Carisma Services - inspiring communities

Action Learning Programme - 2025

14/11/2025

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Over the past year, CARISMA Services has undergone a period of transformative growth, made possible by a funding injection from The Phoenix Way. This enabled the successful launch of our innovative Community Action Learning Leadership Programme, aimed at equipping leaders with the tools, confidence, and networks to drive change in their communities.

Our programme trained a diverse cohort of leaders, many of whom have gone on to lead their own community projects and or engage with the institutions we introduced them to.

These one-day Action Learning sessions enabled us to express our black and brown lived experiences in a non-threatening but empowering way to us. Enabling participants to understand what is working for us and against us. Sessions enabled participants to understand and feel their own positive presence in a room/institution where not everyone looks like them.

We are expanding the Community Leadership Program to include young adults aged 18–25+, integrating social enterprise training, and introducing a peer-to-peer digital storytelling component to document change. We also aim to embed a trauma-informed wellbeing framework across all our work to deepen impact and resilience.

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Hate Crime Awareness 2025

14/11/2025

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CARISMA Services’ Hate Crime Awareness 2025 Grants Programme vividly demonstrated our positive community impact across Manchester. The project addressed several priorities of the Manchester Hate Crime Plan, including educating about hate crime, raising awareness of its consequences, preventing hate crime through early intervention, increasing confidence to report incidents, and bringing communities together to tackle hate-related issues.

Throughout early 2025, CARISMA delivered a series of workshops and events at varied locations such as Friends Meeting House, MCA Academy, Richmond Grove Church, and numerous schools and nurseries. These activities engaged 1500+ direct beneficiaries from diverse backgrounds affected by hate crimes related to race, religion, sexual orientation, and disability.

Participants reported feeling listened to and experienced an increased sense of belonging, with opportunities to share their lived experiences and ideas. They learned practical skills for managing and reporting hate incidents, fostering greater community awareness and resilience. The inclusive nature of the project ensured representation and meaningful engagement from historically excluded groups, strengthening trust and social connections.

The multi-venue approach exemplified our commitment to accessibility and outreach, reaching different age groups and communities within Manchester. Feedback mechanisms allowed the us to adapt activities continuously, enhancing relevance and impact.

This project highlighted our leadership in fostering understanding and empowerment while building bridges across diverse community groups. Through education, collaboration, and sustained engagement, we contributed substantively to safer, more inclusive communities, embodying our mission to tackle hate crime and support victims comprehensively.

More information and updates can be found on CARISMA’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/carisma

This initiative underscores our role in driving social change and exemplifies effective community-led action against hate crime and its effects.

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LEGENDS OF INDUSTRY AWARDS 2019

31/10/2019

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3rd of October saw Erinma Bell receive one the prestigious Legends of Industry Awards bestowed by Variety the Children’s Charity. This awards ceremony took place in the Hilton Hotel on Deansgate Manchester. She received an award for Peace Activism & Charitable Work also She received a special edition Paccioni watch. Her award was sponsored by a company called PANGEA Sculptures. Pangea Sculptures is a collection of artisan sculptures designed to inspire. Their sculptures are sustainable international arts initiative connecting skilled African craftsmanship with art lovers in the UK, and beyond. They specialise in producing stunning recycled-metal animal sculptures, bringing the heart of Africa into your home. The sculptures are made in Nairobi, Kenya. There were only 11 awards given in total.

Other winners included:

Gerry Yeung OBE, former High Sheriff of Greater Manchester 2017 and
Harry Yeung OBE, both for Culinary Arts. They own Yang Sing Restaurant in Manchester’s Trafford Centre.
Mike Summerbee for Football. The legendary Mike Summerbee played as a right-winger for Manchester City from 1965 to 1975, making 452 appearances, scoring 68 goals and being instrumental in a golden era during which the tea won four trophies between 1968 and 1970. Mike has invited me to sit in his Football Box, what does that mean – asked?
Cannon & Ball for Comedy. Oldham born Bobby Ball met Derbyshire’s Tommy Cannon whilst working in a factory in Bobby’s home town. They didn’t know back then that their meeting would bring them fame and fortune in the world of show business and change their lives for ever.
Lucy Meacock for Television Broadcasting. Lucy, who I do know in a professional capacity, has a true passion for the North West. She is the longest serving female newscaster in the UK – presenting ‘Granada Reports’ for 30 years – and since 2007 has also presented the main national and international ITV news. That deserves an award in itself. Well done Lucy.
Amin Amiri – for Corporate Finance. He is the founder, funder and CEO of a2e Industries Limited. He is a highly accomplished corporate fancier, specialising in wealth creation by revitalising businesses through strategic and operational development.
Beth Tweddle MBE for Gymnastics. she was Britain’s greatest ever female gymnast. her impressive achievements include being a Olympic bronze medallist, a triple world champion, a six-time European Champion and seven-times National Champion. Beth has also competed in three Olympic game in Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012.
Connor McIntyre for Dramatic Arts. When Connor stood to receive his award the guests began to “BOO”. Perplexed at first until it was explained that Connor McIntyre is without question best-known for his iconic role in coronation Street as the villainous Pat Phelan.
Deborah Meaden for Business Entrepreneurship. As a fan of the BBC’s Dragons Den series of which Deborah is one of the most popular investors. She is also a a highly successful businesswoman and entrepreneur. It was great speaking with Deborah and she said that: she finds me a “true inspiration” due to the work I have done.
Sheridan Smith OBE for Musical Theatre. Hailed as ‘The greatest theatre star of her generation’ by The Evening Standard and with over a decade of achievement in the world of television, film and theatre. She is known for her highly acclaimed portrayal of British icon, Cilla Black, in ITVs three-part drama, ‘Cilla’.
Mark Ormrod for Inspirational & Motivational Speaking. His video alone was inspirational. He is a Royal Marines Commando. In the early hours of Christmas Eve 2007 he was out on a routine foot patrol in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan when he stepped on and triggered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). He woke up 3 days later in Sellly Oak Hospital in Birmingham and both legs had been amputated above the knee and his right arm amputated above the elbow. He was the UK’s first triple amputee to survive and Afghanistan conflict. Making light of his ordeal Mark has gone onto inspire, support and change the lives of hundreds of others all over the world with is inspirational talks as to how being a triple amputee has not stopped him from being a whole person, still with dreams and hopes for the future.

For 70 years, Variety, the Children’s Charity, has been helping sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people.

Here at CARISMA we have been helping disadvantaged children and young people within a different category. Those whose lives have been touched by gun, gang and now knife crime. We work with young people of school age trying to advocate one message, a message of PEACE = Positive Energy Always Creates Elevation. This can only happen with People Ending All Conflict Everywhere = PEACE. We run workshops within schools and lead on school assemblies where we show them the ills of violent street crime and also inform them of how to make themselves safe and how they can work together as a community to remain safe. We show them how to ‘build social capital’ in it’s simplest form.

3rd of October saw Erinma Bell, our CEO, receive one the prestigious Legends of Industry Awards bestowed by Variety the Children’s Charity. This awards ceremony took place in the Hilton Hotel on Deansgate Manchester. "I received an award for Peace Activism & Charitable Work also I received a special edition Paccioni watch. My award was sponsored by a company called PANGEA Sculptures. Pangea Sculptures is a collection of artisan sculptures designed to inspire. Their sculptures are sustainable international arts initiative connecting skilled African craftsmanship with art lovers in the UK, and beyond. They specialise in producing stunning recycled-metal animal sculptures, bringing the heart of Africa into your home. The sculptures are made in Nairobi, Kenya. There were only 11 awards given in total."

Other winners included:

Gerry Yeung OBE, former High Sheriff of Greater Manchester 2017 and
Harry Yeung OBE, both for Culinary Arts. They own Yang Sing Restaurant in Manchester’s Trafford Centre.
Mike Summerbee for Football. The legendary Mike Summerbee played as a right-winger for Manchester City from 1965 to 1975, making 452 appearances, scoring 68 goals and being instrumental in a golden era during which the tea won four trophies between 1968 and 1970. Mike has invited me to sit in his Football Box, what does that mean – asked?
Cannon & Ball for Comedy. Oldham born Bobby Ball met Derbyshire’s Tommy Cannon whilst working in a factory in Bobby’s home town. They didn’t know back then that their meeting would bring them fame and fortune in the world of show business and change their lives for ever.
Lucy Meacock for Television Broadcasting. Lucy, who I do know in a professional capacity, has a true passion for the North West. She is the longest serving female newscaster in the UK – presenting ‘Granada Reports’ for 30 years – and since 2007 has also presented the main national and international ITV news. That deserves an award in itself. Well done Lucy.
Amin Amiri – for Corporate Finance. He is the founder, funder and CEO of a2e Industries Limited. He is a highly accomplished corporate fancier, specialising in wealth creation by revitalising businesses through strategic and operational development.
Beth Tweddle MBE for Gymnastics. she was Britain’s greatest ever female gymnast. her impressive achievements include being a Olympic bronze medallist, a triple world champion, a six-time European Champion and seven-times National Champion. Beth has also competed in three Olympic game in Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012.
Connor McIntyre for Dramatic Arts. When Connor stood to receive his award the guests began to “BOO”. I was perplexed at first until it was explained that Connor McIntyre is without question best-known for his iconic role in coronation Street as the villainous Pat Phelan.
Deborah Meaden for Business Entrepreneurship. I am such a fan of the BBC’s Dragons Den series of which Deborah is one of the most popular investors. She is also a a highly successful businesswoman and entrepreneur. It was great speaking with Deborah and she said that: she finds me a “true inspiration” due to the work I have done.
Sheridan Smith OBE for Musical Theatre. Hailed as ‘The greatest theatre star of her generation’ by The Evening Standard and with over a decade of achievement in the world of television, film and theatre. I remember her from the her highly acclaimed portrayal of British icon, Cilla Black, in ITVs three-part drama, ‘Cilla’.
Mark Ormrod for Inspirational & Motivational Speaking. His video alone was inspirational. He is a Royal Marines Commando. In the early hours of Christmas Eve 2007 he was out on a routine foot patrol in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan when he stepped on and triggered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). He woke up 3 days later in Sellly Oak Hospital in Birmingham and both legs had been amputated above the knee and his right arm amputated above the elbow. He was the UK’s first triple amputee to survive and Afghanistan conflict. Making light of his ordeal Mark has gone onto inspire, support and change the lives of hundreds of others all over the world with is inspirational talks as to how being a triple amputee has not stopped him from being a whole person, still with dreams and hopes for the future.

For 70 years, Variety, the Children’s Charity, has been helping sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people.

Here at CARISMA we have been helping disadvantaged children and young people within a different category. Those whose lives have been touched by gun, gang and now knife crime. We work with young people of school age trying to advocate one message, a message of PEACE = Positive Energy Always Creates Elevation. This can only happen with People Ending All Conflict Everywhere = PEACE. We run workshops within schools and lead on school assemblies where we show them the ills of violent street crime and also inform them of how to make themselves safe and how they can work together as a community to remain safe. We show them how to ‘build social capital’ in it’s simplest form.

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Black History Month

31/10/2019

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October is the month when we, in the United Kingdom, celebrate “Black” History. His stories about Our Story, which is not a Mystery but My Story.
As a Cultural Connector for the BME Network of Greater Manchester and as a proud Nigerian born in Britain, I have to first of all talk about Nigerian Independence. Nigeria got her independence in 1960 from the British colonizers – 59 years ago. We celebrate the Nigerian Independence on 1st of October.
Nigeria s officially designated as the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a country divinely located in the western part of Africa, bordering Niger in the north, Chad in the northeast, Cameroon in the east, and Benin in the west.
We have over 250 ethnic groupings with a variety of languages and customs, creating a country, rich in ethnic diversity and cultures. There are four main tribal ethnic groupings in Nigeria, which make up more than 70% of the population. These ethnic groupings are Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa and Fulani. Although we have numerous various languages our official language is English – due to the colonizers.
There are some amazing sights and places to visit and festivals to attend in every corner of Nigeria all year round. Some of these festivals are displayed and enacted here in Manchester by our Nigerian communities.
I attended New Yam Festivals in August. This is a cultural festival normally held in August after the rainy season and mainly celebrated by Igbos. I can only liken it to a ‘harvest festival’ when we sing and give thanks and praises for the new yam we have harvested.
We also celebrate the, Durbar Festival: A Durbar festival is an annual festival celebrated in several cities of Nigeria. This festival marks the end of Ramadan and is also shared with eid el Kabir and eid el Fitri, Muslim holidays. Probably at this point I should mention that as a country religiously, it is almost divided equally into Muslims and Christians, with a tiny minority of adherents of Traditional African religions and other religions.
Calabar Carnival: Calabar Carnival festival in Nigeria, also tagged " Africa's Biggest Street Party", was created as part of the vision of making the Cross River State, Nigeria, the number one tourist destination for Nigerians and tourists all over the world.
Eyo Festival: The Eyo Festival, otherwise known as the Adamu Orisha Play, is a Yoruba festival unique to Lagos, Nigeria. In modern times, it is presented by the people of Lagos as a tourist event and due to its history, is traditionally performed on Lagos Island.
There are many more festivals of Nigeria, however, above I have listed a few.
I was invited as a Guest Speaker to celebrate the Nigerian Independence with the Nigeria Community Association, Rochdale on 1st of October. I congratulated them on promoting the culture of Nigeria and for bringing so many different cultures together under one roof to bare witness.

