ABOUT
Elkanah Community Association (working name: North Herts African and Caribbean Community – NHACC) is a community-rooted organisation established in 2020 to strengthen community capacity, promote inclusion, and celebrate African and Caribbean culture and heritage across North Hertfordshire, Stevenage and the surrounding areas.
We work with individuals, families and community groups, including people of African, Caribbean and Mixed Heritage backgrounds, while remaining open and accessible to the wider public. Our aim is to create inclusive spaces where people from all backgrounds can connect, learn and participate in community life.
NHACC delivers a range of activities including social prescribing, cultural and educational events, volunteering opportunities, mentoring, personal development support, advocacy and community action.
Through this work, we support wellbeing, reduce isolation, and help people build confidence, skills and stronger community connections.
We also aim to contribute positively to conversations around race, identity and representation by promoting education, cultural awareness and mutual understanding across Hertfordshire. By sharing history, lived experience and cultural knowledge, we seek to challenge inequality and foster respect and cohesion.
Our work is community-led and responsive to local need. While our activities have particular relevance for people who may experience barriers to participation, our overarching aim is to empower communities as a whole, supporting improved quality of life, stronger identity, and greater opportunity for everyone.
Values
RESPECT
We recognise the dignity, worth and lived experience of every individual. We value people’s histories, identities and contributions, and ensure that all engagement is culturally sensitive, inclusive and affirming.
INTERGRITY
We act with honesty, transparency and accountability in all our work. This includes delivering trusted advocacy, particularly in areas such as Windrush Justice, and ensuring that people receive accurate information and fair support.
EMPOWERMENT
We support people to build confidence, knowledge and independence through education, volunteering, mentoring and skills-sharing. We believe strong communities are built when individuals are supported to lead, contribute and shape their own futures.
COMPASSION
We approach every situation with empathy, understanding and care. Our work is trauma-informed and person-centred, recognising the impact of injustice, exclusion and intergenerational harm on individuals and families.
COLLABORATION
We work alongside communities, volunteers and partner organisations to achieve meaningful and lasting change. By sharing knowledge across generations and building community capacity through collective action, we strengthen networks and resilience.