Everyone at Afrocats believes in making sure that refugees, asylum seekers and
young first-generation British people feel happy and included, especially since
the pandemic began two and a half years ago.
Over lockdown, we made sure culturally appropriate food parcels were
delivered with vulnerable people’s tastes accommodated for and typical
cooking ingredients included, so they could feel like they were at home
cooking in their kitchen from across the continents.
Our online yoga classes kept everyone’s muscles moving when places to
exercise were extremely limited. And arts and crafts sessions kept the little ones endlessly entertained when they were desperate for creative outlets.
Afrocats took action and stepped up to the plate to serve vulnerable and
socially excluded communities from all over the world in Manchester when
other institutions and government bodies closed their doors, and we are still
hard at work providing a safe space for those who might not otherwise have
access to this even now.
And so to our shock and delight on the evening of the 6th October at the
University of Manchester’s Whitworth Hall, Afrocats won the Creative
Community Spirit Award supported by Media Cubs at the 10th Spirit of
Manchester Awards – the first live and face-to-face ceremony since 2019.
Founder Magdalen reflects on receiving the award:
“It is an honour to be amongst such inspirational organisations and to be able
to contribute to and support communities in Manchester. I constantly
remember the support communities in the city gave my family when we were
in need.
"Thank you so much to everyone who voted for Afrocats, and those who trust
that we can support them has been overwhelming. Thank you so much for our
Award.”
You can read more about our creative impact in the community at the
following links:
Huge thanks to our partners The Whitworth Art Gallery, Menopause Charity,
to our funders The National Lottery Community Fund and Children In Need – we wouldn’t be able to serve the community without you.
And of course congratulations to all the winners and shortlisted nominees –
you make Manchester stand head and shoulders above the rest, and we are
proud to support the community alongside you during these difficult times
when our work is needed more than ever before.
Let’s all keep on working together to represent and redefine the spirit of
Manchester – because as everyone knows, we truly do things differently here.
You can watch the Spirit Of Manchester Awards 2022 ceremony online here.
And check out our social media channels below for our latest news and more
exciting updates!
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