THE SAPPHIRE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER 2026
Looking Back on October – Celebrating Culture, Community & Voices That Create Change
Giving thanks for our achievements. Building opportunities for tomorrow.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
Dear Sapphire Family, Partners, Employers and Friends,
Welcome to our November newsletter!
As we step into November, we take a moment to look back on October and give thanks for the people, partnerships, opportunities and achievements that shaped our journey.
October was a month of celebration, reflection and community. We celebrated Nigerian Independence Day, recognised Black History Month and highlighted the incredible voices and communities that continued to shape our work across the UK and internationally.
As a Black British woman of Nigerian and Cameroonian heritage, these celebrations held a special meaning for me. They reminded me of where we came from, the sacrifices of those who came before us and our responsibility to create opportunities for the generations coming behind us.
I am particularly grateful for the organisations that partnered with us, the employers who opened doors, the individuals who participated in our programmes and the teams who worked tirelessly across our communities.
October also brought new partnerships, opportunities for collaboration and continued growth across our Sapphire network.
As we look ahead to November, our commitment remains the same: to empower people, improve access to opportunities, strengthen wellbeing and create meaningful change.
Thank you for believing in Sapphire. Whether you employed someone through us, attended one of our programmes, listened to our podcast, volunteered, partnered with us or shared an opportunity with somebody who needed it, you were part of our mission.
With love and gratitude,
Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi
CEO & Founder
The Sapphire Employability & Wellbeing Academy
CELEBRATING NIGERIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
On 1 October, Sapphire proudly celebrated Nigerian Independence Day and Nigerian communities around the world.
We recognised the richness of Nigerian culture, the achievements of its people and the contributions of Nigerian communities internationally.
Nigeria has always been an important part of Sapphire's international community.
The celebrations gave us an opportunity to recognise entrepreneurs, creatives, community leaders, families and everyday people who continued to make a difference.
We were proud to celebrate Nigerian heritage, culture and the importance of creating opportunities for future generations.
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2026
Honouring Our Communities
October was Black History Month in the UK, and we were proud to celebrate the achievements, contributions, leadership and experiences of Black communities.
Our work has always been rooted in creating opportunities for communities that can too often be overlooked, particularly young people, women, Global Majority communities and individuals experiencing barriers to employment and progression.
Black History Month provided an opportunity to celebrate our history while recognising the importance of investing in the Black present and Black future.
That means opening doors, creating jobs, supporting businesses, developing leaders, amplifying voices and ensuring the next generation knows that their identity should never limit their ambition.
We were proud to recognise the people who continued to inspire, lead and create positive change.
Our history matters. Our present matters. Our future matters.
THE SJW SHOW
Conversations That Create Change
October brought another inspiring conversation to The SJW Show.
Episode 27: Youth, Activism & Reimagining Education
Host Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi welcomed Kaia Allen-Bevan, founder of YouthTheGap CIC, for a conversation exploring youth activism, racial justice, education, creativity and leadership.
Kaia shared her journey, demonstrating the importance of giving young people a voice and recognising their ability to influence the world around them.
From beginning her activism as a teenager to establishing an organisation focused on creating change, her story reminded us that young people should never have to wait until adulthood to make a difference.
Thank you to Kaia for sharing her experiences and inspiring our listeners.
Episode 28: Leadership, Business & Entrepreneurship
We also welcomed Nayoota Twum-Barima, business leader, entrepreneur and Founder and CEO of BEYOU HC.
The conversation explored leadership, entrepreneurship, business development and professional growth.
Thank you to all our podcast guests for sharing their experiences and helping us amplify voices that inspire change.
Listen to The SJW Podcast:
https://thesjwpodcast.buzzsprout.com
EMPLOYMENT & RECRUITMENT
Creating Opportunities. Connecting People. Changing Lives.
Our employability and recruitment work continued throughout October, connecting individuals with opportunities across a range of sectors.
We continued developing relationships with employers and organisations interested in creating opportunities for our communities.
Celebrating Three New Partnerships
We were delighted to sign three new partnerships during October, strengthening our employer network and creating further opportunities for collaboration, recruitment and community impact.
These partnerships represented another important step in our commitment to connecting people with opportunities and helping businesses access talent.
We look forward to developing these relationships further.
Looking for Staff? We Can Help!
Our recruitment team supports employers with workforce requirements across:
- Warehousing and manufacturing.
- Hospitality and catering.
- Events and festivals.
- Front of House and waiting staff.
- Bar staff and kitchen assistants.
- Kitchen porters and general assistants.
- Cleaning and site support.
- Logistics and operational roles.
Looking for Work?
Sapphire provides employability support FREE to candidates and community members.
