#NOMORESTIGMA
Black Mental HEALTH Campaign
STIGMA - A HUMAN STORY
It’s not the heat that’s bothering him. Tragically it’s his own thoughts. He has declined into a deep despair, trapped in a place of frustration, discomfort and non-stop torment. It’s like he’s the prey of a mosquito that’s constantly buzzing in his ears. The thing is, he wasn’t always this way.
So when did his downfall begin?
Was it when he feared judgement and humiliation from his colleagues if he revealed that work was getting way too stressful?
Was it when he confessed to his dad saying, “I’m kind of struggling dad.” To which his dad replied, “that’s life son, you’ll be alright.”?
Was it when he cried after his wife left him and his friend told him to stop crying and man up!?
Who knows...
What we do know is that the impact of mental health stigma in the black communities can be devastating. There’s silence, cries for help, shame, guilt, ridicule, denial and fear. There are
unhelpful comments such as:
“Those things don’t happen in our family.”
“Counselling is for white people.”
“I don’t want people knowing my business.”
“Come on. It’s not as bad as you think.”
“It could be worse.”
And the list goes on…
IT HAS TO STOP
WE ARE ON A MISSION
- Encourage discussions and hear real stories of being stigmatised by family and friends.
- Spread awareness via social media.
- Challenge stigmatising comments and behaviours.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
- You are aware of the harmful effects that stigmatising words, comments, phrases and behaviour have on people who try to talk about their mental
health. - You highlight, educate and challenge any form of stigmatisation, whether it be amongst family, friends or colleagues.
- You show compassion to others with regards to their mental health and seek to be able to spot the early warning signs of a mental illness.
- You are aware of and promote a range of mainstream and grassroots mental health organisations for those in need.
The first 20 Advocates who sign up may be eligible for FREE Mental Health First Aid for Adults. This is a nationally recognised course designed to teach people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first aid basis. The course helps with spotting the signs and symptoms of low mood, stress and anxiety. It provides the language to encourage family and loved ones and aims to reduce the stigma often experienced by those who need help.
We are offering £25 to the first 10 people willing to go public about the impact of stigma within families.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT GROUPS
We provide emotional support to Black African and Caribbean communities. Based on an African-centred healing approach, we provide an alternative route to mental health support based on the specific needs of the community. These groups can be commissioned to supplement primary and secondary mental health services.
BLACK & ASIAN STAFF SUPPORT
We provide support to Black and Asian Staff who have experienced discrimination in the workplace. We address their healing through targeted support groups, workshops and coaching. We empower them to share their experiences and aspirations for their organisations. By helping to build and grow Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff networks, we amplify their voices, drive engagement, improve relationships with senior management and turn ideas into measurable actions.
Making discussions about race the norm
Working with you to give the silenced a voice.
