About Us
Empower Communities
About Us
Black Ethnic Skills & Training Initiatives is a Newcastle-based community organisation with over 15 years of experience supporting Black, Minority Ethnic (BME) families, children, young people, parents, and carers facing poverty, discrimination, housing instability, and cost-of-living pressures. Operating primarily in areas around Newcastle and Gateshead, we deliver mentoring, youth work, family support, and outreach through trusted local spaces such as churches, schools, youth clubs, and community centres.
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​We provide training, mentorship, and practical support—including creative skills like hairdressing, hat making, sewing, embroidery, tie-dye, and bead making—alongside pre-employment guidance for the unemployed and bookkeeping/accounting assistance for small businesses, community groups, and charities.
Purpose
Our Purpose
Our mission is to empower socially excluded BME communities and refugees in Newcastle and Gateshead who face compounded barriers like low income, insecure housing, service distrust, and rising bills. Led by diverse trustees and staff with lived experience of migration, poverty, and cultural adaptation—including other Christian denominations and emigrant backgrounds—we prioritise trust, dignity, and community-led solutions.
Objectives
Our Main Objectives
01
Support BME families and refugees excluded by discrimination, offering practical help amid economic pressures.
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Promote Black indigenous skills like hair plaiting and salon practices.
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02
Foster personal development through skills training, homework support, and employability mentorship.
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05
Celebrate African heritage via textiles, fashion, and cultural activities.
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03
Strengthen community cohesion and integration in high-deprivation areas.
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06
Create vocational pathways and entrepreneurship opportunities, especially for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic women.
Approach
Our Approach
We partner with local entities like community and voluntary groups, churches, and schools to deliver flexible, accessible programmes. Community members co-design and lead activities via listening sessions and action groups, ensuring relevance. Our BME-perspective training builds equality awareness, networking across ethnicities, and lasting empowerment for participants.