Our Mission

Connect Outreach CIC exists to restore hope, dignity and purpose within our communities by creating safe, creative and faith-driven spaces for transformation. We harness the power of gospel music, cultural education and community engagement to support disadvantaged individuals, raise awareness around mental health and knife crime, and equip people, especially the unheard, with the tools to heal, grow and lead.

Through outreach events, mentorship, and the expressive arts, we build bridges between faith and action, talent and opportunity, brokenness and restoration.
Our mission is not just to speak about change but to be the platform where true change begins.

Our Vision

To see thriving, connected communities where faith, creativity and compassion empower individuals to live with purpose, free from violence, stigma and hopelessness.

We envision a future where gospel music and cultural expression are not only tools of worship but powerful instruments for healing, awareness and social change.

Our goal is to raise a generation of young people and community leaders who are mentally strong, spiritually grounded and actively engaged in building a safer and more united society.

Our Story 

Connect Outreach CIC was born out of a deep burden to bring lasting change to communities through the power of faith, music and meaningful engagement. Founded by Mark Peter OKEAGU and a team of passionate individuals, our journey began with a vision to use gospel music and cultural outreach not just as art but as a voice, one that speaks hope to the broken, direction to the lost and healing to the wounded.

Founded in 2023, Connect Outreach CIC began as a grassroots initiative in the East Midlands, responding to the growing need for faith-driven community support and creative outreach. In just our first year, we engaged over 300 attendees at our gospel music festival, launched three youth empowerment workshops and collaborated with local churches and creatives to deliver impactful programmes.

Our first official open event was held in Nottingham in June 2024, marking the public launch of our vision. It brought together worshippers, artists and families for an evening of powerful music, unity and awareness on issues such as mental health and knife crime. The overwhelming response confirmed our calling and laid the foundation for what has now become a growing movement.

The vision was inspired by a conversation with a young man who said, “Music is the only thing that keeps me off the streets.” That moment confirmed our call to create something bigger than ourselves.

From this vision came the East Midlands Gospel Music Festival, our flagship annual event that unites people from all walks of life through worship, creativity and purpose. What started as a faith-led initiative has grown into a community movement, providing mentorship, raising awareness around mental health and knife crime and supporting emerging artists and young leaders.

Today, Connect Outreach CIC continues to build bridges between generations, cultures and communities. We work closely with churches, artists, schools and local leaders to reach the heart of communities and ensure that every programme we run is shaped by the people we serve.

Our foundation is rooted in the love of Christ, and we believe that faith is not only personal but transformational for entire communities.

Registered as a Community Interest Company in the UK in May 2025, our work spans cultural education, creative outreach, event organising and social advocacy. Through these channels, we engage the disadvantaged, empower the unheard and provide hope through purpose-driven programmes.

In just our first year, we have reached over 5,000 people through our live events, social media and outreach programmes. Our impact continues to grow, and the testimonies we receive reflect lives being restored, young talents being discovered and communities being unified.

We are open to partnerships with churches, schools, artists and organisations who share our passion for community transformation.

As we grow, we plan to launch a mobile outreach team, expand to three cities by 2026 and provide mental health and creative leadership training for at-risk youth. We believe that with the right platform, every voice can make an impact, every story can bring healing and every outreach can connect a soul to purpose.