We help individuals overcome barriers, build confidence and access opportunities that can make a lasting difference.
Our purpose remains simple:
One opportunity can change a life.
One job can feed a family.
One employer can help transform an entire community.
Recruitment enquiries:
Email: recruitment@sapphirecommunity.org
Work Mobile: 07741 707839
Work WhatsApp: 07300 820 0140
Book Sapphire Staff:
https://form.jotform.com/232327251081346
RECRUITMENT & PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Work With Us. Partner With Us. Make a Difference.
As The Sapphire Employability and Wellbeing Academy continues to grow, we welcome individuals, businesses, employers and organisations who share our vision.
We are interested in connecting with:
- Employers looking to recruit talented individuals.
- Businesses interested in supporting community employment.
- Charities and community organisations.
- Training and educational providers.
- Wellbeing and support organisations.
- Corporate partners and sponsors.
- Volunteers and professionals who want to contribute their skills.
Whether you are looking to recruit, collaborate, volunteer or develop a new initiative, we would love to hear from you.
Let's build opportunities together.
Email: info@sapphirecommunity.org
SAPPHIRE INTERNATIONAL CAMEROON
Empowering Women and Strengthening Communities
Our Cameroon team continued to demonstrate the importance of practical skills, community participation and environmental responsibility.
Skills for Independence: Liquid Soap-Making
Our liquid soap-making initiative supported women in developing practical production skills that could be used within their households and potentially developed into small income-generating businesses.
The second phase of training brought together 25 women, providing opportunities to strengthen their knowledge, develop confidence and explore entrepreneurship.
Clean Streets, Healthy Beginnings
Our Cameroon team also supported community action in Douala through the Clean Streets, Healthy Beginnings initiative.
Working alongside a local youth association and community members, the initiative addressed accumulated waste, plastic pollution and blocked drainage.
The activity demonstrated how collective action could help create cleaner, safer and healthier neighbourhoods.
We were proud of our Cameroon team and the community members who contributed their time and energy.
SAPPHIRE INTERNATIONAL MALAWI
SAPPHIRE INTERNATIONAL MALAWI
Sustainable Livelihoods, Environmental Action & Community Empowerment
October was a particularly active month for Sapphire International Malawi, with agricultural training, environmental initiatives and community development activities taking place.
Liquid Soap-Making Training
Our liquid soap-making activities supported women and community members to develop practical production skills.
The training provided opportunities to explore entrepreneurship, develop confidence and consider how practical skills could be transformed into income-generating activities.
Charcoal Briquette Production & Tree Planting
Through our environmental and sustainability work, communities participated in charcoal briquette production and tree-planting activities.
These initiatives promoted environmental awareness, sustainable alternatives to traditional fuel sources and the importance of protecting natural resources.
The activities also provided opportunities for communities to develop practical skills while exploring environmentally responsible ways of generating income.
MCLD Orientation Tools Workshop
Our Malawi team also participated in the MCLD Orientation Tools Workshop.
The workshop provided an opportunity to engage with orientation tools, strengthen understanding and support the continued development of community-led activities.
Hibiscus Production Training
Our hibiscus farming training also reached several farming communities during October.
Highlights included:
- 37 farmers from five clubs at Malemba Community-Based Childcare Centre in Mangochi District.
- 61 farmers, comprising 32 women and 29 men, trained at GVH Sokole/GVH Saidi Matola.
- 23 farmers from the Khwisa and Mangerengere Clubs in Balaka District.
The training helped farmers prepare for the 2026/27 growing season and strengthen their knowledge of hibiscus production.
Through these activities, Sapphire International Malawi continued to promote sustainable livelihoods, women's economic empowerment and environmental responsibility.
Growing skills. Protecting our environment. Strengthening communities.
SAPPHIRE INTERNATIONAL KENYA
Community Participation, Sport & Empowerment
October saw Sapphire International Kenya take part in community activities that celebrated participation, collaboration and positive change.
Lake Victoria Annual Run 2026
Our Kenya team participated in the Lake Victoria Annual Water Run 2026, alongside Kisumu Youth WASH Parliament.
The event provided an opportunity to bring communities together, raise awareness and highlight the importance of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
Through participation in community events like this, Sapphire continues to support initiatives that promote healthy communities, environmental awareness and youth engagement.
Supporting Household Wealth Through Poultry
Our community empowerment work also highlighted the positive impact of household poultry initiatives.
Families receiving five chickens each were supported in exploring opportunities to improve household nutrition through egg production and generate additional income through potential sales.
Although a small beginning, these initiatives demonstrate how practical community support can create a wider positive impact on household wellbeing and financial resilience.
