Afrouk Parenting provides vital education and support for black families facing safeguarding challenges in the UK, blending African traditions with modern parenting practices.
Teesside, located in the North East of England, experiences significantly higher rates of child protection activity compared to the national average. Local authorities in areas like Middlesbrough, for example, have reported one of the highest child safeguarding protection rates in the country, with 140.2 children per 10,000 on a child protection plan. Redcar & Cleveland also has a high rate of 76.9 per 10,000. This heightened scrutiny has disproportionately affected Black migrant families, leading to perceptions and, to some extent, realities that these families are more frequently targeted in child protection cases.
Straddling cultures that often converge and clash, Dr. Omosefe Christina Eguegu stands as a pillar of support for Black parents navigating these challenges. As a mother of three, a UK-qualified GP, and a medical educator, Dr. Eguegu understands the cultural nuances that can create friction between traditional African parenting practices and the expectations of British society. Her work through AfroUK Parenting is not just about education it’s about empowering families to safeguard their children’s well-being while preserving their cultural identity.
Dr. Eguegu’s Personal Journey
Dr. Eguegu’s story is rooted in her personal experience as both a healthcare professional and a parent. Having witnessed firsthand the struggles Black families face when their cultural values clash with the expectations of UK social services, she saw a significant gap in support for families, particularly for those new to the country. Parenting practices like corporal punishment, common in some African cultures, are often viewed through a critical lens in the UK. This misinterpretation can result in serious safeguarding concerns, placing families at risk.
“The challenge is particularly acute for immigrant families who continue to practice traditional parenting styles,” says Dr. Eguegu. “These families often fear that their methods will be misunderstood, potentially leading to distressing consequences.”
The Birth of AfroUK Parenting
AfroUK Parenting was born from Dr. Eguegu’s deep concern for Black families who felt targeted or misunderstood by the system. After spending years as a GP, she observed recurring concerns among parents, including anxiety about their discipline methods, cultural practices, and how they were perceived by authorities. She recognized the need for a supportive platform to help these parents, especially those recently arrived from African countries.
Dr. Eguegu launched AfroUK Parenting to raise awareness of safeguarding issues and provide practical support. “It’s not about fighting the system,” she explains, “but about educating families so they can navigate UK society without losing their cultural values. We must adapt, but we don’t have to forget who we are.”
Bridging Cultures: Education and Empowerment
AfroUK Parenting’s mission is to help Black parents balance their African heritage with the parenting expectations of the UK. Through webinars, seminars, one-on-one consultations, and an annual conference, Dr. Eguegu provides families with the tools they need to thrive in a multicultural society. Her approach is grounded in respect, identity, and integrity, values that are essential when navigating cultural change.
A key issue AfroUK Parenting addresses is the misunderstanding of traditional African parenting techniques, particularly physical discipline. While practices like spanking are common in some African cultures, UK social services may view these methods as abusive, creating potential safeguarding concerns. Dr. Eguegu advocates for strategies that allow parents to maintain authority and respect in the household without risking intervention from social services.
“Many African parents don’t realize that their practices can be misunderstood in the UK,” says Dr. Eguegu. “Our goal is to provide them with the knowledge and support to maintain their cultural identity while also respecting UK laws and norms.”
Breaking Through: The First Afrouk Parenting Summit
AfroUK Parenting’s upcoming summit in June 2026 marks a significant milestone. Taking place on Father’s Day, the summit will celebrate the importance of fatherhood while offering a platform for education on safeguarding, cultural preservation, and parenting strategies. This event will bring together professionals, businesses, and families for a day of social activities and learning.
“The summit will not just be about learning,” Dr. Eguegu explains. “It will also be a chance to celebrate who we are as Africans. We’ll have workshops, expert panels, and fun activities all designed to empower parents and make them feel supported, not alone.”
Fatherhood is a central theme of the summit, as many African cultures place great importance on the role of fathers in the family. In the UK, however, this role is sometimes undervalued or misunderstood. By emphasizing fatherhood, AfroUK Parenting seeks to affirm the significant contributions that fathers make to their children’s upbringing.
Why Afrouk Parenting Stands Out
AfroUK Parenting is unique because of its commitment to preserving cultural traditions while helping families adapt to the UK’s system. Dr. Eguegu emphasizes that adaptation does not mean abandoning one’s heritage. Instead, it’s about finding a balanced approach to parenting that respects African values while ensuring families can thrive in a multicultural environment. AfroUK Parenting provides a safe space for parents to share their struggles and receive advice without fear of judgment or condemnation.
This thoughtful blend of cultural sensitivity and practical guidance makes AfroUK Parenting an invaluable resource for Black parents in the UK. The community created by AfroUK Parenting offers a supportive environment where parents can connect, learn, and grow together.
Empowering the Next Generation
As a mother, Dr. Eguegu understands the delicate balance of raising children who are proud of their African heritage while thriving in British society. Her personal experience blending African values with British culture gives her unique insight into the challenges immigrant families face. “It’s a delicate balance,” she says, “but it’s possible to raise children who respect both their roots and their future.”
AfroUK Parenting is more than just a support network; it is a movement that empowers parents to confidently navigate the complexities of raising children in a multicultural world. By providing education, building community, and celebrating African identity, AfroUK Parenting is laying the groundwork for a future where Black families can thrive without compromise.
Join the Movement
If you’re a Black parent in the UK or know someone who could benefit from this unique support, AfroUK Parenting offers a wealth of resources to help you feel informed, empowered, and understood. Visitwww.afroukparenting.comto learn more about upcoming events, resources, and how you can be part of the conversation.
Whether you’re seeking advice on parenting, concerned about safeguarding issues, or simply looking for a community of like-minded individuals, AfroUK Parenting is here to help. Together, we can raise a generation of children who are proud of their cultural heritage and equipped to succeed in today’s world.
