About Allies Network CIC

Allies Network CIC is a Birmingham-based, women-led social enterprise dedicated to strengthening marginalised African, Arab, and ethnic minority communities through culturally informed support, advocacy, and services. Originating in 2008 to support Birmingham’s growing Somali community, we officially became a Community Interest Company in 2014—expanding our reach to a diverse range of communities across the region.

Our Mission

To empower ethnic minority communities—predominantly African and Arab—through access to quality health, mental health and culturally sensitive support services, enabling them to transform their lives and break the cycle of poverty.

Allies Network CIC is a community-led social enterprise, founded in 2008 and incorporated as a Community Interest Company in 2014. We work with marginalised African and Arab communities in Birmingham, delivering holistic, culturally sensitive health, education, and social inclusion services.

Our Origin & Approach

Founded by women for women, our organisation initially focused on improving the wellbeing of Somali women—and has since evolved into a dynamic, women-led organisation that delivers multilingual, culturally appropriate services. Rooted in co-production and community expertise, our approach isn’t top-down: we work with communities, not just for them. This ensures that every programme is both relevant and empowering.

What We Do

We deliver a comprehensive portfolio of community services, including:

FGM Support & Awareness
Women’s Refuge Service – safe, culturally secure accommodation
Multilingual Befriending & Advice Services
Holistic Counselling & Wellbeing Support
Job and Digital Literacy Programmes
Community Integration and Arts & Heritage Workshops
Autism & Learning Disability Support
Allies Research Unit (ARU) – conducting community‑led research influencing health and social policy

Professional Training & Capacity Building

We qualify professionals working in health, education, public services, and third-sector organisations through bespoke packages on:

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
Cultural Competency & Humility
Unconscious Bias
FGM, Domestic Violence & Forced Marriage Awareness
Inclusive Communication & Community Engagement
Research Inclusion & Representation

Each session is interactive, reflective, and rooted in cultural insight to foster more inclusive practice and improved service delivery.

Get Involved

Whether you’re seeking support, interested in tailored training, or wishing to partner on community research or service delivery, we’d love to hear from you. You can:

Request Support
Refer Someone / Access Services
Book Training or Consultancy
Collaborate on Research or Projects

📞 0121 647 1960  |  📧 alliesnetwork6@gmail.com