Born from the community, run for the community
Kinect Community CIC works to reduce isolation and help people build the connections that keep them safe, well and hopeful.
Our mission
Kinect Community CIC carries out activities that enhance education, health, social wellbeing and outreach for BAME and disadvantaged families living across Leicester, particularly those facing disadvantage, exclusion or barriers to opportunities.
In plain terms: we bring people together. We work with families across Leicester, and especially with Black, Asian and minority ethnic families and those facing disadvantage, exclusion or barriers to opportunity. Our aim is that anyone who does not feel part of a community can find one with us.
Our story
Kinect came from frustration inside Leicester's home-education community. Families saw that isolation was hurting their children: falling confidence, anxiety and withdrawal, while parents felt more and more stretched.
There were few groups in Leicester for these families, even as the number of home-educating families grew. So the people who lived it, home-educating parents and former teachers, decided to build something themselves.
We started by listening. We spoke to more than 40 families, gathered 70 survey responses and ran free pilot workshops. Their message was clear: children want friends and a regular place to go, and one-off events are not enough.
Where we are going
Kinect & Belong is our first programme, and it is built for home-educated young people. But isolation is not limited to one group, and neither is our purpose.
As we grow, we want to run programmes for other people who feel cut off from community life, including older age groups: places to get active, to meet people they would not usually meet, and to pick up skills and interests they have set aside.
We would rather do one thing consistently and well, then grow carefully, than promise more than we can deliver.
Who we support
As an organisation
Families across Leicester, particularly Black, Asian and minority ethnic families and those facing disadvantage, exclusion or barriers to opportunity. Most of the people we work with live in the east of the city, in and around Highfields, Belgrave and St Matthews.
Through Kinect & Belong
Home-educated young people aged 11 and over, and their parents and carers. We also welcome young people who are not in education, training or employment and are looking for a positive place to be.
Our work is led by our directors, supported by a steering group of parents and a team of parent volunteers.
What we stand for
Safe
People's welfare comes first. We work to clear safeguarding, health and safety and data protection policies.
Inclusive
Everyone is welcome and treated with dignity. Our sessions are free, so cost is never a barrier.
Community-led
The people we serve help design what we do, and volunteers help deliver it. We keep asking what people need.
Consistent
Trust takes time. We offer regular weekly sessions that people can rely on.
Come and meet us
Whether you are a parent, a young person, a volunteer or a local organisation, we would love to hear from you.