01
Culturally responsive
Reflecting lived experiences and identity
Since 2023 · Community Interest Company
About Us
Beyond Braidz CIC is building an innovative, culturally responsive community infrastructure that uses creativity, heritage and practical skills to improve wellbeing, strengthen community leadership and create economic opportunities for marginalised women, young people and families.
Rooted in lived experience, we create spaces where individuals feel seen, valued, and supported to grow.
Why we exist
Our Mission
To empower young people, women and their families through cultural identity, transferable skills, and community connection—supporting them to build confidence, wellbeing, and pathways to financial independence.
Where we’re going
Our Vision
A world where young people, women and their families feel confident in their identity, connected to their community, and equipped to thrive socially and economically.
How we work
Our Approach
We take a holistic, community-centred approach.
02
Trauma-informed
Creating safe and supportive environments
03
Skills-based
Building real, transferable capabilities
04
Community-led
Shaped by the needs of those we serve
What we measure
Our Impact
We measure success through real outcomes.
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- Reduced isolation and improved wellbeing
- Progression into education, employment, or enterprise
- Stronger community connections
Small moments. Lasting change.
Our community, in the making.
300+
Children and families engaged so far
1,000
Hours of workshop & training sessions
350+
Hours of emotional wellbeing & mentoring sessions
How it started
Our Story
Beyond Braidz CIC began with a simple idea—fuelled by a deep passion to empower communities.
As a grassroots organisation, we are rooted in lived experience and committed to delivering meaningful, culturally relevant opportunities for children and families.
We pride ourselves on providing personalised support and high-quality engagement, with a strong focus on community skills development, confidence, and wellbeing.
Our people
Who We Are
Beyond Braidz CIC is led by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in mental health, child and family support, research, and youth work.
Together, we bring a holistic and culturally responsive approach to community development—supporting individuals not just to participate, but to thrive.
Our team of volunteers and staff is passionate about community cohesion, holistic health and wellbeing, and empowerment through skills and identity.
Meet the Founder
Bukola
Founder
Beyond Braidz CIC was founded by Bukola, whose work is grounded in both professional expertise and a deep commitment to community impact.
She holds a BSc in Psychology and an MA in Youth and Community Studies. In addition, she is a certified Mental Health First Aider, a qualified Professional Coach (Diploma), and skilled in beauty and fashion as tools for confidence and self-expression.
Bukola brings extensive experience in community engagement, research, facilitation, and youth development, with a strong focus on empowering underrepresented groups.
She has worked as a researcher across a range of respected organisations, including the NHS, Social Finance, King's College Hospital (KCH), Hyde Housing, UKIE, Centric Community Research, Peabody, the Social Innovation Partnership (TSIP), and Impact on Urban Health (IOUH).
Her work has focused on engaging communities in meaningful dialogue, amplifying underrepresented and marginalised voices, supporting research informed by lived experience, and building community research capacity.
Why it matters
Why It Matters
We exist because many young people and families face barriers to confidence, opportunity, and wellbeing.
Our work sits at the intersection of culture, wellbeing, and economic empowerment—creating both immediate impact and long-term change.
Growing together
Our partners & funders
Let’s talk
Want to work with us?
Whether you're a parent, a school, a funder or a future volunteer — we'd love to hear from you.