We are the first in Bracknell Forest

Formed in July 2004, African and Caribbean Frontline Services Limited is perhaps, the first Black led organisation in the Bracknell Forest Borough area. It is a not-for-profit company, limited by guarantee. It is therefore operating as a community organisation for people of African and Caribbean origin. Its current management structure is made up of the Director, Company Secretary, Treasurer and Events Officer. All of these officers are working as unpaid volunteers. It is our intention to apply to Charities Commission for charity status in the near future.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to deliver 'frontline' services to people of African and Caribbean origin. This means that we will seek a close contact with our target population, acting as one-stop-shop for a two-way interaction between our target membership and the broader community, forming partnerships with other community and voluntary sector organisations. The outcome of this two-way interface approach is expected to be the articulation of the needs of our target membership, raising of awareness and understanding in the broader community, of African cultural and artistic experience. Ultimately we want to enhance the well being of our target membership and promote social cohesion.

Our Objectives

You can view our objectives by clicking on this link: our objectives

Our Achievements

1. One-Day Taster Training
Working with Institute for African Studies, Thames Valley University, Slough, we organised a Taster programme for people from our target population who want to teach in the Further Education environment. Up to 6 persons attended the one-day programme. Of those who attended the course in Bracknell, three were accepted for the 'Introduction to Delivering Learning' course at Bracknell College. Two other persons went on to attend similar training at other centres. Out of the five persons referenced above, one has now been admitted by Reading University for PGCE in Science. Another person has applied to do the next level of the Further Education teacher training programme.

2. Successful Fundraising Event
Following the incorporation of ACFSL in July last year (then known as African Arts to Community Limited), it held a successful fundraising event on 30 October 2004. The event was a Gospel Concert, which was attended by the Mayors of BFBC and Wokingham Town, a number of Councillors, members from the wider community and local African and Caribbean people. Over 200 persons attended the event, which raised £471.51.

3. Interaction with Key Stakeholders
As a result of the work that has been initiated, BFBC has now started to interact with the African and Caribbean community through ACFSL. It has been invited to participate in a number of consultation programmes. It is currently involved, along with an Indian Community Association Bracknell; (ICAB) in the Change Up project which is funded through the Government Office South East (GOSE) and which Bracknell Forest Voluntary Action (BFVA) is leading on. In turn, ACFSL has been invited to become members of the BFBC Cultural Partnership. These, we believe, are just the beginning of the opportunities that the existence of the ACFSL will make available for members of the African and Caribbean community.

4. Partnerships
ACFSL has successfully developed working partnerships with ICAB, and the Wokingham District BME Forum and will make contribution to their Black History Month events.

5. Black History Month Event, October 23, 2005

African and Caribbean has began its journey within the Borough of Bracknell Forest area. It is providing services for people of African and Caribbean origin, connecting them with the wider community, creating an awareness of what we can offer and providing opportunities for young people and adults to employ their skills and develop their talents.

On October 22, the Black History Month event organised by Wokingham District Council took place at Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way, Woodley. Our young people put up a brilliant performance of gospel music and poetry.

In the evening of the following day, 23 October, the first Black History Month event ever to be organised in the Borough of Bracknell Forest took place. It was funded by the Additional Support Programme which is an aspect of the Change Up initiative from GOSE. African and Caribbean people were fully represented and put up a fantastic performance which thrilled over 180 people in attendance. The event which took place at the Grange Bracknell Hotel, is still being talked about by those who were present.

6. International Music Concert in the Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, 19 February 2006

By far, this was the most ambitious and successful of the the events we have organised. It was featured on the local newspaper as well as on BBC Radio Berkshire. The Mayor of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Jacqui Ryder and her Consort, Cllr Iain McCracken and his daughter and many other members of the community attended the event.

7. Black History Month 2007
The theme was "Global Origins: Local Stories"

This event experienced limited success in terms of attendance. The quality of the programme was very good but there were not a lot of people to enjoy. Cllr Gill Birch, the Mayor of Bracknell Forest and her Consort, Dale Birch attended the event. A review of this event led to a decision to try a different venue for future events.