We are extremely pleased to announce that the National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund (NMPMFF) have appointed Catalyst 4 Change CIC
to organise a series of national live music and arts events (subject to current COVID-19 restrictions).
This has been made possible with a small part-funded grant from the Edge Fund
together with investment from funds held by the NMPMFF.
In broad terms the role of the sessional organiser (with support and input from 4WardEverUK and Migrant Media) is to identify and manage opportunities for up to 3 major pay-to-attend events in 2020 / 2021 (subject to changes in COVID-19 rules) which will help to raise awareness of deaths and abuse in state custody, galvanise collaboration and raise money for the National Family Fund.
The NMPMFF felt that Catalyst 4 Change would make a good host given its experience of organising and managing events and also its sharing of the broad principle of serving local communities for better health, wellbeing, and human rights.
Migrant Media and 4WardEverUK would give significant practical input in identifying and securing venues, artists, films, and speakers etc, as well as handling marketing and networking for the events via 4WardEverUK’s experienced volunteers.
How the events will help the Memorial Family Fund
As well as the core purpose of providing small grants to affected families/campaigns, this initiative will also assist in other aspirations for the organisation:
- Securing funds to employ a full time fund co-ordinator as well as an administrator
- Develop regional helplines
(in partnership with Red Alert HELP!) for families concerned about a loved one detained in police, immigration, prison institutions or detained under the Mental Health Act
- Develop a range of counselling & therapy hubs across the UK to help children, young people and families deal with the devastation following a custody death
- Provide respite, group outings and short UK-based holidays for families affected
Further news to follow!
Founder Tippa Naphtali said;
“The needs of affected families and children can often get lost in the equally important work of campaigning and lobbying of state institutions. We want to change that with a permanent national support fund set up specifically for their needs.“