About us

Our History

We are a team of change-makers who believe that every helping hand can raise a community and create a better future for all.

In 2012, after noticing the Congolese community in Birmingham was growing rapidly, Mr John Kiesse decided, together with Mr Hermann Zonzeka, Mr Khris Mbama, Mr Serge Bikoumou and Mr Amede Mavouanda, to establish a Congolese community group. As a result, RAP, which stands for Renaissance, Amour du Prochain (Love for One Another), was born.

The group quickly became a valued support network within the Congolese community, offering activities and assistance to combat loneliness, improve wellbeing and strengthen community ties. Funded by its members, RAP also organised cultural and social events to bring people together.

In 2023, Mr Scherlock Loussakou was elected as Secretary of the RAP community group. As interest in the group’s activities grew among other communities, particularly initiatives addressing loneliness and mental health, Mr Loussakou, Mrs Katte, the current coordinator of RAP, and other members proposed the idea of creating a charitable arm to formally extend support to a wider audience.

At the beginning of 2024, under the name Reconnect, Advocate and Provide, preserving the same acronym (RAP), the group officially began serving external communities, opening its doors to collaborate with other organisations and support people from diverse backgrounds, while continuing to honour its Congolese roots.

Our Trustees

Trustees’ Backgrounds

Mr Scherlock Loussakou was appointed as lead trustee for the charity arm. Scherlock holds a Master’s degree in International Education from the University of Dundee and has worked for the past thirteen years as a teacher in various schools across the UK. He is currently studying for a second Master’s degree in Orthoptics at the University of Liverpool. Mr Loussakou has been instrumental in drafting the charity’s constitution, objects clause and other key documents, with the assistance of Mr Remy Mingouidi, a collaborator to the lead trustee who works in the public health and wellbeing sector.

In February 2024, Mr Amede Mavouanda, who studied Law at Marien Ngoubi University and currently works for a large manufacturing company in the West Midlands, and who is also a member of RAP, was nominated as a second trustee.

Mr Jerry Likibi, who studied Communication Science and Technology at Marien Ngoubi University and later worked in finance, and who is also a member of RAP, was nominated as a third trustee.

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Trustees’ Roles and Responsibilities

Mr Scherlock Loussakou
Chair and Education Lead

Key responsibilities:

  • Provide leadership to the board of trustees, ensuring the charity fulfils its mission and strategic objectives.
  • Set the agenda for trustee meetings and chair them effectively, encouraging open, inclusive and productive discussions.
  • Act as a figurehead and ambassador for the charity, representing it at public events, meetings and with external partners.
  • Design, lead and oversee the charity’s education and awareness programmes focused on loneliness, mental health and wellbeing.
  • Develop community workshops, webinars and campaigns to raise awareness and provide resources on mental health support.

Mr Amede Mavouanda
Legal and Governance Lead

Key responsibilities:

  • Help draft and review policies, such as safeguarding, privacy and data handling.
  • Ensure the charity complies with relevant charity laws and regulations.
  • Advise on partnerships, contracts and formal collaborations.

Mr Jerry Likibi
Community Engagement and Fundraising Manager

Key responsibilities:

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with community groups, faith organisations, local leaders and partner charities.
  • Draw from his finance experience to manage charity budgets, funding applications and reporting.
  • Lead fundraising initiatives and donor engagement activities to secure financial support for the charity’s mental health programmes.

Our approach

Our Mission
Our mission is to ensure that every community receives comprehensive support precisely when they require it, regardless of the nature of their needs.

Social isolation can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, including elderly people, single parent families and people with disabilities. Prolonged social isolation can have serious consequences, causing a negative impact on both mental and physical health.

At RAP (Reconnect, Advocate and Provide), our mission is to reduce loneliness, support mental health and promote social inclusion for people of all ages and backgrounds. We strive to create safe, supportive spaces where individuals can connect, share experiences and access practical and emotional support, enabling them to lead fuller, healthier and more connected lives.

We believe that no one should face isolation or hardship alone. Together, we reach out and participate in building a kinder, more inclusive community.

Our Vision
Our vision is to create a world where no community is neglected or isolated, where every community receives the assistance it requires to thrive and never feels alone.

Our vision at RAP is to create a world where no community is neglected or isolated. We believe that every individual, regardless of age, background or circumstance, deserves to feel connected, supported and valued. We imagine communities where loneliness and isolation are replaced by inclusion and belonging. 

Our goal is to ensure that every community receives the assistance it requires to thrive through emotional support, social activities and practical help. We are committed to breaking down barriers that prevent people from accessing the care and connection they need. By fostering environments of understanding and compassion, we aim to empower individuals to build strong relationships and resilient networks. Ultimately, we strive for a future where no one feels alone or unsupported and where every person has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and connected life within a caring community.