Lucy Twilley, Advice & Wellbeing Coordinator here at UCASU has pulled together a collection of resources and organisations that are specifically to support and improve black mental health.
As part of our Black History Month at UCASU, we have compiled resources and organisations that work specifically to support and improve black mental health. There are a huge amount of systemic and interpersonal issues faced by black students in the UK today, and at UCASU, we recognise the importance of signposting students to the best support available to them.
Black Minds Matter
Black Minds Matter is a charity that offers mental health services, free of charge, to members of the black community. They have a network of black professional therapists who you can access to support your mental health. Their aim is to remove the stigma around mental health, making mental health topics more relevant and accessible for black people in the UK. Not only do they offer free therapy, but you can access online resources and a platform for black voices and thoughts to be shared within a community. Further, they have an online shop selling BMM merchandise, where 100% of the profits go towards covering the cost of therapy sessions - whilst enabling them to connect and collaborate with black artists. You can access all of this here.
Bayo
Bayo is an online platform for the black community to find organisations, services and collectives across the UK. You can enter your postcode or local area into their search bar and it will show you any local services or organisations to support and empower black people in the UK. You can find therapeutic services, groups, communities and support systems on the platform. Developed by The Ubele Initiative, Mind, Young Minds and Best Beginnings, Bayo was funded by National Emergencies Trust and is run by The Ubele Initiative. This is a great platform to use if you are looking for local resources and organisations to support your mental health and wellbeing. Access Bayo here.
Therapy for Black Girls
Therapy for Black Girls is a platform specifically for black women that helps black women find a therapist to suit them. It is an online space that aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues, encouraging black women to take the step into finding a therapist. Not only can you find a therapist on the platform, but they have an online blog that aims to present information on mental health in a way that is more relevant and accessible. There is also The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast, which is a weekly chat about all things mental health and personal development. Access Therapy for Black Girls here.
Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN)
If you are looking for a therapist who identifies with you from an ethnic perspective, the Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN) is a great place to start. BAATN is the largest community of Counsellors and Psychotherapists of Black, African, Asian and Caribbean heritage in the UK. BAATN is a social enterprise, run mostly by volunteers and funded mainly by membership fees, crowdfunding and donations. Access support from BAATN here.
Mendu
Mendu is a guided journaling app specifically for women of colour that provide prompts that are tailored specifically to the experiences of women of colour. The app is not only for the purpose of journaling, but for community, empowerment and connectedness. They are on a mission to create an inclusive space where women of colour can decompress, discuss and outlet the effects of racism in their lives, whilst connecting with like minded people. Access Mendu here.
100 Black Men of London
100 Black Men of London is a charity led by Black men that focuses on serving the black male community through mentoring, education, economic empowerment, health and wellness. They deliver programmes and activities for black men to help their members achieve wonderful things and reach their full potential. Their activities and programmes seek to create positive actions and experiences through community and wellbeing. Access 100 Black Men of London here.
For advice and support during black history month, you can get in touch with the UCASU Advice and Wellbeing service at advice.su@uca.ac.uk.