Teakisi CIC

Teakisi is a Community Interest Company rooted in the North East of England and Cumbria, working to address inequality and underrepresentation by creating spaces where marginalised voices can thrive. Our core activities revolve around cultural storytelling, community building, education, and advocacy. Our mission is to champion inclusion and equity while recognising the diverse and intersecting identities of the communities we serve. We are especially committed to addressing the experiences of people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, whilst ensuring our work remains inclusive of all marginalised communities. In the past year, Teakisi has delivered and expanded a range of community-centred programmes and initiatives that reflect the lived realities and aspirations of the people we work with. One of our most significant ongoing initiatives is Tales Without Borders, a physical community and storytelling space based in Blyth. The space, adorned with the flags of the world, serves as a symbol of welcome and belonging for people of all backgrounds. Through quiet reading sessions, community meet-ups, support groups, and informal drop-ins, the space has become a vital hub for connection, cultural exchange, and healing. Our annual Elevate Symposium, now in its sixth year, remains a key moment in our calendar, marking Black History Month through celebration, conversation, and cultural expression. This programme allows us to focus on topics that some may find uncomfortable, including historical injustices, cultural pride, and everyday discrimination. We also continue to host the African Woman Collective, now in its third year, providing a space for connection, support, and empowerment. The collective offers culturally relevant support and a sense of shared sisterhood while recognising the specific needs and challenges of African women navigating layered forms of exclusion. Across all our activities, we intentionally centre care, representation, visibility, and self-expression through wellbeing sessions, creative writing groups, community safety work, and many other initiatives. We have seen growing engagement through partnerships with schools, local authorities, cultural organisations, and grassroots groups, enabling our impact to reach further into communities that are often underserved or underrepresented. Through this work, we aim to challenge stereotypes, create lasting change, and support communities to live, speak, and express themselves freely on their own terms.