Our Story

Beyond Braidz CIC began with a simple idea—fuelled by a deep passion to empower communities.

As a grassroots organisation, we are rooted in lived experience and committed to delivering meaningful, culturally relevant opportunities for children and families. We pride ourselves on providing personalised support and high-quality engagement, with a strong focus on community skills development, confidence, and wellbeing.

Who We Are

Beyond Braidz CIC is led by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in:

• Mental health
• Child and family support
• Research
• Youth work

Together, we bring a holistic and culturally responsive approach to community development—supporting individuals not just to participate, but to thrive.

Our team is passionate about:

• Community cohesion
• Holistic health and wellbeing
• Empowerment through skills and identity

Our Founder

Beyond Braidz CIC was founded by Bukola, whose work is grounded in both professional expertise and a deep commitment to community impact.

She holds:

• BSc in Psychology
• MA in Youth and Community Studies

In addition, she is:

• A certified Mental Health First Aider
• A qualified Professional Coach (Diploma)
• Skilled in beauty and fashion as tools for confidence and self-expression

Bukola brings extensive experience in community engagement, research, facilitation, and youth development, with a strong focus on empowering underrepresented groups.

Experience & Partnerships

Bukola has worked as a researcher across a range of respected organisations, including:

• NHS
• Social Finance
• King’s College Hospital (KCH)
• Hyde Housing
• UKIE
• Peabody 
• Social Innovation Partnership (TSIP)
• Impact on Urban Health (IOUH)

Her work has focused on:

• Engaging communities in meaningful dialogue
• Amplifying underrepresented and marginalised voices
• Supporting research informed by lived experience
• Building community research capacity

Why It Matters

We exist because many young people and families face barriers to confidence, opportunity, and wellbeing.

Our work sits at the intersection of culture, wellbeing, and economic empowerment—creating both immediate impact and long-term change.