About Us



The West Midlands Caribbean Parent & Friends Association provides support and promotes programmes for social welfare, cultural, educational and recreational events for improving the quality of life for Caribbean residents in the community. Our mission based on our legacy is to empower local people by promoting learning, health and general well-being through the community and cultural inclusiveness’

Our Main areas operation includes the following activities:

- Facilitating and encouraging local people to participate in community activities through volunteering

- Social & cultural events, discussion groups to inform and raise awareness about health life-style, education and local concerns

- Fundraising to support activities and charitable giving


'Our core activity is community development through volunteer involvement'





History



The Association, a charity has embarked upon a remarkable journey since its creation over 50 years ago. It is the oldest and longest standing black community group in Wolverhampton and was fortunate to celebrate its 50 years jubilee for community services on the 16th May 2009.

The Association started with just a few people recognising that there was a need to offer support to one another, and give advice and friendship to people who had then left the security of their homeland in the West Indies and accepted the invitation to come to a country that did not welcome them as warmly as they would have hoped. England was viewed as a country that would provide them with opportunities that they were not all afforded back at home. Without those pioneers taking that leap of faith we would not have been here today. They are our black heroes and should be given some accol ade as we too have much to celebrate in Black History Month.


A few of of the original members

However, a smaller but active group continues the work and strive to address current needs and concerns. The Association has evolved and gained much respect and track record for delivering quality educational, social, cultural and vocational activities in support of community development. However, as the socio-economic situation of the target groups' change, we struggle to involve young people and to widen the membership pool. To this end, we invite all those who share our aim to join us and share the work in making the city of Wolverhampton a better place.

The journey for the Association which started in 1958 had not been an easy one however it overcame challenges, succeeded in all its objectives and has passed the test of time. Its resilience has been in its people the members, having a shared purpose, and owning its own premises 372 Newhampton Road West. The Association has had tremendous recognition and accolades over the years for the successful delivery of community initiatives and services over decades. Schemes such as providing accommodation and support to ex-offenders, hosting a contact facility for estranged families through the Harmony Project, Saturday and holiday clubs for children, advice and guidance, running workshops in confidence building and skills development, facilitated employment and volunteering opportunities as well as delivered bespoke training in IT, arts and crafts.

Successful campaigns and businesses appear to be based on numbers but the Association has not. It is grounded by the people with a shared purpose, values, beliefs, commitment, passion and “can do attitude” that has got them to that winners post. The founders through their passion, commitment and religious faith facilitated the Association’s capability to do the right thing for the people despite their walks of life, genders, ages and cultural backgrounds and diverse communities and in recognition of its leadership won awards for community work and development of its unsung heroes.

Wolverhampton although not unique, is challenged by recession, poverty, under educational achievements, crime, lack of family unity and community engagements however the Association responded to these challenges by bringing together community and hosted a Family Fun Day at West Park on 15th August 2012 in celebration of Jamaican Independence and Wolverhampton’s diversity. The event was attended by over 2000 people and Wolverhampton City Council and West Midlands Police commended West Midlands Caribbean Parents and Friends Association for its outstanding achievement in orchestrating an event that promoted community cohesion and show cased the talented diverse community of Wolverhampton.

As the Association looks to the future, we recognise the onward journey will not be an easy one, however we are reminded to stay strong in our beliefs and core values as outlined in the Vision and Mission statement.



Events & Newsletter

The association is managed by elected trustees who host bimonthly members meetings and annual general meeting. The trustees, who are volunteers, are accountable to the members for the delivery of the association’s objectives.

Mayor's Community Weekend 30th June 2019

Click here for more details........

Newsletter
News from the Black Country & West Birmingham Integrated Care Sytem Partnership

Weekly Events

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  • gallery 1
  • Elders Group

    Venue: St.Andrew's Church,
    St.Andrew's Church Hall,
    St.Andrews Close, Whitmore Reans,
    Wolverhampton. WV6 0AA
    Time::10.30am - 1.30pm

  • gallery 2
  • Activities

    - Art & Craft
    - Social events and networking
    - Bring and Share Healthy Eating
    - Excursions and visits to the Theatre

  • gallery 3
  • Exercise Classes

    Venue: St.Andrew's Church,
    St.Andrew's Church Hall,
    St.Andrews Close, Whitmore Reans,
    Wolverhampton. WV6 0AA
    Date & Time::12.00 Mid-day - 1.00pm
    Every Wednesday

  • gallery 4
  • Members Meetings

    Venue: St.Andrew's Church,
    St.Andrew's Church Hall,
    St.Andrews Close, Whitmore Reans,
    Wolverhampton. WV6 0AA
    Date & Time::12.00 Mid-day - 1.00pm
    Bi-Monthly Meetings



Achievements

Mrs.Henriques gets MBE in Queen's New Honours List.

Mrs Inez Henriques attended her investiture at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday 9th May 2018 to receive her MBE. This was for her dedicated and outstanding services to the community which was presented to her by Princess Anne. Mrs. Henriques MBE, born in Jamaica, has dedicated her life since coming to the UK to the West Midlands Caribbean Parents and Friends Association (WMCPFA) which started in 1958.

Mrs. Henriques MBE born in Jamaica, has dedicated her life since coming to the UK to the West Midlands Caribbean Parents and Friends Association (WMCPFA) which started in 1958. They broke new ground in advocacy, fighting against discrimination, injustice in education, employment and housing The success of the group and the impact on the community is a testament to the drive, energy and passion Inez has maintained over the 50 years she has been a volunteer.

She was nominated chair of the elders group in 1996 and although over 90 years of age she continues to lead the group today. Inez is driven by her strong Christian faith and determination to improve the situation for her family, friends and the wider community. Despite depleting funds, Inez keeps going and remains resilient and incredibly community focused recruiting new members into the group to ensure it’s legacy lives on. She tirelessly promotes companionship, well-being and preventing isolation and is a worthy recipient of her MBE one of the Queen’s Honours Awards.

Alongside her late husband and other participants from the West Indian community, she founded the West Midlands Caribbean Parents and Friends Association in 1958. They broke new ground in advocacy, fighting against discrimination and injustice in education, employment and housing. They purchased their own premises 372 Newhampton Road West which unknown back in the day where most organisations rented.

This year celebrates sixty years of service to community where the West Midlands Caribbean and Friends Association is the longest black charity in Wolverhampton.


Contact Us
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Contact Details:

 51 Southborne Road, Wolverhampton WV10 6ET

 +44 7398 899046

 www.wmcpfa.org.uk

 wmcpfa@googlemail.com

Our 'Vision'

'Promoting a better quality of life for local people based upon harmony, fellowship and cultural values'.