Team Inspiration KYV

The community is our inspiration

Home-Sweet-Home

Team Inspiration KYV and KORA exhibition

June 20th – July 20th 2024

A reflection of a typical Windrush House. Honouring the Windrush Generation, join us for the Home Sweet Home free exhibition where Saleah Alvira Henry will take you through her home and treasured items.

Throwing us back in time to the 1960’s and 70’s where one room could be a family home. In conjunction with everything I own

"Wednesday, 26th June saw a visit to Brixton House theatre to view the play ‘Everything I Own’ and also view an exhibition ‘Home-Sweet-Home‘ curated by Team Inspiration KYV and KORA. The Elders thoroughly enjoyed the play and exhibition and appreciated their theatre trip.

Team Inspiration has provided huge support to the Elders this year. Working collaboratively with Mrs Campbell, Mr Chambers, and Mrs Beckford more events and activities are planned for the coming year! The Calabash Elders thank Team Inspiration Julie, Paulette, Anika, and The Team volunteers, for all their continued love and support. You are still our heroes!"

- Calabash Elders

Windrush Silent Heros

Our annual Windrush Silent Heroes Fundraising Dinner, Show and Dance is now in its 11th year. At this event our elders and their descendants come together to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contribution they continue to make to our rich culture and history.

OUR WINDRUSH SILENT HEROES AWARDS

2013-2024

2024: Audrey Dunkley, Vince Dunn, Clive Biggs, Pauline Chambers and Ramota Sannie

2023: Mr Euel Johnson

2022: Mr Anthony Bryan & Mr Michael Braithwaite

2019: Mr Aston Chambers, Mr Richard Lawerence & Mr Dudley Gordon

2018: Mrs Angella Rose-Howell, Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin & Miss Maxine Evans

2017: Paul Harrison & Mrs Gloria Beckford

2016: Dr Delroy Dunkley & Mrs Beryl Brown

2015: Rev Hewie Andrews & Lee Lawrence

2014: Sybil Pheonix MBE

2013: Mr. Beckford

About Us

We are a registered Community Interest Company dedicated to celebrating, educating, preserving, and empowering the Caribbean and African diaspora communities. Our primary focus is on honouring and promoting the Windrush generation's contributions, heritage, and experiences.

Our cultural spaces provide access to essential resources and foster community cohesion by connecting younger generations with the elders who have shaped our communities. Through our programs, we cultivate cultural pride, promote intergenerational understanding, and address the needs of elderly members of the Windrush generation, who have played a foundational role in British society.

One of our greatest achievements is the continued realisation of our vision to raise awareness and preserve the heritage of the Windrush generation. This purpose has enabled us to self-fund our projects for a decade (since 2013). What began as two annual events for 120 attendees has grown to four annual events since 2018, with steadily increasing participation. Today, our events attract over 400 attendees annually, honouring the legacy of the Windrush generation and ensuring their contributions and experiences are celebrated and cherished.

Our annual events take place between June and July (Gospel Concert, Windrush Day Celebration, and the newly established Community Health & Wellbeing Day) and between October and December (Windrush Silent Heroes Ball and Elders Christmas Carol Service & Dinner). These activities feature storytelling, theatre, comedy, music, art, cultural cuisine, workshops, and wisdom-sharing by elders to inspire the community.

Our strong partnerships continue to uphold our mission of honouring the Windrush generation.

Contact

The Community Health & Wellbeing Day was community-led and excellent. Educational for the adults and the children were safe and well taken care of. They had plenty of treats to eat and games to play, including a bouncy castle. It was also good to see the local LFB taking part in the community day. They were friendly and both Children and adults enjoyed sitting on the truck or taking turns on the hoses. The day was free, and a free tasty, cooked Sunday meal was provided for all who attended including the children. There was also a Food Bank by the church. Thank you, Team Inspiration, and the collaborative work you are doing in and for the community.

Our Programs

Making a Difference

C.A.C.E. (CALABASH AFRICAN CARIBBEAN ELDERS)

KORA

A creative entertainment and educational company which has had great success in delighting both children and adults of all ages with innovative and engaging storytelling, performances and workshops.

Kora has had extensive experience working with a number of schools, libraries, museums, NHS and community organisations locally and nationally.

C.A.C.E is based at the Calabash Centre in Rushey Green.

The Centre was opened in the 1980s, built by Lewisham Council

after a group of African-Caribbeans went into action to get a centre

where they could meet and socialise.

The current 'active' African-Caribbean group was reactivated

in October 2014 following the centre's refurbishment.

The group meets twice per week and it is a pleasure to listen to

them talking about their experiences when they first arrived in the UK.

Even with a lack of funding, the group continue to meet to keep

each other's spirits alive and to support each other's well-being!

WINDRUSH DAY 22ND JUNE CALABASH AFRICAN CARIBBEAN ELDERS REVIEW

"On behalf of the Windrush members we extend our heartfelt appreciation for the phenomenal Windrush event we had the privilege of attending on Saturday 22nd June 2024.

The success of this event is a direct reflection of Team Inspiration KYV Director and Events Manager Julie and her team with her dedication, passion, and tireless efforts.

From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this event was the product of meticulous planning and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The atmosphere was electric, filled with a vibrant energy that perfectly captured the spirit of the Windrush Generation. Every detail, from the captivating decorations to the thoughtfully curated program with the talented Anika, aka Saleah as host, guest speaker Mr Arthur Torrington CBE, the singer Frederica Tibbs and Winsome Moncrieffe, and Marlon the steel drum player, showcased a deep respect and understanding of this pivotal chapter in history.

Julie’s dedication was evident in every aspect of the day. The many different dishes she and her Sister-in-law provided and served up were excellent and sheer joy, with a glass of rum punch not far away.

One of the most impressive elements was the evident atmosphere and community spirit. It was heart-warming to see individuals from all walks of life including children who all received their itemised goodie bags sponsored by Cruize Radio, coming together to share stories and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Windrush community.

The Windrush event was an outstanding success leaving a lasting impression on those who attended. We are deeply grateful to Julie our events Manager and her team for their remarkable effort, dedicated hard work, and vision in bringing this extraordinary event to life. Being part of such a meaningful and beautifully executed celebration was an honour."

- Valarie Harris, Calabash African Caribbean Elders