Black Mental Health Matters on Colourful Radio

4 February 2020

Written by: Lambeth Council

Health and Wellbeing

Patrick Vernon OBE and Sinai Fleary present a radio show every week in February on Black mental health with guests in conversation.

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Black Mental Health Matters on Colourful Radio

Colourful Radio presents four shows on Black Mental Health presented by Patrick Vernon OBE and Sinai Fleary. The first is broadcast on Time to Talk Day, Thursday 6 February at 9am (repeated 6pm), with a new broadcast every Thursday at 9 am and 6pm until 27 Feb.

People who care

“We’re extremely honoured to present this series of important radio programmes. We hope to spark everyday conversations in our community about mental health and wellbeing. The shows will provide everyday experiences and professional advice. We hope that those suffering in silence are able to seek help and realise they are not alone and there are plenty of people who care”, say Patrick and Sinai.

Word from the Cabinet

Cllr Ed Davie, Cabinet Member for health and Adult Social Care, said: “Lambeth is the proud home of one of the UK’s biggest black communities. Before and since the Windrush Generation arrived, black people have made a massive contribution to our borough, city and country. Whilst many have thrived, a disproportionate number have suffered worse mental health and other outcomes than people of other ethnicities. In 2013 Lambeth’s Black Health and Wellbeing Commission sought to address that issue with our black residents and whilst some progress has been made but it remains an important issue. That’s why I am really pleased to support these radio shows and events that continue the dialogue and progress.”

 Grass roots

  • The Feb 6 show features Tony Cealy’s ‘What’s killing Black men?’ a grass roots, improvised play focusing on male mental health and suicide – performances in Black History Month really got the community talking and there are repeat dates by popular demand in Brixton (Feb 11) and Streatham (Saturday 15) Libraries.

BCA Archive

  • Show 2 (13 Feb), features contributions from Sadiki Harris and Nathan Lewis of Black Thrive, and audio-visual Artist and psychotherapist Stephen Rudder discussing his exhibition on Black Men and Mental Health at Black Cultural Archives (BCA).

Experience of services

  • Show 3 (20 Feb) includes Natalie Creary, Black Thrive; Neil Robertson, Lambeth Living Well Network Alliance; Dr Chanelle Myrie, Clinical Psychologist and joint Head of the Mental Health Promotion Team at SLAM; and Tuiette Thomas, sharing her lived experience as a mental health service user, discussing Mental Health Services in Lambeth.

Spirit and mind

  • Show 4 (27 Feb) Faith and spirituality and Mental Health, with Juney Mohammed, BME Community Development Service Manager at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Rev, Poseda Langley-Perkins, Pastor at Church of God of Prophecy, House of Bread) and Church leader Sis Cindy.

For more information