Mile Rainbow is a Community Interest Company (CIC) that provides Emotional Vaccine — a prevention-first model that equips people with evidence-based skills and knowledge to help prevent everyday pressures from escalating into more serious health problems. It delivers wellbeing sessions that help participants, including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to build emotional resourcefulness and develop strategies for managing stress. The organisation runs sessions across London, including in areas where mental health support is needed most.
CHIP has funded Mile Rainbow since 2024 to deliver various projects, including the ‘Brain Food Series’, a programme of three one-hour group wellbeing sessions delivered in Walthamstow Library. The sessions supported residents’ mental wellbeing through martial arts and dance, and a main creative activity such as painting or calligraphy. They were designed to help people of all ages and ethnicities explore strategies and techniques for improving their mental health through creative activities.
The borough of Waltham Forest has a diverse population and significant pressure on mental health services. Contributing factors include a high prevalence of young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, high levels of diversity and stretched NHS services. These pressures are having a real impact on the community and increasing demand for urgent care services.
With funding granted by CHIP, the Brain Food Series was set up and delivered in the Waltham Forest area. Three sessions took place on various dates in November 2025, with a total of 18 people attending. Each of the activities in the sessions focused on emotional grounding, relaxation, painting and calligraphy techniques.
The sessions were a success, with all 18 participants saying that attending had a positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing. Participant feedback highlighted improvements in:
- Emotional wellbeing
- Social inclusion
- Confidence and focus
- Cultural expression
Overall, the project had a positive impact by providing vital mental health and wellbeing support to the individuals accessing the programme.
To find out more about Mile Rainbow’s work, please visit their website: https://mrcic.co.uk/.
The Community Chest Fund is used to support projects and initiatives in the local communities where CHIP operates. If you have a project or initiative that will make a real difference to the community, please visit the Community Chest Fund page on the CHIP website for more information.
Testimonial
“CHIP’s funding has enabled
Mile Rainbow CIC to bring our Emotional Vaccine programme to a diverse range of
people across London since 2024. This includes the Brain Food Series, which was
specifically designed to empower neurodivergent young people to improve focus,
mental clarity and wellbeing through a unique blend of Eastern and Western
creative and physical activities. We are very grateful to CHIP for helping us
make these inclusive wellbeing opportunities accessible to more people.”
— Hong Zhou MBBS MSc MPH MHFA
Founder & Director, Mile Rainbow CIC