BAME Support Resources and Ally Information
We believe Black Lives Matter and black mental health matters.
In mental health – as in other areas of life – there is a huge disparity in how black people are listened to and supported at every level. People from black and minority ethnic (BAME) groups living in the UK are more likely to:
· be diagnosed with mental health problems
· be diagnosed and admitted to hospital
· experience a poor outcome from treatment
· disengage from mainstream mental health services, leading to social exclusion and a deterioration in their mental health.
Under the outdated Mental Health Act, Black people are more likely to be compulsorily admitted for treatment, more likely to be on a medium or high secure ward and more likely to be subject to seclusion or restrain.
We are working to make sure that everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve. We won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We know there is a lot of work to do and we will fight for everyone.
Below are helpful links for BAME support and resources and information for allies.
Peer support online
Black Thrive a UK mental health partnership and are hosting Zoom chats on Fridays 4-5pm where people can discuss the current situation and how the lockdown is affecting. Join via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/549374164 Meeting ID: 549374164 Join by phone: 0203 481 5240 or 0208 080 6591 Visit www.blackthrive.org.uk
Self-care
Set boundaries - Take a break from the news and social media at this time, its okay
Digital detox - If you don’t want to take a break, please put some limits in place. Try to limit the amount of time you access the news and social media
Look at your engagement - Don’t spend your energy going back and forth with strangers on the internet whose aim it is to antagonise and invalidate
Get support where you can from friends or family. You may wish or find at this time that you may wish to seek the support of a therapist or online community
Only share what you are happy to share. Your story is yours alone and is valid
Take a break from talking from about everything find something that makes you happy
Meditation or prayer
Therapists/counselling: Please research BAME therapists, there are also free therapist network across the UK: The Free Psychotherapy Network https://tinyurl.com/ycuep4ag or Black and Asian Therapy Network