REIMAGINING MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT: YOUNG CHANGEMAKERS RESIDENTIAL

In the run-up to the Young Changemakers residential, our Co-Producers wanted to ensure that the voices of Black and Black mixed-race heritage young people outside of the programme were heard. To achieve this, they conducted a survey, seeking input from young Black and Black mixed-race heritage individuals across the UK. This approach ensured that the discussions at the residential about reimagining mental health services weren't confined to an echo chamber, but instead included diverse perspectives from those not on the programme.

Statistics from Co-Producer Research

This research revealed a significant dissatisfaction with current mental health services. Most respondents disagreed with the statement “mental health support services understand the needs of young people”, and the dissatisfaction was more pronounced regarding support for the Black community; over 60% disagreed that services provide suitable support, and over 80% of respondents felt that mental health services do not understand the specifics of cultural distress in Black and Black mixed-race communities.

When discussing these mental health support and services, three key recurring themes emerged: lack of cultural competence, lack of accessibility, and lack of representation. Cultural barriers, such as misinformation, disillusionment, and taboos within Black communities, were significant obstacles to effective mental health support.

Highlights and Lessons Learned

Crown:

A highlight of the residential was hearing Shocka’s story about being sectioned, which resonated deeply with my experiences and broadened my understanding of the mental health system. Discussing mental health with other young people of Black and Black mixed-race heritage helped me appreciate the beauty and diversity of our perspectives.

Iola:

For me, the highlight was having the space to openly discuss needed changes in mental health services and healthcare more broadly to benefit the Black community. In this space, we didn't have to minimise our experiences or doubt that we would be listened to.

Idorenyin:

A key takeaway was realising the passion and enthusiasm among young Black people committed to improving mental health services for our community. Despite the challenges, initiatives like TDA are working to change the narrative and address our nuanced needs. I learned that being sectioned can be a lonely and demoralising experience. However, with adequate support and personal determination, even a hopeless situation can be turned around, and the lessons learned can help others on their mental health journeys.

What change would you like to see in the future?

Hannah:

We need more representation of Black people in support services, increased community involvement through accessible initiatives in schools and on social media, and enhanced education for both providers and young Black people to raise awareness and access to services.

Crown:

I advocate for more intersectionality within the mental health system, ensuring diverse and overlapping identities are acknowledged and addressed. This would ensure care is inclusive and equitable, considering factors like race, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status.

Iola:

Mental health services must be culturally competent and aware to support racialised communities effectively. It's crucial to acknowledge the historical distrust towards health and social care services and make sustainable changes to rebuild this trust.

Idorenyin:

There should be increased funding for Black people to access competent mental health care providers, as well as campaigns to raise awareness and destigmatise mental health topics within the Black community.

Connecting to the legacy of Young Changemakers

Mariama:

Although I didn't attend the residential, I was offered the role of collaborating with the organisation and an external designer to create a visual aid using the recommendations and discussion points from the young people. This visual aid will reflect the ideal society envisioned by the residential participants and will be highlighted in Centre for Mental Health’s report.

The Young Changemakers Programme has empowered young people to drive tangible change locally and nationally by addressing mental health inequalities affecting young Black and Black-mixed heritage individuals. The residential further emphasises the programme’s commitment to amplifying young people's voices, helping influence decision-makers, creating a more inclusive mental health system.

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