The Sapphire Employability and Wellbeing Academy will offer a range of services during its three-month residency, including employment training, mentoring, mental health and wellbeing support.
After supporting ethnic minority communities across the capital for more than 10 years, they will also provide a digital platform to access services, funding, and networks.
Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi, chief executive of Sapphire, said: “The Sapphire Employability and Wellbeing Academy began as a spark—ignited by love, sustained by hope, and powered by the belief that every community deserves a place to thrive.
“The launch of our residency at Islington’s Black Cultural Centre is not just a milestone; it’s a promise.
“A promise to keep building, keep listening, and keep creating spaces where every soul feels seen, valued, and uplifted.”
The Black Cultural Centre, which opened in November 2024, has been home to four organisations over the past year, with Sapphire being the fourth.
Councillor Sheila Chapman, Islington Council’s executive member for equalities, communities, and inclusion, said: “Sapphire’s work aligns powerfully with our vision for a more equal future, and their residency at our Black Cultural Centre will offer vital support and opportunities.”
