Teakisi was born out of a simple but powerful need: for Black and minoritised communities across the North East and Cumbria to have spaces where they are not just included, but centred. We exist to amplify voices that are too often overlooked, to create environments where people feel seen and valued, and to turn lived experience into meaningful action. Our work sits at the intersection of community, culture and social justice, rooted firmly in the belief that belonging is not a privilege, but a right.
Over the past five years, Teakisi has supported more than 2,585 individual members, not including repeat beneficiaries. These figures only tell part of the story. Behind them are people building confidence, families finding connection in new places, and individuals seeing themselves reflected in leadership, creativity and community for the first time. In a region where diversity is growing, but culturally aware and representative services remain limited, Teakisi plays a unique role. As far as we know, we are the only organisation locally delivering this kind of tailored, holistic support that is shaped directly by listening to communities and responding with intention.
Our work is grounded in empowerment, equality and community-led change. In practice, this takes many forms. We work with public-facing organisations to help them reach and engage more diverse audiences. Through partnerships such as our work with North East Museums, we have co-delivered cultural events and storytelling sessions that welcomed people into spaces they had never previously felt were for them. These moments of first entry matter; they open doors to dialogue, representation and shared understanding.
We also support employers to improve the diversity of their candidate pools and workplace cultures. Through our Inclusive Recruitment work, we help organisations reflect on their practices, rethink how roles are advertised, and better understand the systemic barriers that shape who applies and who gets through the door. Alongside this, we deliver digital skills support for people who are often excluded in an increasingly online world. Working with partners such as The Millin Charity, we have delivered accessible, confidence-building sessions that support people to navigate online systems, apply for work, access healthcare and stay connected to essential services.
Equally important are the spaces we create for connection and belonging. Our coffee meet-ups and African Woman Collective gatherings offer opportunities for people from different backgrounds to come together, share experiences and build relationships. These spaces are gentle, intentional and deeply needed, particularly at a time when isolation and division are increasing.
Collaboration sits at the heart of everything we do. We work alongside a wide range of partners including local authorities, universities, health providers, grassroots organisations and community groups. These relationships allow us to co-design initiatives, influence systems and ensure that representation is lived and visible, not tokenistic. By working collectively, our impact extends beyond those we meet directly, shaping conversations, influencing practice and building bridges across sectors.
Like many community organisations, Teakisi operates within a challenging landscape. The cost of living crisis continues to deepen the needs of the people we support, while resources remain limited. As a small organisation serving a wide region, we balance frontline delivery with the demands of funding, reporting and sustainability. We also navigate the complexities of seeing our work replicated elsewhere, while protecting the integrity, trust and authenticity we have built over time.
Despite these challenges, our commitment remains strong. Our work is about more than filling gaps; it is about challenging the systems that created them and imagining a region where equity and inclusion are the norm. The feedback we receive reminds us why this matters. As one community member shared, “It’s not just about events. It’s about being part of something that values who we are.”
Our strength lies in the people we work with, the stories we hold, and the collective belief that change is possible when communities are listened to and trusted.