How have your experiences influenced you?

Growing up, I always felt a strong connection to my roots and a passion for community. I’ve seen first hand how cultural identity shapes our experiences and influences our mental health. This understanding inspired me to switch working in Hospitality into the community sector, where I could advocate for change and help create supportive environments for everyone. 

My own journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In my previous workplace, I faced outright racism and discrimination that deeply affected my mental health. Experiencing bias and hostility from senior managers was a tough pill to swallow, and it made me question my worth and place in the professional world. It was a harsh reminder of the systemic issues that continue to exist, but it also fuelled my passion for advocating for marginalized communities. I realised I wanted to be part of a movement that not only addresses these injustices but actively works to create safe spaces for everyone. 

Why do we need specialist mental health support for people from African and Caribbean communities?

While there is so much to celebrate, I’ve also experienced some challenges that we need to address. Stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant hurdle. Many feel hesitant to reach out for support, especially men, who face societal pressures, fear of judgment, and the risk of being detained without adequate support. It’s crucial that we create safe spaces for open discussions about mental health, so no one feels isolated in their struggles. 

This role has my complete heart, because it allows me to connect with our amazing Black African and Black Caribbean communities in Bradford, ensuring our voices are heard and our needs are met.

The closure of day centres and drop-in services has really hit hard for mental health support in Black African and Black Caribbean communities. Many of the services out there just don’t get what we need, making it tough for people to find the help they’re after. This lack of culturally relevant support often keeps people stuck in a cycle of silence and struggle. It’s super important to push for services that truly reflect our experiences to boost our mental wellbeing. Plus, I’ve noticed a real gap in culturally sensitive resources that leave people feeling overlooked. That’s why Hope and Light is so important—we’re all about creating mental health services that celebrate who we are and really address our needs.