ZAIAH CONNECT CIC

BAME women and women in general are statistically less physically active than men and their white counterparts, due to a range of social, cultural, and financial factors. Dance is an effective strategy to address this inactivity, offering benefits for creativity, social connection, mental health, and physical wellbeing.

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• According to data from the 2023/24 period, activity gaps remain entrenched among ethnically diverse groups: only 56 % of Black adults and 55 % of Asian adults meet recommended levels of physical activity, compared with ~65 % of White British adults. *

• Economic deprivation further increases inactivity, with the most deprived areas showing the highest levels of inactivity. Common barriers include lack of time (due to household/care responsibilities), financial constraints, self-confidence, Safety concerns and lack of culturally appropriate spaces. *

• Whereas for older people more than 2 million people in England aged over 75 live alone, and more than 1 million older people say they go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member.*

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At the same time, wellbeing and wellness have become increasingly commercialised, often expensive, exclusive and unrelatable. 

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Zaiah Connect CIC exists to close this gap, making movement, culture and wellbeing accessible to those who need it most.

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• Research suggests that dance may be better than other forms of structured physical activity for improving psychological well-being and cognitive capacity 

• A systematic review found that dance interventions (versus dance-movement therapy) produced a large, significant effect (effect size d = 0.81, p < 0.001) on mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, quality of life, interpersonal skills).

• When researchers combined data from multiple studies, they found that people who took part in dance-based programmes experienced strong and reliable improvements in their mental health, including reduced depression and anxiety, better quality of life, and stronger social relationships.

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OUR PURPOSE

Zaiah Connect CIC is a UK-registered Community Interest Company dedicated to improving health and wellbeing among:

• Women and older adults from underrepresented or disadvantaged communities

• Black, Asian and Global Majority women

• Individuals overcoming isolation, financial hardship or low confidence

Our work uses dance, creative expression and community connection to improve both physical and mental health.
We believe that movement should be joyful, culturally relevant and accessible — not a luxury.

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WHAT WE DO:

 

Dance & Fitness Workshops

Free and subsidised group classes combining Carnival, Soca, Calypso, Caribbean Folk and African dance with general fitness.
Delivered both in-person and online to remove financial and geographic barriers, these sessions boost confidence, reduce loneliness and celebrate cultural identity.

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Wellness Workshops & Drop-Ins

Mindfulness, holistic movement and creative wellbeing sessions supporting mental health, body confidence and stress relief, particularly for women managing burnout, menopause or post-trauma recovery.

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Social Clubs & Support Groups

Follow-on community groups creating safe, inclusive spaces for women and older adults to socialise, share experiences and build supportive friendships.

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Creative Engagement Programmes

Skill-building workshops in costume-making, storytelling and creative writing inspired by Caribbean and diaspora culture, including intergenerational collaborations between younger and older participants.

All surpluses are reinvested directly into our community programmes to extend access and impact.

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CORPORATE WELLBEING PARTNERSHIPS

 

Wellbeing that celebrates culture and creates impact.

In today’s workplace, teams crave connection, purpose and joy.
Zaiah Connect CIC delivers inclusive wellbeing experiences that energise staff, celebrate diversity and directly fund community programmes for women and older adults across London, Birmingham, Milton Keynes and Kent.

Our signature Corporate Carnival suite transforms employee wellbeing through rhythm, movement and storytelling. Each experience is adaptable for conferences, away-days and DEI weeks, and can be delivered on-site or at partner venues.

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Carnival Cardio : Movement Meets Motivation

A high-energy, follow-the-leader workout set to Soca, Calypso and Afrobeats.
Designed for all bodies and fitness levels, this session replaces intimidation with laughter and endorphins.

• 30–45 minutes, in-office or virtual

• No dance experience required

• Perfect for Mental Health Awareness Week or staff wellbeing days

Outcome: Boosted morale, confidence and connection.

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CarnivalVibes™ Gold Experience: The Ultimate Immersive Celebration

When your team deserves something unforgettable.
The Gold Experience brings the full spirit of Carnival to the corporate world — complete with professional dancers, vibrant costumes and optional Caribbean catering.

• 60–90 minute session or half-day event

• Live DJ or drummers (optional)

• Authentic costumes for performers and guest photo opportunities

• Custom themes for DEI weeks, team celebrations or summer parties

Outcome: A shared memory that celebrates culture, unity and collective joy — while funding free wellbeing programmes for women through Zaiah Connect CIC.

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Culture & Connection: Thought Leadership for Modern Organisations

Where creativity meets consciousness.
Led by Zaiah Connect’s founder, a creative director and academic researcher specialising in Carnival and liberation philosophy, these talks and interactive sessions reimagine leadership, resilience and innovation through the lens of Caribbean Carnival.

Topics include:

• Dancing Through Discomfort: The Body Remembers · Wellbeing & emotional intelligence through movement

• From Resistance to Renaissance · Leadership and innovation born from activism

• Authenticity vs. Appropriation · Ethical entrepreneurship and cultural representation

Outcome: Inspiring teams to lead with rhythm, create with purpose and honour the cultures that move them.

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Why Partner with Us

• Inclusive Impact: Every corporate booking directly subsidises community classes for women and older adults.

• Tailored Delivery: All experiences can be adapted for different fitness levels and spaces.

• Cultural Expertise: Led by the UK’s leading Carnival wellbeing organisation — Zaiah Arts.

[Enquire about Corporate Partnerships] [Request a Proposal]

Would you like me to also draft a shorter brochure or one-page PDF version (for HR and DEI teams to download or email)? I can format this section into concise marketing copy with pricing tiers and imagery suggestions next.

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WHO WE HELP

We serve women and older adults from diverse, under-represented communities — especially those who feel disconnected from mainstream wellness spaces due to culture, cost or confidence.
Our environments are welcoming, body-positive and inclusive of every age, size and background.

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OUR IMPACT

Our programmes foster measurable improvements in confidence, social connection and mental health.

“I started coming to class after being diagnosed with PTSD. I struggled to make friends or feel comfortable in my body. Zaiah helped me rebuild my confidence, connect with others and feel like myself again.” - Participant testimonial

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We track and evaluate outcomes including:

• Increased weekly activity levels

• Improved mood and self-esteem

• Reduced loneliness and social isolation

• Growth of peer support networks

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Annual reports will document the number of participants, geographic reach and community outcomes.

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GET INVOLVED

• Partner with Us: Bring inclusive, cultural wellbeing to your workplace.

• Volunteer or Mentor: Support women in your local community.

• Donate: Help us reach even more women and older adults across the UK.​​

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