We are a West Midlands and London based Community Organisation registered in the United Kingdom

Established in 2019 by Dr Niquita Pilgrim and Gabriel Ayo, The Cultural Connection is a grassroots organisation committed to employing a collaborative approach in delivering evidence-based interventions. The core focus is on improving the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities facing systemic barriers in accessing resources and opportunities across various sectors, including health, social care, employment, education, and the criminal justice system.

Meet The Founders

Niquita PIlgrim (1)

Dr Niquita Pilgrim CPsychol - Chartered Psychologist and Organisational Development Consultant

Niquita holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, a Distinction-awarded Masters degree in Social Work, and has completed a PhD thesis focused on exploring Eurocentric biases within health and social care, particularly concerning the mindset and behaviour of racialised individuals and communities. Through her doctoral research, she critically analysed the normalisation of a culture perpetuating alleged inferiority, otherness, and difference within these sectors. Through this work, she provided a platform for frontline mental health professionals, amplifying their voices and shedding light on the clinical and psychological implications of this normalised culture for racialised individuals and communities.

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Drawing upon over a decade of expertise in providing therapeutic interventions to high-risk children, young people, adults, and families grappling with mental health challenges, Niquita seamlessly integrates practical knowledge with ongoing research in the fields of Psychology and Health, and the Humanities. Committed to diminishing inequalities in access to essential care, treatment, and information, Niquita actively collaborates with communities, NHS Mental Health Trusts, and Health and Social Care providers. Her contributions extend beyond mere participation, as she plays a pivotal role in shaping best practices, driving quality improvement initiatives, and advocating for systemic change within the mental health landscape.

 

Research Activities

 Pilgrim, N. 2022. Dismantling the ‘Master’s’ Tools: A Contra-western Framework for Understanding the Mental Health Experiences of People Racialised as Black [Poster]. Institute of Mental Health Research Day, 18th May 2022, University of Nottingham. Award: Best Poster Presentation.

Thampuran, A., Doharty, N., and Pilgrim, N. 2023. Terms and Conditions of Access: Translating Mental Health Research from Pedagogy to Practice [Online]. Northern Network for Medical Humanities – CRITICAL: Research Congress 2023, 18th April 2023.

Thampuran, A., Smith, S., and Pilgrim, N. 2023. Race at the Intersection of Academia, Arts and Activism [Online]. Northern Network for Medical Humanities – CRITICAL: Research Congress 2023, 21st April 2023.

Pilgrim, N. 2023. Championing Healthcare Equity: A Group Supervision Initiative for CAPSA Peer Support Workers and Advocates. Unpublished Report.

Pilgrim, N., and Kaur-Gedhu, B. 2023. Race, Neurodiversity and Mental Health [Online]. Neurodivergent Humanities Network, 15th November 2023.

Pilgrim, N. 2024. Dismantling the ‘Master’ s’ Tools: A Transdisciplinary Approach to Understanding the Intersection of Mental Health, Identity and Anti-Black Racism. [Manuscript Under Review].

Gabriel Ayo - Youth & Communities Engagement Specialist and Business Mentor/Consultant.

Gabriel, a commercial property owner, oversees prosperous restaurant and cocktail bars in Birmingham and various locations across London, UK. Alongside his ventures, he has co-owned a pupil referral unit in Croydon, London, dedicated to supporting young individuals facing emotional and behavioural challenges. His interventions encompassed diverse approaches, including mentoring and guiding the reintegration of these young people into mainstream school environments. Drawing upon his extensive expertise in both youth culture and the business world, Gabriel's specialisation lies in actively engaging with young people and communities. His goal is to empower them, providing the tools and knowledge to establish legal and sustainable forms of income.

Gabriel Ayo

Research Centre

In collaboration with Lived Experience Experts, Practitioners, Academics and the Black Health and Humanities Network, the Cultural Connection's research centre works to examine and develop innovative decolonial methodologies and approaches, to understanding the health and illness experiences of those on the margins of society.

If you have any questions about the work of our research centre or are interested in partnering with us, please get in touch using the enquiry form below.

Our Clients, Funders and Partners