Table Building
"We don't just speak it... we implement it."
On this page we will keep you up to date with some of our internal and external works.
2020
May 2020:
The first recorded meeting with the crew.
Years and years worth of discussions between us culminated in us making a decision to take things to the next level. We came to an agreement that many people of 1SAF DNA find themselves in undesirable situations more frequent than not. We felt that we could create a platform where we could not only raise awareness but ultimately provide solutions to overcome familiar challenges that we may face.
July 2020:
Our first EVER podcast (Pilot Flavourz)
A moment in history was made...
J, K, M, R, S & T sat down and recorded our pilot podcast...
​
Pilot Flavourz (Parts 1 & 2) was an introduction to the individuals within the podcast, setting the scene for where we wanted to go with the podcast.
You can listen to this episode by clicking here.
August 2020:
The first ever 1SAF T-Shirts
Sometimes a small idea can lead to a bigger step, we decided to have the T-shirts made as a way of promoting our Podcast but it led us to start our own merchandise.
More importantly... we genuinely just want to wear our own "garms"
​ More ideas in the pipeline, so stay tuned.
​
have a look at our current range on the 1SAF Store Shop.
2021
March 2021:
Registering 1SAF as a Limited Company
As our journey continued we knew that we had to take things to the next level and we wanted to have a solid foundation for our table. Registering a company was the next natural step to take.
​
1SAF Podcast Season 2 Episode 10 & Season 3 Episode 2 gives you a bit more insight to how we got to this point.
March 2021:
K links up with Elliot Reid on the "ASk ELL" Podcast
As we became familiar with the podcasting game, we knew that we had to take things to the next by spreading our wings and collaborating with one of the most inspirational figures within the UK... Elliot Reid.
​
have a listen to this by clicking here
June 2021:
Podcast (Season 2)
The first time was so nice we had to do it twice...
​
As we said in Season 1.. "We are here to stay". Season 1 was about letting the audience know who we are and our experiences dealing with 1SAF issues. Season 2 was more about laying down vital foundations for "The Table".
July 2021:
Friends & Family BBQ
A much needed link up was due after the COVID-19 restrictions and no better way to do this than to link up with our nearest and dearest. The numbers expanded very quickly but it was good to see everyone (young and old) get involved.
​
'To be without a friend is to be truly poor': True friendship is wealth because they are a source of help and encouragement in times of need.
(African Proverb)
2022
April 2022:
1SAF Wellness Away Weekend
Our very first 1SAF Wellness break!
​
It took us a bit of time to make it happen but we got there in the end.
​
Not only are most of us located in different parts of the UK, but aside from 1SAF commitments, we all have individual ones too. So we recognised that it was essential (especially as 1SAF DNA Men) to set time for ourselves and have a breakaway from the normal stressors of life.
​
We aim to do something similar each year when time and life permits us :)
May 2022:
Birmingham Black Business Conference
Following on from our aspirations of wanting to build a table and support people from 1SAF DNA this was a natural step for us to take, we genuinely benefited a lot from being in the room with established business men/women and was able to network and exchange contacts for future ventures. The networking continued into the evening with a large group of us coming together for an evening meal.
August 2022:
Murrayside Community Centre Visit
"Hog say the fus water im ketch im walla" take advantage of the first opportunity.
( Jamaican proverb )
First meeting with a prominent community leader Max where it paved the way for involvement in the Men's Group but also built a base for working together on future business ventures.
​
To find out more about Max and IWS please visit
​
2023
January - March 2023:
IWS Mens Group
Several 1SAF members joined and participated in a local Men's group run by The Ipswich Windrush Society.
Just having a group of Men from all ages sitting around the same table without any alcohol in our community is unheard of let alone sharing wisdom but this was the very first step in inversing the negative connotations to being one step away from desirable outcomes.
​
1.S.A.F Ltd (along with Kinsman Enterprise) will be looking to be part of (and partner) a second instalment of this project hopefully in 2024.
​
For more information on Ipswich Windrush Society please click the link below.
​
www.ipswichwindrushsociety.org
​
August 2023:
Podcast (Season 3)
It was long overdue and much needed. 1SAF returned to the fold with the 3rd Podcast season.
​
It was time to catch up and update everyone on some of the things we had been doing and planning during the hiatus...
December 2023:
London Outreach Day
"Time to hit the road!"
​
It's all very well sitting in a studio or behind a laptop that has the possibility of becoming an echo chamber (even though we doubt that this would happen). However, we felt that it was important to get out in public and get some views of how they are feeling? Are the people outside going through the same things as us? Is life different for people with 1SAF DNA depending on where we live???
So we ventured out to the heart of the UK, the capital... LONDON!
2024
February 2024:
Sit down with
Aspire Black Suffolk
"Podding with the community"
​
We had the opportunity to join WAVEYXTIMES & Aspire Black Suffolk to sit down on a topical podcast where they explored accessibility, opportunities and employment opportunities for black men.​
​
check out our family WXT on Instagram
​
and the ladies at
​
June 2024:
Windrush 76 (EmpowerMENt Outreach)
A glorious day celebrating Windrush 76 with
Ipswich Windrush Society...
​
1SAF were present for some outreach work for the upcoming EmpowerMENt (Mens Group) project - in partnership with Ipswich Windrush Society.
​
Speaking to locals and local men (of African Caribbean decent) to encourage sign up to the project.
​
The weather wasn't too looking good at the start but the sunshine had its moments for sure :)
July 2024:
EmpowerMENt Launch
(Session 1)
Powered by Ipswich Windrush Society, EmpowerMENt is a men’s group project where we are giving men of African Caribbean heritage the opportunity to come together, share experiences, value their abilities, and contribute to the community in a positive manner.
In collaboration with 1SAF Ltd, this project aims to build a base of brotherhood and kinship across four generations and beyond.
We are looking for men (18 and over), predominantly from the IP3 area (or with links to IP3), to be part of 8 evening group sessions starting in July.
This is a fantastic opportunity to engage in critical thinking, share experiences, and address issues affecting black men in our community.
​
for more information, click here
July 2024:
BBC Radio Suffolk Interview
"Hitting the Airwaves"
​
We linked up with fellow podcaster and long-time mentor (from when we were young) Eli T, at BBC Radio Suffolk. Eli who interviewed us where we got to discuss 1SAF & EmpowerMENt. Great experience!!!
​
Click the link below to read the accompanying news article.
​
Check out Eli along with the rest of the crew on their brilliant podcast.
​
For more interviews around the local community check out the Angelle Joseph Show below
BBC Radio Suffolk - Angelle Joseph
​
​
September 2024:
EmpowerMENt "Milestone Session"
"Process, Embraced as Men, Recognition, Shared Experiences, Conversed as Brothers, Affirmations, Bonding, Dancing, Eating, Insights, Vulnerability, Laughter, Respect, Unity
That was EmpowerMENt 2024!!!
We celebrated a community milestone in completing the programme.
It was a blessing to revisit the last 3 months with our participants and their guests.
To sit around a table with so many great minds is something we need to do much more.
Massive shout out to yard kitchen for providing some amazing food. Levels, levels, levels!!!
One Step Away From desirable outcomes is the focus. And we truly believe that we are making the right steps in the right direction.
This was the last session, and we have been overwhelmed by the positive and constructive feedback we received.
The sessions wouldn't have been what they are without our amazing particip... BROTHERS. So we thank each and every one of you.
We will be back
The build continues...