About A.C.S.H.O

Introduction

African Caribbean Self Help Organisation (ACSHO) is the ‘ most powerful Pan-African Organisation in Birmingham that inspires African people to take their rightful place on earth.’ From this African Centred Tradition, it sets high standards and principles, which it achieves and maintains without compromise.

Background

Formed in 1964, the African Caribbean Self Help Organisation (ACSHO) is a self-funded community-based organisation that for nearly 3 decades has been located within Handsworth, operating predominantly from premises located in 104 Heathfield Road. The role and activities undertaken by ACSHO over this period has been one that pro-actively provided a broad range of specialist services - advice & support to individuals, In the 60’s it started an African Centred approach to community development.

Achievements

1973 - 74 saw great development with the Pan-African Committee and in 1977 Pan-African Congress Movement (PACM) was formed.

The 80’s saw the creation of JOMO an international African magazine that continues to the present.

It was the first organisation to introduce and create a successful mentoring programme for African Caribbean youths in the community.

ACSHO created the Service Providers Network (SPN) which is an agency set up to provide training, work placements and job opportunities for candidates on the New Deal scheme.

The organisation gave advice and information to 10,000 members of the African Caribbean Community. This covered areas such as immigration, housing, health, elderly care, law, school exclusion and referrals to other agencies.

Throughout the year, two major conferences were held and 52 seminars covering topics ranging from business creation, childcare and education to women in employment.