Black History Month
Every year, Black History Month is a chance to recognise, celebrate and consider the experiences of African and Caribbean communities and their diaspora.
It’s a time to reflect and explore how race, racism and mental health intersect among Black people in the UK.
On this page:
Why Black History Month is important
Black History Month is an important opportunity to celebrate and honour the experiences of Black African and Caribbean communities and their diaspora.
This month also acts a catalyst for addressing systemic racism and inequality in various aspects of society, including education, employment, and access to mental health support.
Black History is all our history and is an integral part of the UK’s history and culture. Although October acts as a dedicated month, we must continue to lift the voices and experiences of Black communities all year round.
Reclaiming narratives
The 2024 theme, ‘Reclaiming Narratives,’ focuses on empowering Black individuals and communities to take control of their own stories, histories, and representations. This theme emphasises the importance of amplifying Black voices, revisiting underrepresented histories, sharing untold stories, and challenging harmful narratives that have historically, and continue to marginalise and misrepresent Black experiences.
Reclaiming narratives is not just about representation. It is deeply connected to mental health and wellbeing. The stories we hear and see about ourselves, and our communities play a significant role in shaping our identities, self-esteem, and sense of belonging. When Black individuals and communities are misrepresented or excluded, it can contribute to feelings of invisibility, marginalisation, and psychological distress.
By reclaiming the narrative, we can combat racism, address historical trauma and empower Black voices in mental health advocacy. This is key to promoting culturally relevant care and challenging biases within the system.
Reclaiming your story and mental health
Here are some reflection prompts you may want to explore in connection with your own story, history and mental health. We recognise that some of these questions can bring up complex emotions and it’s important to hold space for these feelings. Please check in with yourself and refer to the support below should you need to.
- What part of your culture do you feel most connected to or what helps you connect with your culture?
- What aspects of your heritage do you feel proud to share with others?
- What stories from your own life or family history have shaped your identity?
- Are there stories from your family, community, or culture that you feel are not widely told or misrepresented? How would you share these stories with the world?
- How does sharing your story or your communities story empower your mental wellbeing?
- How does sharing your personal stories help you to stay connected to yourself and others?
Finding support for racism and mental health
If you experience racism as a Black person, it can leave you feeling unsafe, unwelcome, and like you don’t have a fair chance of succeeding. If you're finding things tough, we want you to know you're not alone.
This month you’ll be hearing a lot about Black people’s experiences – both past and present, both positive and negative. Sometimes this might feel inspiring. And sometimes this might feel tough. If you’re struggling this Black History Month and beyond, read our options below to see where you can get support that’s right for you.
Mind's online information
Our information provides an understanding of the impact of racism – and how and where you can seek help. If you're finding it hard to get the support you need, our tips can help you find a way forward.
Mind Infoline
If you need support, contact our Infoline by phone, email or post. We can give you information on mental health support and signpost you towards help in your area. Our Infoline is open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.
You can talk to us about:
- Mental health problems and wellbeing
- How you can look after your mental health
- Support services near you
- Treatment options, like medication and counselling
- Advocacy services
Contact our Infoline by:
- Phone: 0300 123 3393
- Email: [email protected]
- Post: Mind Infoline, PO Box 75225, London, E15 9FS
Side by Side
Side by Side is our supportive online community. It's a place we can talk openly about our mental health and connect with others who understand what we're going through.
It’s a safe place to listen, share and be heard. The community is available 24/7, and everyone is welcome.
Local Minds
Local Minds offer mental health information and support to communities across England and Wales. They’re a safe place where we can talk to people who understand mental health problems and the challenges we face.
Your local Mind might offer:
- Low-cost counselling
- Peer support groups
- Advocacy - that’s where you get support from another person to help you express your views and stand up for your rights
These local Minds offer tailored services:
- Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich Mind's Diversity Matters groups, Culturally Diverse Communities project and African and African-Caribbean counselling
- IRIE Mind at City, Hackney and Waltham Forest Mind
- Mind in Camden's Cultural Advocacy Project
- Mind in Harrow's culturally specific services
- Thurrock and Brentwood Mind's multi-ethnic counselling service
Some local Minds are also delivering our Young Black Men programme:
Other organisations providing mental health support
Aashna
aashna.uk
Provides a list of therapists working to recognise the ways in which culture, faith, religion, colour, social background, sexuality, gender and neurodiversity affect people's experiences.
African Rainbow Family
africanrainbowfamily.org
Provides support for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum and refugees of Black, African and Caribbean heritage in the UK.
BAATN (The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network)
baatn.org.uk
Provides a list of therapists from Black, African and Asian backgrounds, and signposts to local mental health and advocacy services.
BLAM (Black Learning Achievement and Mental Health)
blamuk.org
Offers mental health support to people from Black British communities, including racial wellness workshops. Works to embed Black British cultural heritage and African and Caribbean histories into teaching.
Boloh helpline
0800 151 2605
helpline.barnardos.org.uk
A helpline and web chat for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic children, young people, parents or carers affected by the pandemic. Offers emotional support and practical advice.
Diverse Cymru
diversecymru.org.uk
Welsh charity committed to supporting people facing inequality and discrimination. Offers mental health services to people from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds through its mental health projects.
Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team Wales (EYST)
eyst.org.uk
Provides services in Wales for young people aged 11–25 from ethnic minority backgrounds and their families, including support for health and wellbeing.
Rethink Mental Illness
0300 5000 927
rethink.org
Provides support and information for anyone affected by mental health problems, including local support groups.
Campaigning organisations
These organisations campaign against racism and some offer ways to get involved and have your say. You could also campaign with Mind for a fairer system.
Black Lives Matter UK
ukblm.org
Anti-racist organisation fighting to end structural racism.
Black Thrive
blackthrive.org
Works to address and challenge the structural barriers that prevent Black people from thriving.
Race on the Agenda (ROTA)
rota.org.uk
Works with communities impacted by systemic racism, to create policies and practice that tackle inequality.
Runnymede Trust
runnymedetrust.org
Challenges race inequality in Britain through research, network building, leading debate and policy engagement.
Show Racism the Red Card
theredcard.org
Anti-racism education charity delivering educational workshops to young people and adults.
Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation
stephenlawrenceday.org/stephen-lawrence-day-foundation
Works to create a more equal and inclusive society, and to create education and career opportunities for young people.
Stop Hate UK
stophateuk.org
Offers independent reporting and support for victims and witnesses of hate crimes. Visit their website to see if your area is covered and find links to other reporting options.
The Motherhood Group
themotherhoodgroup.org
Offers support for Black mothers through delivering community-based events, training workshops, peer-to-peer support, national campaigns and culturally sensitive programmes.
