Programmes, exhibitions and community gatherings.

Wellbeing programme · Nov 2025 – March 2026

Fade Therapy

Cuts, conversations, and community. Sometimes all you need is real conversation and a fresh cut. Fade Therapy is where young Black men come for both: open, honest talks about life and a free haircut to keep you looking sharp.

We invite Black men aged 18 to 35 to join our weekly barbershop sessions — connect with others, discuss what matters most, and get guidance or referrals for any support you need. No judgement, no pressure, just genuine conversation.

As part of this, you'll receive a free haircut once a month for three months. Come through for the community, leave with confidence.

Wellbeing programme · May 2026

Fade Therapy becomes Games Therapy

This month we swapped the barber's chair for a comfy sofa — Fade Therapy became Games Therapy. A chance to relax, reconnect, and support one another in a different way, over games and good conversation.

A huge thank you to Dr Joseph for joining us and sharing his insights, and to the brilliant team at Safe and Sound for opening their doors to us.

Looking forward to the next one. Cuts, conversations, and community.

Women's wellbeing · 2 May 2026

Private, Women-Only Swimming Session

We hosted a free, private swimming session just for African women — an enclosed space with the blinds drawn for complete privacy. The pool wasn't deep, and a female lifeguard was on hand throughout.

Every lane filled up — a huge thank you to everyone who signed up and made it such a joyful afternoon. Delivered in partnership with Everyone Active.

Fade Therapy · 16 April 2026

Sex and the Law in the UK

As part of Fade Therapy, we welcomed Charles Dewa, a Sexual Health Promotion Practitioner at Derbyshire Community Health Services, to lead an open, non-judgemental session on sex and the law in the UK — delivered for ethnically diverse and migrant communities in a safe, factual space to ask questions and share experiences.

Held over a fresh cut at Roots Barbers in Derby, it was honest conversation at its best. It's been a busy few months — from Fade Therapy to our maternity conversations and vaccination work — and we've valued every moment of connecting with and learning from you. A huge thank you to all our partners who have made this work possible.

Fade Therapy · 29 January 2026

A Growing Circle at Fade Therapy

Thursday 29 January was a blast. We saw more people than ever at our Fade Therapy session — more honest conversations, and a real willingness to support one another. Cuts, conversations, and community, exactly as it should be.

Thank you to everyone who came through and to Roots Barbers for hosting us. Stay sharp.

Community health · December 2025

African Mothers' Conversations

This gathering reminded us of the power of listening. A heartfelt thank you to the African mothers and caregivers who came out to share their stories and perspectives on maternal and neonatal care.

These conversations are vital — your contributions will help inform how the NHS can better support families in our community. Thank you also to RCCG Living Seed Church Derby for the use of their space. This is community partnership at its best.

Community · 2025

Derby African Union Community Football Competition

The maiden Derby African Union Community Football Competition brought teams together in celebration of sport, unity and community. Congratulations to Team Cameroon — winners of the inaugural cup — with Team Sudan in second place and Team Nigeria third.

Special thanks to our supporters: Community Action Derby, DE23 Active, CAMDER FC, Menpowered, and the brilliant folks from GMB Union and Derbyshire Community Bank who came to network with the community. Thanks also to Ejaz Sarwar and referee Nick Britten.

This is just the beginning. Our goal is to make this an annual celebration. Derby African Union is here to support Africans in Derby — building one voice, one community.

Workshop · 25 May 2025

African Cooking Class

We partnered with TES HOUSE to host a vibrant African Cooking Class for children at the West End Community Centre in Derby. The session focused on the importance of nutrition in children's growth, learning, and wellbeing — and what better way to teach that than through delicious, hands-on cooking.

Children aged 8+ learned how to make smokey, flavour-packed Jollof rice and blend a colourful, nutritious smoothie. Through food, we had so much fun exploring culture, independence and health.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and helped bring this joyful day to life. Stay tuned — there's more to come.

Exhibition · December 2024

Light in the Shadows

We were proud to partner with TES HOUSE to host Light in the Shadows, an art exhibition celebrating stories of hope.

The free exhibition ran from 10 to 12 December at Banks Mill Studio, 71 Bridge Street, Derby DE1 3LB.