Natasha Cox, Founder CEO & Artistic Director – Actively SeeK.I.N.G… CIC
Natasha Cox is a Laurence Olivier Award-winning artist and social impact leader, recognised for empowering young Black males through the creative arts. She is the Founder and CEO of the award-winning Actively SeeK.I.N.G. CIC, which has raised over £100,000 to deliver programmes that build confidence, identity and wellbeing.
With a Master’s degree (Distinction) in Innovation, Creativity & Leadership and as a Churchill Fellow, Natasha brings together academic insight and global research across the USA, Africa and the Caribbean to shape her work in creative education and community transformation.
She co-created Don’t Write Me Off with industry professionals and young people — a powerful theatre production exploring identity, mental health and lived experiences, alongside an original EP soundtrack.
Professionally trained in musical theatre, Natasha has performed in the West End and toured nationally. She continues to work across performance, choreography and direction, bringing industry-level expertise into her practice.
Natasha is also an experienced speaker, facilitator and guest lecturer, working with universities, organisations and community groups to inspire, educate and create impact.
Under the leadership of Natasha and our dedicated Board of Directors, our mission is to rebuild the core pillars of K.I.N.G. (Knowledge, Identity, Nurturer and Gifts) within every young person we serve.
Knowledge
We equip young men with the critical information and social awareness needed to successfully navigate and challenge systemic barriers.
Identity
We foster a deep sense of cultural pride and self-awareness to build a foundation of unshakable confidence and authenticity.
Nurturer
We cultivate the emotional intelligence and internal resilience necessary for young men to care for themselves and their communities.
Gifts
We provide the creative platforms required to discover, refine, and showcase the unique talents inherent in every individual.
Our Cultural Commitment
Empowering African and Caribbean Heritage
While we remain inclusive, our heart is rooted in serving young men of African and Caribbean descent. We utilize culturally specific creative interventions to empower these young men to:
Embrace their authentic selves.
Unleash their dormant potential.
Positively impact the society around them.
The Reality: Why We Are Needed...
“We are concerned with three major issues:mental health, education, and the criminal justice system, which overlap to create a ‘domino effect’ of disadvantage.”
The Mental Health Crisis
Young Black men of secondary school age are statistically more likely to suffer from mental health issues but less likely to seek formal help.
The Struggle: Many internalise their stress due to poverty, housing insecurity, and racism.
The Outcome: This lack of early intervention leads to a higher likelihood of Mental Health Act detention in later years.
The Education Gap
Systemic failure begins early. While attainment is strong initially, we see a significant drop starting at age 7.
Performance Gaps: Black Caribbean boys average 2 grades lower than their white British peers at GCSE level.
Disruptive Discipline: 68% of documented school suspensions are male, a trend directly linked to unsupported mental health needs.
Higher Education: Mixed white/black Caribbean boys represent the lowest group entering higher education at just 29%.
The Criminal Justice System
The overrepresentation of Black youth in the justice system is a national emergency.
The Stats: In 2020, 32% of children in prison were Black, despite Black people making up only 13% of the overall prison population.
Systemic Failure: Reoffending rates stand at 42.4% for Black children, compared to 35.3% for white children, highlighting a lack of post-incarceration support.
Our Approach: Seek.I.N.G. the Value in You
Combatting "Invisibility Syndrome"
We address what researchers call "Invisibility Syndrome"—the internal struggle where a young man’s talents, personality, and worth are neither valued nor recognized due to prejudice and racism.
Creative Intervention & Holistic Support
We don’t just mentor; we create. Our work involves:
Bespoke Events & Productions: Using data-driven creative techniques to provide a platform for professional development.
Challenging the Narrative: We advocate for our young men to challenge the racial biases they encounter daily.
Holistic Collaboration: Partnering with organizations to ensure support doesn’t end when the workshop does.