SAPPHIRE UK
Building Partnerships, Creating Opportunities & Celebrating Culture
October was an exciting month for our UK team, with new partnerships, community activities, creative workshops and celebrations taking place.
New Partnerships – Opening Doors to Opportunities
We were delighted to establish new partnerships with:
- Batch Organic
- Bewbush Estates
- Rune Underwear
These partnerships represent an important step in strengthening our employer and business network, creating opportunities for collaboration and supporting our commitment to employability and community development.
We look forward to building these relationships and exploring opportunities to make a positive difference together.
Rocastle Launch
October also saw the Rocastle launch, providing another opportunity to celebrate connections, community engagement and new developments.
UCL Crafts Afternoon
We welcomed students for a creative crafts afternoon at Sapphire Spaces, where participants made affirmation cards.
The activity encouraged creativity, positive thinking, self-expression and wellbeing.
Black Boy Fest
We were proud to celebrate and support Black Boy Fest, recognising the importance of positive representation, identity, culture and providing spaces where Black boys and young men can feel celebrated, supported and inspired.
The event reflected the importance of creating opportunities for young people to express themselves, connect with their communities and celebrate their identities.
SAPPHIRE SPACES
A Place to Connect, Create and Grow
Sapphire Spaces provides welcoming and inclusive environments where entrepreneurs, students, creatives, professionals and community organisations can connect, collaborate and develop their ambitions.
Our spaces offer opportunities to work, meet, host events, develop ideas and build meaningful relationships.
Whether you are looking for a co-working space, private office, meeting room, event venue or creative environment, Sapphire Spaces offers flexible solutions to support individuals and organisations.
We also welcome enquiries from organisations looking to hire our spaces for workshops, training, meetings and community activities.
Looking for a space to bring your ideas to life?
Visit: www.sapphirespace.co.uk
THE SAPPHIRE PLUG
Connecting Talent, Businesses and Opportunities
The Sapphire Plug is our digital platform designed to connect businesses, professionals, service providers and communities.
We believe talented people and businesses deserve opportunities to showcase their skills, promote their services and reach new audiences.
The platform supports greater visibility, networking and connections between people looking for services and those providing them.
Whether you are an entrepreneur, professional, business owner or someone looking for a service, The Sapphire Plug is designed to help make those connections.
Get connected. Get visible. Discover opportunities.
Visit: www.thesapphireplug.org
THE SAPPHIRE EMPLOYABILITY & WELLBEING ACADEMY
Support, Skills and Opportunities for Everyone
At Sapphire, we recognise that everyone faces different challenges and may need different types of support.
Our work brings together employability, wellbeing, mentoring, personal development and community engagement.
Whether you need help with your CV, accessing employment, developing new skills, improving your confidence or identifying appropriate support services, we encourage you to get in touch.
We want to help individuals overcome barriers and take positive steps towards greater independence.
Need support? Want to find out what opportunities are available?
Visit:
General enquiries: info@sapphirecommunity.org
HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Support the Sapphire Mission
Our work is made possible through the commitment of our community, volunteers, partners and supporters.
There are many ways you can help:
- Make a donation to support our programmes.
- Volunteer your time and professional skills.
- Become an employer or recruitment partner.
- Support our international community projects.
- Share our opportunities with your networks.
- Help us reach individuals and families who need support.
Every contribution helps us continue creating opportunities and strengthening communities.
Donate Today
Your support can help us empower individuals, develop skills and deliver meaningful community initiatives across the UK and internationally.
Visit:
https://www.sapphirecommunity.org/donate
ONE ORGANISATION. MANY COMMUNITIES. ONE SHARED VISION.
As we reflected on October, we were thankful for:
Our dedicated staff and volunteers.
Our new and existing partners.
Our international teams and community champions.
Our employers and recruitment partners.
The young people and individuals who participated in our programmes.
Our podcast guests and everyone who shared their stories.
The organisations and individuals who supported Sapphire Spaces.
Everyone helping us grow The Sapphire Plug.
Every connection, contribution and opportunity mattered.
STAY CONNECTED WITH SAPPHIRE
Follow our journey and keep up to date with our latest news, events, opportunities and community stories.
Email: info@sapphirecommunity.org
THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF OUR JOURNEY
As we move into November, we do so with gratitude for everything October brought.
We are thankful for the people who believed in our mission, the partnerships that helped us grow, the communities that inspired us and the opportunities that allowed us to make a difference.
Our journey continues, and there is so much more to achieve together.
Thank you for being part of the Sapphire family.
The Sapphire Employability and Wellbeing Academy
Empowering People. Transforming Communities. Creating Opportunities.
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