The goal is to address the unique needs and aspirations of Black African, Black Caribbean, Black British, and other Black communities in London. This involves raising awareness of their contributions and specific needs, building sustainable and meaningful partnerships, and fostering collaboration. By sharing resources and avoiding duplication, we aim to enhance the effectiveness of community-based organisations and improve working relationships within these communities.
The aim is to enhance the quality of life for Black African, Black Caribbean, Black British, and other Black communities, especially those affected by physical or mental health conditions. This will be achieved by developing a strong partnership that leverages the strengths of its members, ensures the delivery of holistic and responsive services, and promotes the attainment of excellence in meeting the community's needs.
Our partnership is service user-centered, focusing on designing objectives, strategies, and services that address the needs of Black African, Black Caribbean, Black British, and other Black communities most in need. This approach ensures the highest possible standards are met, prioritising the well-being and specific requirements of these communities.
Our partnership will ensure that both it and its members deliver high-quality services to Black African, Black Caribbean, Black British, and other Black communities.
Our partnership will actively pursue equality of opportunity, recognise diversity, and challenge discrimination in all aspects of its work.
The Umoja Health Forum (UHF) was founded to promote health awareness and encourage good health practices within the African and Caribbean communities in Camden, Islington, and Greater London. Our mission is to provide accurate health information, raise awareness of key health issues, and guide individuals towards appropriate health and wellbeing services, ultimately improving the quality of life for these communities.
The UHF originated from a series of conferences in Camden and Islington, which brought together organisations focused on the health, housing, and social welfare challenges faced by African communities in London. Through collaboration with local Primary Care Trusts (PCTs), a partnership was formed to better coordinate services, improve resources, and foster stronger relationships between community-based organisations. In September 2009, we registered as a company limited by guarantee, and in 2021, we achieved full charitable status, renaming ourselves the Umoja Health Forum.
UHF actively supports emerging African community organisations by sharing skills and working together to ensure the needs of these communities are acknowledged and respected. The Forum includes 12 African partner organisations, representing over 1,000 members from 22 different countries in West, East, and Southern Africa. These communities speak many African languages as well as six international languages: English, French, Arabic, Somali, Portuguese, and Swahili.
Many of the communities we serve are often considered ‘hard to reach’ by mainstream service providers. We aim to improve the coordination of services and resources for these groups, ensuring their voices are heard and their ethnic, cultural, and religious identities are understood and celebrated. Our partnership allows for shared learning, better resource management, and provides local and central government health services with a central point of engagement.
UHF works with a diverse range of people, including children and families, individuals with long-term health conditions, carers, women, men, and young people. We bring extensive experience and expertise in delivering health messages, particularly in areas such as sexual health and HIV/AIDS.