Black Minds Matter UK

Day 1 . Today, the Labour Party has been elected into Government and we appreciate that there is a lot of work to be done. Promises have been made to tackle some of the difficulties the UK population have lived with during the past 14 years BUT we have heard promises made before and then abandoned. What we need now is tangible action to ensure that the mental health of Black people in the UK is taken into consideration and supported. The Black Mental Health Manifesto lays out the structural changes needed to deliver parity within the mental health services in the UK. We look forward to working with other organisations dedicated to seeing real change across the Country. #protectblackmentalhealth

“Instead of being treated as the victims of a medical emergency, they were met with force – treated ‘like a criminal’, in the words of Kaine Fletcher’s father”. Words from a recent Guardian piece detail the tragic deaths of two Black Men who were forcefully restrained when seeking emergency support whilst in the middle of a psychotic episode, as well as many other cases where no accountability has taken place. This is not an uncommon threat and experience for Black people and Black Men specifically in the UK. Rather than being seen as being unwell and needing urgent support, Black people are instead seen as being aggressive and a threat to others. These responses to mental health crises in the community are often due to systemic racism, stereotypes and unconscious bias. While there is data on the disparities in the social care and criminal justice spaces, what is not mentioned is the qualitative data that underpins these numbers. There is no mention of the people or agencies responsible for these deaths. These articles and stories highlight the serious disparities in the systems which are designed to provide support and help society however the Black community have seen many times that these systems are not always safe, even in an emergency.

Was an absolute pleasure to provide the entertainment at B:Music Symphony Hall for the Black Minds Matter UK Gospel Fundraiser. In tribute to the legend Wayne Brown. Such a great event for a great cause! A remarkable opening speech by Chair Anita Chumber and Sheryl Miller led by CEO Danielle Bridge with a heartfelt message about the importance of their Charity! 🤍 After the BIMM choir took the stage, they were exceptional and really set the tone. 🎶 🎙️ This was just a taster of what the Black Talent Awards has in store this 2024. Looking forward to providing the entertainment and filling the dancefloor for them this year! 🔥 Was also great to see some familiar faces in the building too. Denise Myers Ngozi Cadmus Niharika Khanna Mayokun - Mac Alonge Anne-Marie Jordine

For Windrush Day tomorrow, we want to highlight the ongoing mental health impact that the violent Windrush scandal has on our community, specifically those who were directly impacted by it and their families. We want to use this opportunity to highlight the continued work of activists, advocates and organisations who are dedicated to continuing the fight for justice and for providing space for healing. Today we say thank you to every single person who left their homes and families back home together to come to the UK to help re-build. We see your strength and recognise your sacrifice. Be sure to follow and support vital organisations such as Justice4Windrush and Black Equity Organisation. #windrush #windrushscandal #mentalhealth

Being Black and living with Sickle Cell Disease- 3 unseen challenges 💭⁠ ⁠ Sickle Cell Disease disproportionately impacts Black people and there are many unseen challenges which come with managing it for those with a diagnosis or seeking diagnosis. Research highlights the racial biases that are prevalent in healthcare services which affect the experiences of care for Black people managing sickle cell or seeking diagnoses. ⁠ ⁠ These stereotypes and assumptions are similarly seen in mental health care services and have vital consequences on those needing care and support.⁠ ⁠ Organisations such as Sickle Cell Society and The Essenelle Foundation are doing incredible work around Sickle Cell Awareness and providing advice on getting support. Please tag any other organisations doing work in this space that you are aware of in the comments so that we can connect with them! #sicklecellawareness #sicklecelldisease

The need for community is just as important now as it was for generations before us and it is ultimately about survival. A very important point shared by Flock Together Founder Ollie Olanipekun about how the term community is being overused, stressing that for the Black community especially, community has not been a ‘nice to have’, it has been about survival and our ability to survive in this country. We know that the need for spaces of genuine community, safety and connection which are created by and for us, are just as needed now as they were then. Our #whywemove series spotlighted some of the incredible organisations doing this work and who we need to continue to actively support and collaborate with to ensure long term impact and change in mental health outcomes for our community. This quote was part of a larger conversation between Ollie and our CEO Danielle Bridge. You can watch it via the link in the comments. #movingblackforward

“Community is not a buzzword, it’s about survival". For our fourth and final conversation in our #whywemove series, @flocktogether.world Founder @ollie_ranger spoke with BMMUK Chief Executive, Danielle Bridge and discussed community being a form of survival for Black people, the overuse of the word and the pressure to keep pace in the work that they do. What are your thoughts on the need for community when it comes to mental health and the recent overuse of the word? You can watch the full conversation via the link in the comments. #mentalhealth #movingblackforward

“Being a second generation immigrant, we are taught to deal with life first and to not ponder on our feelings. You either pray it away or throw yourself into work to distract yourself from the mess under the bed”. Our latest testimonial from a past service user at Black Minds Matter UK. We advocate for the accessibility of therapy because we understand the multitude of benefits that it has for our community and how it can enable them to not only survive, but to thrive. It’s incredible to read the benefits of our service in this way and reaffirms our need to continuing providing the support that we do. #therapy #movingblackforward #whywemove

Our #whywemove campaign partner, Donelle Grant shares the misconceptions and stereotypes she is challenging through her work at The Brave Project. #movingblackforward #mentalhealthawarenessmonth

Proud to be able to feature two more incredible 'movers' and change-makers this week , Donelle Grant founder and CEO of The Brave project Community Interest Company and Joél T. , co-founder of Run With Purpose. Both are working to provide support and change to the mental health experiences of Black Men in the UK.⁠ ⁠ The Brave Project has a mission to address the reality that BAME boys and young Men struggle to openly discuss their mental health and face heightened risk of suicide. They aim to empower BAME youth to speak up without fear.⁠ ⁠ Run with Purpose is a social enterprise empowering Men to improve and maintain their mental health. They do so through group runs, workshops and 1:1 coaching.⁠ They came together to discuss the work that they do for our #whywemove campaign which will be available to watch tomorrow. #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #movingblackforward