Current students Hasan Khan, Maryam Saad, and Soham Patne (Student Advisors) attended the Black History Month Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum as part of World Mental Health Day and Black History Month.
The Black History Month Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum was an initiative organised by Jordelle Akinola, the Community Engagement Lead for the North London Mental Health Partnership (NLMHP) in coordination with Black Equity Organisation and Father 2 Father. Father 2 Father is a trauma-informed specialist Community Interest Company that supports boys, men and families to fulfil their potential whilst addressing social issues. The Black Equity Organisation, is an independent, national Black civil rights organisation which was created to dismantle systemic racism in Britain, drive generational change and deliver better lived experiences for Black people across the country. This event was a chance for various NHS and community-based mental health services and organisations across the five boroughs (Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington) that the NLMHP serves, to present their current approaches to mental health and the support available in their local regions.
Experts by Experience:
The day commenced with a series of talks from Experts by Experience, the first of which was by the renowned rapper Shocka. During this, Shocka talked about his lived experiences of mental health. Shocka emphasised how mental health remains a taboo subject in many societies, often shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. Shocka’s backstory is a poignant testament to the struggles many face silently. Through the highs and lows, Shocka discovered the book ‘Self-love’ by Louise Hay. This literary discovery became a pivotal point in his journey, reshaping perspectives and providing tools to cope with negative thoughts. Shocka, now an author and advocate for mental health awareness, highlighted the transformative power of changing internal dialogue, and how it is intricately linked to positivity and the path to recovery.
In his book, ‘Section of my life’, Shocka courageously shares the complex details of his mental health journey and experiences with support services in North-west London. He also addressed the profound impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, acknowledging it as a significant trigger for individuals grappling with mental health struggles. Shocka’s story is not just a personal account; it’s a call to action, urging society to break the silence surrounding mental health and to recognise the critical role of positive internal dialogue in fostering well-being and recovery.
This was followed by a compelling talk by Kofi, who delved into the intricate challenges surrounding mental health within ethnic minority communities, shedding light on the persistent stigma that often cloaks these issues. Kofi explained the barriers individuals face in opening up about mental health concerns within these communities, stressing the need for greater understanding and acceptance. An integral part of Kofi’s story was the vital concept of representation. He underscored the power of seeing individuals from diverse backgrounds in mental health narratives, emphasising the fact that representation fosters relatability and encourages open conversations about mental health. Kofi’s perspective resonates as a call for broader inclusivity in mental health discussions, recognising the unique struggles faced by different ethnic groups.
Kofi drew attention to systemic issues within mental health services, addressing the concerning lack of engagement. He highlighted the stark contrast in funding allocation, exposing the disparity between budget-rich and budget-poor areas. This financial inequality exacerbates the already existing challenges in access to mental health services, leaving some communities underserved. Equally significant was Kofi's revelation regarding the inadequate care and support provided to the families and caregivers of individuals dealing with mental health issues. This is a compelling case for the development of avenues that extend support beyond the individual, aiming for a more holistic approach to mental health care that incorporates the well-being of the entire support network.
Insights gained:
The Black History Month (BHM) Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Forum provided invaluable insights into the challenges faced by individuals utilizing mental health services. Hearing first-hand accounts from those who have experienced these services, shed light on critical issues within the system. Participants highlighted a lack of engagement in intervention sessions and advocated for more individualized care to tailor support for each service user. One significant takeaway was the importance of recognizing patients as individuals rather than labelling them solely by their mental health conditions.
The forum also addressed the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health within communities, particularly the blame often placed on parents of children with mental health problems, who often lack sufficient support. How might the university host or support frequent conference meetings and brainstorming events that invites collaboration with various services and teams to generate innovative ideas and foster community involvement?
Co-Learning/Co-production:
Round table group talkDuring the event, we engaged with a facilitated co-learning/co-production activity centred around the question – ‘What can organisations do to ensure that racially, ethnically and culturally diverse communities and service users have their voices heard?’. Our discussions around this topic yielded fascinating insights and ideas. For example, one approach is to break down barriers by taking services directly to the community rather than expecting individuals to come to centralized services. This not only increases accessibility but also demonstrates a commitment to meeting people where they are. In communities where mental health is stigmatized, involving influential figures such as religious leaders can be instrumental. Their endorsement and support can help destigmatize mental health issues and encourage community members to engage with available services. Additionally, leveraging public figures like Shocka to promote mental health awareness events can attract a younger demographic, making mental health discussions more relatable and accessible to diverse youth.
Furthermore, establishing effective feedback mechanisms is crucial. By implementing accessible and culturally sensitive channels for service users to provide feedback, organizations can foster open communication. This includes utilizing surveys, suggestion boxes, and culturally appropriate forums (similar to the patient and carer feedback mechanisms adopted in the Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF)). Creating a closed-loop communication system ensures that participants in feedback surveys and activities are consistently updated on the impact their feedback is having, reinforcing the idea that their voices are valued and contributing to meaningful change. In addition, organizations can engage in outreach initiatives, actively participating in cultural events and partnering with external organizations. This outreach helps build trust and understanding, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity. Lastly, providing cultural competency training for all staff members ensures a more informed and respectful interaction with diverse service users, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment within the organization.
