Community Action
Working together. Facing challenges with honesty and bravery. Taking care of each other. That is what builds strength.
That is what moves us forward.
Lived Experience, Leads The Way
Community-led action means the people closest to the issue lead the response.
They know what’s working, what’s not, and what’s missing. Solutions are shaped by those with lived experience, working together. That’s how change becomes relevant, practical, and lasting.
Our approach to Community Action looks like this:
Research & Outreach
Training & Mentoring
Campaigns & Advocacy
Innovation & Digital Literacy.
This work guides our Support for the African Diaspora
RESEARCH & OUTREACH
Research That Listens,
Learns & Leads
The care solutions we build are grounded in lived experience and shaped by deep, ongoing research within the African Diaspora—drawing directly from the voices and realities of the communities we serve.
By centering real stories and the patterns that emerge from this research, every tool, resource, and support system we create is culturally relevant, trusted, and a true reflection of community-led care—defined not by institutions, but by the people who rely on it, shape it, and carry it forward.
RECENT RESEARCH PROJECTS UPDATED 01.09.25
DIABETES & HYPERTENSION
Cultural Contexts in
Chronic Care
Community-led interviews with community members revealed that 72% of respondents associated hypertension with stress and diet shaped by cultural habits.
HIV & SEXUAL HEALTH
Stigma & Access Across Diaspora Groups
68% of participants said stigma was a major barrier to HIV care. Educators & artists developed tools that boosted confidence discussing sexual health by 45%.
ISOLATION & BELONGING
Mapping Diaspora Disconnection
Community mapping found that 1 in 3 people experienced health-related isolation tied to migration stress, poor access to GPs, or lack of local support.
MONTHLY INSIGHT
UPDATED 08.25
HIV Health Equity
We are talking to people across London about barriers to care, key health concerns, and opportunities for more effective engagement. All data was gathered through trusted community champions.
Headline Insight:
57%
of respondents said access was their most important health concern.
* 400 people living with HIV across london took part in this survey
Barriers to healthcare:
57% Access
21% Negative experiences
12% Digital Exclusion
10% Language barriers
* 250 people living with HIV surveyed
57%
want better access in primary care — with system navigation and communication also flagged.
* 400 people living with HIV surevyed
40%
of participants faced a clear barrier to care. Most common: access, stigma, and distrust.
* 250 people living with HIV surevyed
Prefered health info sources:
90% Community Spaces
10% Media
12% Targeted Comms
12% Health Care Providers
* 400 people living with HIV surevyed
MONTHLY INSIGHT
UPDATED 08.25
HIV Stigma training
We’re delivering ongoing HIV stigma training for primary care teams, grounded in lived experience, co-created tools, and real-world case studies. Champions engage actively and reflect on the impact as part of each cycle.
Headline Insight: Participants report growing empathy, clarity, and readiness to challenge stigma in care settings.
* 400 people living with HIV across london took part in this survey
"I learned that PrEP is not something to hide, but a symbol of confidence."
Lawrence - HIV Stigma Trainee
33
Community Champions
new community champions trained to deliver culturally sensitive, lived experience-led suppport groups and community outreach meetings.
33
Community Champions
new community champions trained to deliver culturally sensitive, lived experience-led suppport groups and community outreach meetings.
“I would focus on getting more training around mental health in the next phase.”
Amran - HIV Stigma Trainee
80%
of participants called for mental health support, showing how stigma intersects with wellbeing.
* 250 people living with HIV surevyed
Collaboration drives progress. If you have insight or data that could strengthen our work, we’d love to hear from you >>
RESEARCH VOICE
First‑Generation Innovation
Around the world, a new generation is emerging, children of African migrants leading the charge in HIV science. Shaped by stories of survival, migration, and cultural resilience, these young researchers are not just entering the field, they’re redefining it.
TRAINING & MENTORING
Turning Experience into Leadership
Through our training, we help you turn lived experience into leadership. Our process is grounded in trust, and built on the belief that the skills you used to navigate life can help others find their way too.
RECENT TRAINING PROGRAMs UPDATED 01.09.25
HIV SUPPORT TRAINING
Lived Leadership
Taught and attended by those with first-hand experience. What you’ve lived through becomes something you pass on.
DIGITAL LITERACY
Connected Communities
Diaspora members learn digital skills to organise, advocate & support—building power with & for each other, online and off.
MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH
Strength in Words
Led by men who’ve lived it—loss, silence, pride. Learn from experience and support others in doing the same.
MONTHLY INSIGHT
UPDATED 08.25
HIV Stigma training
We’re delivering ongoing HIV stigma training for primary care teams, grounded in lived experience, co-created tools, and real-world case studies. Champions engage actively and reflect on the impact as part of each cycle.
Headline Insight: Participants report growing empathy, clarity, and readiness to challenge stigma in care settings.
* 400 people living with HIV across london took part in this survey
"I learned that PrEP is not something to hide, but a symbol of confidence."
Lawrence - HIV Stigma Trainee
33
Community Champions
new community champions trained to deliver culturally sensitive, lived experience-led suppport groups and community outreach meetings.
80%
of participants called for mental health support, showing how stigma intersects with wellbeing.
“I would focus on getting more training around mental health in the next phase.”
Amran - HIV Stigma Trainee
Lived experience holds immense value, if you would like to train with us or teach others, we’d love to hear from you >>
PERSONAL INSIGHTS
Confidence is Contageous
We’re training community champions to lead with confidence. Across London, they’re sharing how PrEP builds more than protection, it builds freedom, intimacy, and strength. Because when confidence spreads, prevention sticks.
CAMPAIGNS & ADVOCACY
The Voices Of Change, Amplified.
We ask questions that reveal unspoken truths and collectively turn insight into impact.
ONGOING ADVOCACY CAMPAIGNS UPDATED 01.09.25
01.07.25 - 01.11.25
How does HIV stigma impact your life?
Be part of reshaping how we talk about anxiety.
Data updateD weekly
After 8 weeks:
53%
hide anxiety symptoms due to fear of burdening family or friends
33%
avoid professional help because they feel ashamed or weak
70%
never share their anxiety with someone from their community
Want to join our community campaign team? Email our advocacy team >>
OUR ROOTS
The Legacy of Red Ribbon
Red Ribbon began in 2009 as a small, peer-led support group in London—created by and for the African diaspora. Over time, it became a vital space for health, healing, and belonging. Guided by lived experience, we supported thousands through HIV, trained peer leaders, partnered across sectors, and built trust where systems had failed.
This legacy is the foundation of RED & GOLD. It’s more than history—it’s our heartbeat. It reminds us why we lead with culture, care, and community. And it shapes every step we take forward.
Our support for people like us who live with HIV has only increased since forming RED & GOLD.
Our Supporters
We’re deeply grateful to the people and ethically minded organisations who make our work possible.
