African Caribbean Community Initiative Announced as Opus Prize Finalist and Awarded £150,000
Wolverhampton UK - The African Caribbean Community Initiative (ACCI), a local Wolverhampton mental health charity in the West Midlands, is proud to announce that it has been selected as a finalist for the internationally renowned Opus Prize, receiving £150,000 in recognition of its longstanding commitment to providing culturally appropriate mental health support and empowering the African Caribbean community and wider local population.
The Opus Prize Foundation is an annual award recognising individuals and organisations who champion faith-filled change around the world. It celebrates unsung heroes from any faith tradition and any nation who are tackling some of the world’s most persistent social challenges with innovation, dignity, and compassion.
Although the Opus Prize Foundation partners with Catholic universities to present the award, recipients may come from any cultural or faith background. This year marks a historic moment, as ACCI becomes the first UK-based charity ever to receive this international recognition.
Representing the charity at the awards ceremony at Xavier University of Louisiana on Thursday 13th November, CEO Alicia Spence and Health and Wellbeing Practitioner, Candeece Harvey accepted the honour on behalf of ACCI.
This recognition arrives at a critical time for charities across the UK. With ACCI approaching its 40th year of service, the organisation is facing increasing pressures due to significant grant reductions and funding cuts. Receiving such a prestigious international award now brings renewed hope and validation of the vital work taking place in Wolverhampton.
Alicia Spence, CEO of ACCI, said:
“It was truly a phenomenal experience and a huge accomplishment being a finalist in the Opus Foundation award ceremony.
The event was hosted in partnership with Xavier University in New Orleans which boasts a vibrant, energising and inspiring environment.
We are in a climate where often times we get caught up in the negative energies around us but this event shifted the focus to the positive opportunities that the occasion provided to network and establish meaningful relationships in the global Community and to appreciate the invaluable work being done by so many unsung heroes.
Opus foundation in collaboration with Xavier University provided that space and time which is a once in a lifetime experience that I will always be immensely grateful and proud of.”
Candeece Harvey, Health and Wellbeing Practitioner at ACCI said:
“Being part of this experience has been truly inspiring. Connecting with the other finalists from across the world has given us an even deeper understanding of the gaps that still exist within our own community, and the opportunities we have to address them. Witnessing the incredible work happening globally has sparked new ideas, new approaches, and fresh ways we can continue to uplift and support our members and the wider community here in Wolverhampton.
What stood out most was the shared heart and passion for service demonstrated by both fellow finalists and the team at Xavier University. Despite coming from different countries and cultures, we were united by one purpose: to change lives, strengthen communities, and bring hope where it is needed most. It would be an honour for ACCI to reconnect with the finalists and Xavier University in the future to explore meaningful collaboration. Working together, learning from one another, and combining our strengths would only amplify the impact we all strive to achieve.
This experience has not only broadened our vision, it has deepened our commitment to serving our community with creativity, compassion, and unity.”
For ACCI, the Opus Prize represents more than an award it is a global affirmation of the power of community connection, cultural understanding, and the life-changing impact of accessible, culturally grounded mental health support.
For media enquiries and interviews, please contact:
ACCI
Email: marketing@acci.org.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1902 571233
Website: www.acci.org.uk
About ACCI:
The African Caribbean Community Initiative (ACCI) is a Wolverhampton-based charity dedicated to improving mental health, wellbeing, and social inclusion for the African Caribbean community and wider local population. Approaching its 40th year, ACCI provides culturally grounded support, programmes, and activities to empower individuals and strengthen communities.
About the Opus Prize:
The Opus Prize is an international award that recognises individuals and organisations who demonstrate innovation, dignity, and compassion in tackling persistent social challenges. The prize celebrates faith-filled change-makers from any nation or faith tradition who create sustainable impact in their communities.
