Big smiles, bold futures: the social magic of Afrocats

In an increasingly divided world, Afrocats stands out - not just as an organisation offering community programmes, but as a force for social transformation.

And through creative, inclusive, and community-centred work, we build real social value across Greater Manchester.

Our mission is clear: to give agency, aspiration and opportunity to young people and women from global majority backgrounds who face exclusion, marginalisation or poverty.

We bring people together through creative engagement, whether dance, art, drama, poetry, nurturing self-expression, healing, and connection, where our programmes don’t just entertain - they cultivate belonging.

For refugees, asylum seekers, and people navigating new lives in Manchester, our arts and cultural sessions provide a safe space for building social connections, gaining confidence, and forging community bonds.

And the sense of being seen and welcomed is vital, especially for those who might otherwise feel isolated.

We also deliver practical social value by helping reduce structural inequalities. Through the support of our funders, we have expanded our scope to offering extra-curricular creative workshops, community, health and wellbeing support, and arts programmes for young people facing social exclusion.

Our work goes beyond culture, helping participants build soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking; tools that matter in education, employment and everyday life.

An exceptional example of our impact is our partnership with The Whitworth, which since 2022 has offered free cultural art and performance workshops during school holidays, welcoming hundreds and people and families, with many visiting a gallery for the first time.

Lots of those families had never visited before, and participants felt included, valued and empowered.

By collaborating with other organisations, offering tailored guidance and mentoring, providing inclusive creative spaces, and delivering essential digital-inclusion support, we don’t just support individuals, we help build a more resilient, inclusive, and equitable society across the city.

And together, we’re creating a city where every voice is valued, every culture is celebrated, and every person has the opportunity to thrive.

Your support can help us do even more, so why not join us? Together, we can build communities where everyone across Manchester knows they belong.

Get involved, and support Afrocats today.