Empowering Communities Since 2003
Welcome to the African Community Centre Wales, a vibrant and inclusive organisation dedicated to supporting and empowering diverse communities across Wales.
Founded from a Vision of Unity
Founded in 2003 by Professor Uzo Iwobi OBE, ACCWales emerged from a clear need within the African community for a central hub to connect, celebrate culture, and find support. From humble beginnings, we have grown into a registered charity with offices in Swansea and Cardiff.
We believe in the power of partnership. Our unique approach fosters collaboration between the African and African Caribbean communities and indigenous Welsh people, ensuring our services are culturally sensitive and responsive to diverse needs.
Key Milestones
Founded by Professor Uzo Iwobi OBE following a survey of Africans living in Wales
Achieved charity status (Charity No. 1124327) and launched I CAN Project with BBC Children in Need
Launched AMANI Project providing therapeutic support for refugee women (Comic Relief funded)
Building Livelihoods project achieved £3.41 social return for every £1 invested
Expanded AMANI to AMANI+ to include men and launched PAMOJA Project
Launched Asylum Seekers Community Transport Scheme (National Lottery funded)
Won "Volunteer Car Scheme of the Year" award and launched REACH children's counselling
Won Mental Health Foundation "Best Mental Health Support Service" award for REACH ME
Staff and volunteers won multiple Welsh Charity Awards including Young Volunteer of the Year
Celebrated 22 years of service with offices in Swansea and Cardiff, supporting 5,000+ lives
Professor Uzo Iwobi OBE
In 2003, Professor Uzo Iwobi OBE conducted a comprehensive survey of Africans living in Wales. The findings highlighted a significant need: newly arrived African and African-Caribbean people felt isolated, lacked community connections, and had nowhere to meet or access essential support.
This insight led to the founding of the African Community Centre, created to serve as a central hub where the community could connect, celebrate culture, and find essential support services.
Professor Iwobi brought extensive academic expertise and community leadership experience to this endeavour. Her dedication to bridging cultural divides and fostering integration has been the cornerstone of ACC's approach for over two decades.
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to community cohesion and ethnic minority support in Wales, Professor Iwobi was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire). Today, she serves as Patron of ACC Wales, continuing to provide guidance and inspiration.
"Our vision has always been to create an inclusive Wales where barriers are broken down—not just for African and Caribbean communities, but for all who are marginalised, excluded, or seeking a better life."
— Professor Uzo Iwobi OBE, Founder
Making a Difference
Awards & Achievements
Our dedication to the community has been recognised with numerous awards
Best Mental Health Support Service
Mental Health Foundation
REACH ME Programme
Young Volunteer of the Year
Welsh Charity Awards
Sara Madi
Volunteer of the Year
Welsh Charity Awards
Mojisola Olateju
Volunteer Car Scheme of the Year
National Transport Award
Transport Service
Investing in Volunteers (IiV)
NCVO
ACC Wales Organisation
Mission, Vision & Values
Our work is driven by a clear vision, dedicated mission, and core values that guide every action we take.
Our Vision
An inclusive Wales where barriers are broken down and opportunities created for all diverse, excluded and marginalised communities, including African, Caribbean and other ethnic minorities, refugees, asylum seekers, and economic migrants so they can live healthy, connected lives and thrive in every part of their lives.
Our Mission
To break down barriers and promote health and well-being for African, Caribbean and other ethnic minorities and marginalised groups through education, counselling, safe community spaces, advocacy, and pathways to social inclusion.
Our Values
African and African Caribbean identity at our roots, holistic wrap-around support, multicultural celebration, and creating pathways to social mobility and inclusion for all.
Breaking Down Barriers, Building Opportunities
Our mission is to break down barriers and promote health and well-being for African, Caribbean and other ethnic minorities and marginalised groups by providing:
Education & Counselling
Access to safe community spaces for learning and healing
Partnership & Advocacy
Working together to amplify community voices
Tackling Isolation
Practical support to address social isolation and exclusion
Pathways to Inclusion
Volunteering and work experience for social mobility
Our Core Values in Action
These principles guide our daily work and community interactions
Inclusivity
We maintain an open-door policy, ensuring everyone feels welcome and has a place within our community.
Diversity
We celebrate and actively promote the richness that different cultures bring to Wales.
Person-Centred
We meet individual needs with genuine care and respect, tailoring support to unique circumstances.
Equality
Our services are accessible and provided fairly to all, regardless of background or circumstances.
Partnership
We believe in collaboration, working with organisations to enhance service delivery and impact.
Cultural Pride
We actively promote and preserve African and African Caribbean heritage, fostering identity and pride.
Partnership and Cultural Sensitivity
At ACCWales, we are proud to offer an open-door policy, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds, faiths, genders, ages, and circumstances. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued, understood, and empowered to thrive.
We are committed to breaking down barriers and building bridges, contributing to a truly multicultural Wales where diversity is celebrated and communities come together in harmony.
What Makes Us Different
- Culturally sensitive services designed with community input
- True partnership between African and Welsh communities
- Experienced team with lived experience and expertise
- Holistic approach addressing multiple community needs
- Commitment to fostering belonging and understanding