Soup for the Soul Volunteer

Organisation description:

FikaWelie is a community-led organisation providing culturally informed mental health and wellbeing support across Greater Manchester. Our work is rooted in compassion, trust, and a deep understanding of the lived experiences of Black Caribbean, African, South Asian, and wider communities who have historically faced barriers to accessing mental health care. At FikaWelie, we believe wellbeing is holistic. Mental, emotional, physical, cultural, and social wellbeing are deeply connected, and support is most effective when people feel safe, heard, and respected. We create welcoming spaces where individuals can speak openly, explore their experiences, and receive support without judgement or stigma. Our programmes include culturally responsive wellbeing activities, creative spaces such as Words of Wellness, community outreach, and practical medication support. We help individuals better understand their medication, navigate healthcare systems, and feel more confident advocating for their needs. By offering support in familiar, community-based settings, we work to build trust and reduce fear or misunderstanding around mental health and treatment. FikaWelie also works closely with local health services, community groups, and professionals to bridge gaps between statutory services and the communities they serve. Through partnership and collaboration, we aim to improve access, encourage early engagement, and support better long-term outcomes. At the heart of everything we do is connection. Whether through a conversation at a community fair, a wellbeing group, or one-to-one suppo