Magdalen Bartlett is founder and CEO of Afrocats, a Black-led charity that works across Greater Manchester to support people who face exclusion because of immigration status, class, age, cultural inexperience or education.

With a career spanning over 20 years, Magdalen has utilised her skills as a creative producer and engagement specialist to break barriers to access and inclusion. Over the years Magdalen has shared her expertise with organisation such as the NHS, 10GM, Community Arts North West, Manchester International Festival, Louise Da-Cocodia Education Trust, Women Asylum Seekers Together, Royal Exchange Theatre and Z-arts.

Magdalen founded Afrocats in 2003 to channel her experience and skills into empowering others who experience exclusion, culture shock and trauma as a result of their economic or immigration status. In 2017 Afrocats became a charity and acts as a powerful platform for people at risk of social exclusion to have their voices heard.

Afrocats was recognised for its contribution to the sector in 2021 with a Manchester Culture Award. And, in 2022 with a Spirit of Manchester award for the charity’s work with communities.