Ealing Roots and Wings is a programme that supports black-led community organisations in our borough. Its aim is to help improve health and wellbeing for Black African and Caribbean residents. The programme is funded by the NHS and delivered with Ealing Council, Ealing and Hounslow Community and Voluntary Service (EHCVS) and Voices of Colour
Why the programme exists
The Ealing Race Equality Commission found that many black residents face poorer health and have less influence over health services. The Commission asked local services to make real changes, including giving black residents and leaders a stronger voice in decisions, improving access to health services, and reviewing how funding reaches black-led community organisations. Roots and Wings was created to help meet these needs and support fairer health outcomes in our borough.
The independent Citizens Tribunal provides oversight and holds the council and its partners to account on the delivery of its commitment and responsibilities to promote race equity. A member of the Citizens Tribunal has been involved in the development and delivery of the Roots and Wings programme.
How the programme works
Ten black-led organisations in the borough received:
- £5,000 to support their work improving residents’ health and wellbeing
- peer research training from Voices of Colour
- support to share their views on local health issues
- links to new networks, learning and opportunities
Those organisations were:
- RollaDome All Skate whose mission is to bring people together and positively impact the lives of young people and their families through the fun and inclusive sport of roller-skating. Their structured, non-competitive, team-based activities provide a safe and inclusive environment for everyone to learn the basics of roller-skating
- Descendants is a beacon of cultural education and community support fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of African and Caribbean heritage. The organisation remains dedicated to education, creativity and inclusivity, inspiring generations of children to explore their heritage and embrace their cultural identities with pride
- The Voices for SEND Support Network is a UK-based community organisation dedicated to empowering families of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), with a focus on black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities, particularly Somali families
- Zebra Sports, with a team of British Gymnastics qualified coaches, provide classes at local schools, operate weekly recreational classes at multiple venues throughout the borough and other local boroughs simultaneously
- Came Women and Girls Development Organisation (CAWOGIDO) work to promote health and wellbeing among black, Asian and minority ethnic women and girls. They work with local GPs to offer dance as an option for patients advised to take up exercise for their heart health and wellbeing
- BBA Media (Westside Radio) operates local community station 'Westside Radio'. With a proven track record in implementing media and radio projects, the station is a powerful tool to reach local people in the community
- Holistic Special Education Needs Alliance (HSENA) addresses education as well as physical and emotional difficulties faced by children, young people, and families, particularly focusing on families from Somali and other minority ethnic backgrounds
- Ealing Somali Welfare and Cultural Association (ESWCA) was the first organisation in the borough dedicated to supporting the influx of refugees from the Horn of Africa. Over the years, they have successfully launched and executed over 1,000 health-related projects
- C-Inclusively CIC (Communicate Inclusively) is a black-led organisation based in the borough, dedicated to creating more inclusive workplaces and communities for underrepresented groups
- Barwaqa Relief Organisation (BRO) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering marginalised communities, focusing on women, young people, and people with disabilities
What did the leaders learn and share?
What happens next
The original plan for the second phase of the programme has changed, as learning from the first phase and participant priorities have influenced its direction and informed the next steps. Community leaders have taken part in co-production work from November 2025 to May 2026 to develop a leadership network for Black African and Caribbean organisations and businesses in the borough. This new, embedded alliance will be supported by funded roles for 18 months and will enable community voices to better inform local policies and strategies.The leaders have also decided to ring-fence some of the remaining programme funding for collaborative projects improving residents’ health and wellbeing. Once the foundations of the network have been set, more information will be provided about how local voluntary, community, social enterprise, and faith leaders can get involved.
Why this programme matters
Ealing Roots and Wings is more than a grant. It helps local black leaders build skills, influence decisions and work together. The programme supports a fairer, healthier borough by making sure that people with lived experience guide the changes that affect them.
Contact
For more information, please email publichealth@ealing.gov.uk
