Shades of Black Community Family project came into being on the 1st February 1989 after the Handsworth riots in 1985 when commercial and domestic buildings were destroyed by fire. This area of Handsworth, Birmingham, UK seems to retain a very high rate of unemployment and severe housing problems with low academic achievements amongst West Indian young people, which create a stressful situation. This causes a high percentage of mental health problems.

Shades of Black Committee Members have been successfully presenting social activities at grass root level for the past ten years. Because of Shades of Black's involvement and assistance in defusing misunderstanding on racially important debatable issues, local community people became very supportive. Some of the subject matters which have been tackled include HIV/Aids, mental health awareness and first aid educational sessions at certificate standard through statutory organisation input.

Other activities that have been and are still arranged, are Senior Citizens' birthday parties, Christmas dinner celebrations, day trip outings to several historical buildings, visits to school assemblies and an allotment gardens project.

Also, several exhibitions of educational value. Because of the multi-cultural connections in Handsworth, Birmingham, SOB project unique voluntary service delivery work has been highly recognised.

Please feel free to browse our website and find out more about what we do. If you are able to help us then please see the 'Help Us' section of this site.