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Diverse Cultural Celebration as a tool for Peaceful Cohesion in our Community

31/10/2019

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I was thankful to the organisers of the Manchester One Culture event which took place on 28th September, 2019 at the Audacious Church Hall. Thank you for the kind invitation to address them all at this cultural event.
This event by One Manchester Culture focussed on identity. There was a myriad of presentations and performances by different actors, dancers, singers and performers representing different countries within the world who are here in Manchester.
Identity is a fundamental for existence. Identity is what makes me who I am and who you are. Cultural identity is unique, however, cultural intelligence is what can set us apart or can bind us. Being free to express ones cultural identity including the food, music, clothing, languages and behaviors associated makes one proud of who and what they are. More importantly this free expression of ones cultural identity gives those around an understanding of what we, I or you are about. This type of cultural intelligence stems from what I call Social Intelligence.
In order to obtain a deeper understanding of "Social Intelligence" which lead to cultural intelligence, one has to dare to step outside of their comfort zone.
Approach someone today who is different from you, and ask them about their dress, language, ethnicity or food. It is only with communication and right reasoning do we get right knowledge, right wisdom and right 'over' standing, which is what I call 'Social Intelligence'. We are no longer under the barrier of knowledge but 'over' it. If we are to appreciate difference we need to be curious to ask questions and communicate.
To have social and cultural intelligence is a beautiful thing. If you would like a workshop on " Creating Social Intelligence" in an Urban Environment', then do get in touch - [email protected]
So once again I say thank you to the organizers for bringing this opportunity to us to enjoy each other's culture.
I hope you enjoy this event and take on the social and cultural intelligence challenge - approach and converse with someone different from yourself. Dr Erinma Bell MBE DL

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Bells for Peace

11/7/2019

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Carisma's Erinma Bell recently took part in 'Bells for Peace', the opening event for the 2019 Manchester International Festival. She is featured in this Bells for Peace Interview Film.

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AFROJAM - this Saturday

22/5/2019

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Afrojam is a "festival in my neighbourhood event" taking place on the 25th May in Whitworth Park, Manchester from 12-6pm. It will feature live music, dance, fashion shows, hand-on creative workshops and a selection of fabulous food from Africa and the West Indies. This rich celebration of African and West Indian heritage is open to all - and completely free. Admission by free ticket here.
Afrojam is organised by Carisma and and Out Of Africa events as part of Manchester International Festival.

Hear Erinma Bell talking about Afrojam on Reform Radio here. Download a poster here.

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From Bean to Bar

30/3/2019

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This was a workshop which I organised. Basically chocolate was used to teach participants how our wants and desires actually cause conflict and often hate.

The chocolate beans we used was from Ghana. If purchased directly from the farmers, this enables them to receive the western economy directly. However beans should be bought for the price they are worth. However because we do not want to pay over the top for a bar of chocolate the price at source is kept very low, but the price is still quite high for pure chocolate.

What is pure chocolate? The bitter the chocolate the nearer it is to pure chocolate. Adding a pint and a half of milk is not pure chocolate, probably not even chocolate - just a thought.

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