Hello everyone. It’s John Chico here with you again. So today I will be starting a new series called Those Who Help, in which I will write about people, groups, and organisations that provide social services in some type of way shape or form. I certainly believe that groups such as this need more exposure and support from the public and organisations that have an interest in the public itself. I personally believe that they are doing so much more than the government. They are in-person with people, listening to their problems, seeing their pain first-hand. That alone, I believe, is imperative in truly finding solutions to difficult problems.
So today, I’ll be starting off with an organisation called Inini Initiative. So, this organisation was started by my mother, Last Mafuba, and her professional associates, to tackle the issue of the lack of BME (Black Ethnic Minorities), mental health and social integration services for migrant communities. This was based on her lived experience when she came from Zimbabwe and had to go through the asylum process as a migrant with no right to remain in the UK. Our experience is a whole essay in itself, should I say. I will try to get permission to talk about it fully.
However, to put it short, she has been through the asylum hostile system, being moved around location to location. Her experience made her realise that the experience of having to move from another country, especially without having the right to remain, having no permanent accommodation and having no support would give anyone mental health issues. After my struggles, after many struggles, my mother got her status to remain, got a degree in psychology and a master’s in human rights. She started her own organisation, Inini Initiative, to address the lack of BME mental health services in the country and in the UK overall. So, on that note, let’s begin the series, Those Who Helped, with Inini Initiative.
Who are they?
The Inini Initiative is a social enterprise based in Coventry, UK, founded by Last Mafuba, who is my mother, Susie Brennan and Margaret Nsimbe. The organisation is dedicated to supporting ethnic minorities, asylum seekers, and refugees, particularly those facing barriers related to integration and mental health. The founders bring a wealth of experience in health, social care, and human rights, which underscores the initiative’s commitment to its mission.
What do they do?
Inini Initiative offers a variety of services tailored to the needs of marginalised communities. These services include one-to-one counselling sessions with qualified therapists specialising in trauma and migration issues. The organisation also conducts assessments to provide tailored support and referrals to relevant services. In addition, Inini hosts weekly peer support groups, digital inclusion programmes, and cultural activities such as poetry, music, and art exhibitions to foster community cohesion and celebrate cultural diversity.
How do they help?
Inini Initiative helps by providing safe spaces where individuals can connect and receive support. Their mental health services include one-to-one coaching and counselling to help individuals cope with the challenges of adjusting to new environments. The digital inclusion programme, supported by COV Connects, equips individuals with essential digital skills, helping bridge the digital divide. Moreover, their cultural programmes held in venues like the Herbert Art Gallery and St Mary’s Guildhall promote understanding and integration through shared cultural experiences.
How to support them?
Supporting the Inini Initiative can be done in various ways. Individuals and organisations can volunteer their time or expertise to assist in the various programmes run by the Inini. Donations are also crucial to sustaining the operations and expanding their services to reach more individuals in need. For those interested in learning more or contributing, visit their website, www.inini.co.uk, which provides comprehensive information on how to get involved. Furthermore, Inini Initiative can work with individuals, groups, and organisations that are interested in assisting the development of workshops that promote mental health and the socioeconomic integration of migrants and community.
I forgot to mention before: ‘Inini’ in Shona, Karanga specifically means ‘me, myself, and I.’
So, you can interpret ‘Inini’ as ‘me, myself, and I.’ Starts with the self. If so, why not support Inini Initiative?
It’s John Chiko. Thank you for listening.
To read the next part of the Those Who Help series, click here
