The National Council of Barbadian Associations U.K. serves as the central organisation for Barbadian groups throughout the United Kingdom. Established in 1983, it initially included associations from Leeds, Liverpool, Huddersfield and Manchester in the North, later joined by Oldham and Preston; Birmingham, Coventry, and Leicester in the Midlands; and Reading, Bristol and Bath, Foundation Old Scholar, Hackney UK Bursary, Endeavour, BOCFA and Alleyne School Alumni in the South.
Our formation recognises the significant contributions of first-generation Barbadians in rebuilding the U.K. after World War II. The efforts of these groups have fostered twinning relationships between the London Borough of Hackney and Bridgetown, Reading (Berkshire) and Speightstown, and Haringey and Holetown in Barbados.
As a voluntary organisation, we advocate for Barbadians in the U.K., supporting the rights of those who led the migration wave during the mid-1950s and 1960s. This advocacy is also directed at our younger Barbadians, with the aim of encouraging greater intergenerational engagement.
Our focus spans social matters such as health, education, arts, and culture, all aimed at fostering diversity in practical ways. This mission has led us to collaborate with the Barbados High Commission—at the invitation of the late Deputy High Commissioner, Herbie Yearwood—on numerous events, primarily the National Independence Thanksgiving Service and, more recently, A Lil Bit a Bim, which is our primary funding source.
We also have a longstanding tradition of charitable giving. Our beneficiaries include the National Children’s Home, the Barbados Cancer Society, Q.E. Hospital (to which we donated a kidney machine), and a wheelchair for disabled cricketer Jeshua Ferdinand. In addition, we have contributed funds to Hope Foundation Barbados and Challenor School of Creative Arts.