Short films section:
As part of the event, we were also able to watch exclusive film screenings of “Me, my father and mental health” produced by Black Thrive Haringey in partnership with Open Minds Alliance and Father 2 Father, featuring Courtney Brown, CEO of Father 2 Father, and "US" a service user documentary by film-maker Tim Mercier. Here are some of our thoughts on the 2 short films:
Courtney Brown – Screening of Me, my father and mental health
The short film deeply delved into the filmmaker's personal journey, exploring the complex relationship he had with his father amidst the backdrop of mental health. The film poignantly portrayed how these challenging experiences profoundly shaped his perception of fatherhood, mental health, and his own identity. What struck us the most was the inspiring transformation of these adversities into a positive driving force for change. Witnessing his resilience and commitment to turning personal struggles into a catalyst for meaningful transformation left a lasting impression on us. It is commendable that Courtney Brown's impactful work in the realm of mental health and mentorship was acknowledged by being shortlisted for the national mentoring award in 2019, underscoring the significance of his contributions to the field.
US documentary – Tim Mercier and Camila Cox
The film provided a powerful exploration of the diverse backgrounds and individual experiences of service users from various walks of life. What stood out was the creative freedom given to participants in presenting their own stories, allowing for a rich and nuanced depiction of their mental health journeys. "US" also brought attention to the stark lack of diversity among mental health institution staff, underlining the pressing need for increased representation of professionals from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, including Doctors, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, and Support Workers. The documentary compellingly emphasized the necessity for a more open and holistic approach to mental health care, advocating a departure from the overreliance on medication administration as the sole means of addressing mental health issues. Furthermore, "US" shed light on the pervasive racial inequalities in access, experiences, and outcomes within mental health services, calling for urgent and systemic changes to ensure more equitable and inclusive mental health support for all individuals, regardless of their background.
Community Mental Health spaces:
Community mental health spaces play a crucial role in fostering well-being and providing diverse support services, as highlighted by initiatives in Islington and Haringey. The mention of the Icope service in Islington underscores the importance of accessible talking therapies for individuals seeking mental health support. These community hubs not only offer therapeutic interventions but also serve as multifaceted spaces. A noteworthy example is the inclusion of peer support worker presentations in specialist services, creating community hubs that host a variety of activities and talks. Black Thrive Haringey's commitment to achieving race equity within these spaces is particularly commendable, aiming to address the disparities in staff representation. Additionally, the Tottenham Talking voluntary service stands out for its inclusive approach and providing an array of services catering to diverse interests. From drama therapy and art sessions to meditation groups and specialized groups for Black and Asian men, these community spaces reflect a holistic understanding of mental health, offering varied avenues for individuals to engage, connect, and find support in ways that resonate with their unique needs and interests.
About the writers:
Hasan Khan –
Hasan is a 3rd year occupational therapy student at St George’s, graduating this year, with interests in conducting and pursuing research especially in the field of mental health. I am particularly interested in mental health and wellbeing, especially within forensic and institutional mental health settings. Through placements in mental health acute and community hospitals, as well as medical acute wards, I have gained valuable insights into the critical significance of mental health and the profound impact it holds in an individuals' life. Coming from a Muslim Pakistani background, I recognise the vital significance of a multicultural Workforce in addressing mental health challenges, fostering inclusivity, and providing culturally sensitive care. With a strong passion for promoting mental health awareness and creating positive impacts within diverse communities. I aspire to leverage my educational journey to contribute meaningfully to the field of mental health and improve the lives of individuals in need.
Maryam Saad –
Maryam is a 4th year medical student at SGUL with an interest in mental health in marginalised communities. I have worked previously on projects looking at how inclusive and diverse healthcare spaces are, both at an educational and professional level, and investigated ways in which current issues can be overcome. As a first-generation immigrant, I am acutely aware of the stigmatisation of mental health in many communities and the numerous factors which can make it difficult to address this stigma from a healthcare perspective. As a medical student, I have seen countless examples of the significance of mental health when it comes to the wellbeing of individuals and how a sensitive approach to mental health awareness, and subsequently treatment, can help foster trust and validation in historically alienated communities. I hope to continue working both within and outside of the university to help ensure that the healthcare we provide is just as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve.
Soham Patne –
Soham is a 2nd year medical student at St George’s with a keen interest in mental health and wellbeing. Throughout my hospital and community placements, I saw first-hand how mental health issues can have multi-faceted and significant negative impacts on individuals, affecting various aspects of their lives. These experiences have strengthened my desire to destigmatize mental health issues and foster a culture of compassion and understanding. Through community involvement and academic endeavours, I hope to promote mental health awareness, and make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and the broader community.
Diib Abdi | Inclusive Education Assistant