who we are
About Us
Working Towards Better Health and Social Care Provision for communities of African and African-Caribbean Heritage.
The Black Health Forum is a registered charity established informally in May 2000 in Bradford, UK. It was founded in response to persistent health inequalities affecting the African and African-Caribbean communities living in Bradford and District. Recognising the lack of culturally appropriate health and social care services, the Forum was created to advocate for and support improvements in health outcomes for these communities.
A successful funding application to the then City Primary Care Trust in 2001 allowed the Forum to establish a more formal structure and expand its work in a meaningful and sustainable way.
Since it started, the Black Health Forum has worked to ensure that health and social care services are not only accessible but also culturally sensitive and tailored to the unique needs and experiences of African and African Caribbean individuals. Through community engagement, partnerships, and targeted programmes, the organisation continues to play a vital role in challenging disparities and promoting equity in health and well-being.
Our Vision
To create a thriving, healthy and empowered Bradford District where individuals from black and minoritised communities of all ages can experience fair access to holistic health and well-being; through culturally responsive services, research, and community engagement.
Our Mission
Our mission is to enhance the health and wellbeing of the diverse communities in Bradford District focusing on addressing the health needs of the black and minoritised communities. We are committed to promote, protect and preserve both mental and physical health whilst relieving sickness and supporting vulnerable groups including the elderly and young people.
Through collaboration and culturally informed research we aim to influence and improve the delivery or services that are inclusive, equitable and responsive to the needs of the black and minoritised communities.
Our Objectives
Health Promotion
- Design and deliver culturally sensitive programmes of care that promote good mental and physical health for the population of Bradford. generally, but in particular those from the black and minoritised communities.
- Raise awareness of health issues that impacts individuals from the black and minoritised communities and provide access to relevant resources and services.
Relief of Sickness and Vulnerability
- Provide targeted support for the elderly, young people, and other vulnerable
groups in the Bradford District, by improving their access to health and wellbeing services. - Collaborate with healthcare providers to address health inequalities and ensure care is equitable for black and minoritised communities,
Research and Advocacy
- Promote and conduct research on the health and wellbeing needs of the black and minoritised communities in Bradford, focusing on mental health, chronic illness and preventative care,
- Use research findings to support improved services which are equitable and accessible for all communities in Bradford,
Community Engagement and Empowerment
- Engage local communities to identify and address health challenges, ensuring that their voices are heard and taken into account when shaping the services that are provided.
- Empower individuals through education, workshops and outreach activities to help them to build capacity for better self-care and health care management
Collaboration and Partnerships
- Build partnerships with local organisations, policy makers, and health care providers to deliver culturally sensitive community cantered care solutions.
- Work collaboratively to influence local health strategies to ensure the needs of the black and minoritised people in Bradford and District are prioritized.