taking the COVID-19 vaccine.”

Denzil Fletcher at ACCI Tweet

Facts about the COVID 19 vaccination

The vaccine is safe, effective and approved.
The vaccine is free.
The vaccine is given as an injection in your upper arm.
The vaccine does not contain alcohol or animal products.

How can I get my Covid-19 vaccine? If you're aged 16 or over you can:

Book your COVID-19 vaccination appointments online for an appointment at a vaccination centre or pharmacy
Find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site to get vaccinated without needing an appointment
Wait to be contacted by your GP surgery and book your appointments with them

About the Covid Vaccination programme

The Covid Vaccination programme is led by the NHS, commissioned by NHS England and overseen locally by Black Country & West Birmingham CCG and local Primary Care Networks. The local authority’s role is to support the NHS to deliver the programme and ensure an equitable offer is available to those across the city. You can find more information regarding this from the Black Country & West Birmingham CCG.

Alternatively visit the ACCI COVID-19 Hub.

To get involved with any of the ACCI Mental Health Awareness challenges please call 01902 571 230.

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COVID-19 Guidance for service users and family members

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 14:30:38 +0000

We want to reassure you when accessing support from ACCI that we are following guidance issued by Public Health England and working closely with our staff and members to update our protocols. We are acting on the best advice to enable our services to continue to operate during the pandemic and protect you.

Hygiene guidance for members & employees

Frequently wash your hands.
Use hand sanitizer on entering and leaving the wellbeing hub and the Omari Supported Housing residences.
Staff are required at the offices and residential units to engage in frequent cleaning focussing particularly on external doors, workspaces and communal areas.

Guidance around ACCI’s group activities

Group activities are currently suspended until further notice and will be reviewed on an on-going basis. However, as a member we encourage you to look out for each other and call other members to find out how they are doing. Please notify the Hub or contact a member of staff if you identify another member needs support.
- In the interest of other members and the general public, you are advised to minimise your meetings at the Wellbeing Hub. Please stay away from the centre, if you feel unwell mentally or physically. You are requested to call the wellbeing hub for support if necessary. Please self-isolate if you show or suspect any symptoms of Covid-19.

Guidance for outreach support

Outreach services and other requests for support is still available but will initially be assessed on an on-going basis to protect both you and staff. Prior to an Outreach visit, employees are required to call members to identify if there are any symptoms and appropriate decision will then be taken.
- Contact made with local church group who will provide food bank service if and when appropriate.

Guidance around after-hours support

As a member you have a 24 hour and after hours support through 01902 425561 where the duty officer will contact the on-call duty manager to arrange appropriate actions to address your concerns.

Guidance around ACCI’s counselling services

Our Counselling services will continue with a greater emphasis on telephone counselling, where appropriate.

Fitness & Wellbeing Hub

You are advised to maintain activities that promote good wellbeing. Such as keeping active, well hydrated and good nutrition.
The Wellbeing Hub is closed to the Public, however staff are on site 3 days a week to support members and:
- Support your care needs and concerns to cope with the stress of the current times.
- Support vulnerable members by providing cooked meals to their homes. Meals are dropped at homes with due regard to social distancing protocols.
- Provide daily welfare checks pre-arranged by phone or social media calls, to ensure you are keeping well and safe.

Guidance around Omari Supported Housing

The supported housing units are closed to the public and social visits except on official business from the security services, medical services and other support services.

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Take part in the ACCI survey, we appreciate your feedback.

admin — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 09:00:58 +0000

Your feedback is important to us

We have a created a marketing survey to understand the awareness levels amongst the local, regional and national community about our charity. Your feedback is really important to us, so please share your comments. The African Caribbean Community Initiative (ACCI) is a holistic and comprehensive support service for African Caribbean’s affected by mental ill health. Operating for over 30 years, our services include supported housing and advice, day centre facilities and specialist outreach. We also have a dedicated and proactive Carers’ Support Group.

The survey takes no more than 3 minutes to complete.

Deadline to complete the survey is Friday 2nd October 2020

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Black Lives Matter Statement from the Board and staff of ACCI

admin — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 09:00:04 +0000

“The long held dream of living in a world where the colour of one’s skin is no more important than the colour of one’s eyes or where one lives, is fundamental to a person’s physical, financial, spiritual and mental health, all of which are linked.

The recent events remind us that there is an urgent need to put words into action and we call for anti-racism strategies to be implemented in order to improve the experience of those in our communities impacted by mental ill health.

We at African Caribbean Community Initiative (ACCI) recognise that victimisation, profiling, intimidation, discrimination of any kind is repugnant, morally redundant and we stand firmly against it.

ACCI will continue to speak up for the lost voices who cannot speak for themselves, as we all strive to make a difference to the lives of the people in our community of whom we support in the battle to eradicate discrimination. #We stand together as one. Black lives matter.”

From the ACCI Team

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The Community gets involved with the ACCI Kindness Challenge

admin — Mon, 11 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Thanks to everyone who is taking part in the ACCI Kindness Challenge

We are so grateful for the community getting involved with the ACCI Kindness Challenge, especially during these unprecedented times.

What is the ACCI Kindness Challenge?

Launched during Mental Health Awareness Week, we launched the ACCI Kindness Challenge to encourage random acts of kindness to either yourself, family members and friends during these uncertain times.

How do I get involved with the ACCI Kindness Challenge?

Visit our Facebook Page to check out the different kindness challenges
Feel free to share your challenge by tagging in the ACCI Facebook page and using the hashtag, #ACCIKindnessChallenge

Here are some of the ways in which the local community are getting involved with the ACCI Kindness Challenge.

A poster from one of our students reminding you and your loved ones, how to protect your mental wellbeing during COVID-19.

A Kindness poem by Dawn Riley

Thank You!

Let’s continue to be kind to one another, and however you decide to get involved in the ACCI Kindness Challenge, we appreciate your support.

Don’t forget to visit the ACCI Facebook Page to get involved.

Get Involved.

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ACCI Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week- 18-25 May

admin — Wed, 06 May 2020 01:07:59 +0000

The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is “Kindness” so throughout May we are launching a kindness challenge and encouraging random acts of kindness to either yourself, family members, friends during these challenging times.

Studies show that perpetually kind people have 23% less cortisol (the stress hormone) and age two times slower than the average population!

Our five different challenges are designed to encourage service members and the community to be kind to each other and help raise awareness about the importance of taking care of your emotional wellbeing and resilience during Covid-19.

Throughout May, ACCI will publish a brand new challenge across our social media channels to support Mental Health Awareness Week. These challenges will not only encourage you to be kind to others but most importantly, be kind to yourself.

Alicia Spence, Director of services at the African Caribbean Community Initiative (ACCI) said “The week is an important opportunity for all of us to have an urgent discussion around how COVID-19 is impacting the mental wellbeing of people in the community.”

Alicia Spence went on to say, “We are encouraging you to get involved and visit our Facebook account to take part in the different challenges we will publish throughout May on our Facebook Page.

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