Introduction

Black History Month gives us the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the impact of Black heritage and culture. It’s an important time to reflect, understand and honour the contributions and experiences of the Black community.

As part of this, our President and VP Community and Welfare wanted to raise awareness about mental health issues within the Black community and share the work of some fantastic organisations and helpful resources.

Firstly, we wanted to share the following statistics that provide a broad overview and context for the experiences of Black people in the UK regarding mental health and accessing services:

• People from Black communities are more likely than average to experience a common mental health problem in any given week
• Despite higher prevalence, Black adults have the lowest mental health treatment rate of any ethnic group, at 6% (compared to 13% in the White British group). 
• Black and Black British women are more likely to experience a common mental health problem (29%) compared to White British women (21%) and non-British White women (16%). 
• Experiences of racism has been linked to increased likelihood of developing depression; hallucinations and delusions; and if physical assault is involved, post-traumatic stress

(Facts and figures about racism and mental health - Mind)

Mind summarises these findings: ‘People from ethnic minority communities are more likely to experience a mental health problem, less likely to receive support, and have poorer outcomes from services. (Mind, 2024)

This leads us to…

The importance of taking an intersectional approach to Mental Health

It’s important to understand the problems and challenges that those in the Black community can face regarding their mental health and be aware of the external factors that can have a positive or negative impact on individuals. By being aware of these factors, we can avoid a ‘one size fits all’ approach to mental health and wellbeing and in turn make information, resources and services accessible and inclusive to all.

In the video below, Dr Chuks Nwuba discusses this further and explores the importance of having services that take a culturally sensitive approach.

Mind's video on racism and mental health includes personal stories surrounding the negative effect that racism can have on a person's mental health, confidence and self-image. Those sharing their stories also discuss how these experinces shaped who they are today and why it's so important to listen to Black voices to shape better and more diverse mental health services that support EVERYONE. 

Both our VP Community and Welfare and SU President shared why this topic is important to them:

‘As Vice President Community and Welfare, I firmly believe that the Black community needs mental health support, not just during Black History Month but throughout the year. Systemic racism, discrimination, and socioeconomic inequality have long-lasting repercussions that exacerbate mental health issues, such as increased rates of anxiety, depression, and trauma-related illnesses. Furthermore, people may be discouraged from getting the necessary assistance because of the stigma associated with mental health in some Black households. It is crucial to offer networks and services that are culturally aware and address these particular difficulties. 

By championing an intersectional approach to welfare, we not only respect Black people’s lived experiences but empower them to end the trauma cycle and speak up for their own needs”. (Lubyna Gardezi)

Students’ Union President, Kolawole Samuel, reflects on his own lived experience dealing with academic pressures, mental health and important realisations:

"Back home, education was all about achieving a 2:1 or first-class degree, which took a toll on my mental health and well-being. It narrowed my perspective, reducing education to just getting good grades. Coming to a more diverse environment has helped me realise that education should be about growth, understanding, and embracing different perspectives, not just academic success. I want my fellow students to know that UWE and The Students’ Union are here to support you. I can’t stress enough the importance of reaching out for help if you are struggling. Don’t go it alone – there’s so much more to your university experience than your final grade.’ (Kolawole Samuel Olure)

Resources and services

Look through the list of helpful resources available below.  These are a selection of links to organisations that offer support around mental health issues, specfically for those in the Black community. You can also access free support from UWE via this link Wellbeing support - Health and wellbeing | UWE Bristol. Scroll through to see the full range of services available.

YoungMinds

YoungMinds is a charity that focuses on mental health among children and young people. In 2023 they shared the below article which delves into the experiences of young Black people with their mental health, accessing support and growing up Black in Britain. (YoungMinds, 2023)

Mental Health in the Black British Community | Blog | YoungMinds

‘Racism and Mental Health’

‘Being treated differently or unfairly because of your race, skin colour or ethnicity can really impact your mental health. It’s not okay, and it’s fine to feel upset about it. Here’s some advice on support after you've experienced racism.’

Racism and mental health | How To Deal With Racism | YoungMinds

‘Cultural Identity and Mental Health’

‘Our cultural identity is a big part of who we are. It can affect our mental health and influence what support we need. Find out more about the relationship between cultural identity and mental health, how to navigate expectations and pressures, and where to find support.’

Cultural Identity & Mental Health | Family Pressures | YoungMinds

Black Minds Matter

Black Minds Matter UK is a registered charity connecting Black individuals and families with free 121 talking therapy delivered by qualified and accredited Black therapists. They also provide helpful resources and advice.

Services 4 — Black Minds Matter UK

‘How to encourage conversations on mental health in Black households’ BMMUK+Time+to+Talk.pdf (squarespace.com)

Aashna

Aashna provides a list of therapists who work to recognise how culture, faith, religion, colour social background, sexuality, gender and neurodiversity affect people’s experiences. They also have a whole library of resources and articles that offer insight and advice in dealing with a range of issues.

Resources | Aashna Counselling and Psychotherapy | London | N12 | North Finchley | Barnet

Bayo

BAYO means 'Joy has found us' in Yoruba and it is a space to find collectives, organisations and services from across the UK -- for the Black community -- to support your mental health and well-being.

HOME | Bayo