Black History Month 2026

12 Hours ago by Nailah Haque

News

Today marks the first day of Black History Month. The theme this year is ‘Honoring our communities‘, asking us to “recognise the people whose care, courage and commitment strengthen our communities everyday.”

Across the UK, Black communities have faced significant neglect, racism and policing by healthcare services who have been unable or unwilling to meet their needs. Nearly 65% of Black people living in the UK have experienced prejudice from healthcare staff and research has found that Black people are 3.5 times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act.

There are various social factors that have led to barriers for Black communities, including:

Cultural barriers and stigma which can mean that some communities see mental health issues as shameful or embarrassing and therefore are less likely to reach out for support.
Distrust between communities and health services as health practices can be spaces where Black people are subject to discrimination.
Language barriers within healthcare which means feelings, concerns or problems may not be translated properly.
Medical professionals may lack knowledge around the experiences or factors that can impact Black peoples’ mental health.
Racism and discrimination from professionals which can lead to them perceiving mental health crisis as aggression or anger.

Pioneers of Mental Health in the Black Community

Throughout history, Black people have made significant contributions to mental health practice whilst tackling everyday discrimination. Organisations such as Black Thrive, founded by Dr Jacqui Dyer, works with various community groups, local politicians and health care services to initiate systemic change needed for Black communities to thrive. Black Minds Matter and Therapy for Black Girls both offer support finding culturally sensitive, anti-racist and inclusive therapy services.

Dr Beverly Greene has spent her career reshaping therapy practices, challenging the idea that culture, identity and lived experience are not important to mental health for black communities.

Dr Aggrey Burke was the first Black consultant psychiatrist in the NHS. Whilst working at St George’s hospital in London, he researched racial inequalities across healthcare and psychiatry, specifically looking at the disproportionate number of black men detained across hospital wards. A paper published explaining these inequalities eventually led to the Commission for Racial Equality Enquiry. In 2023, the Aggrey Burke Fellowship for Black medical students was created.

Tryphena Anderson, from the Windrush Generation, came to the UK in response to calls from the government to support the NHS. As one of the few Black Women working in healthcare at the time, her insight and experience shaped community-based mental health support.

Dr. Jacqui Dyer is NHS England’s Mental Health Equalities Advisor and the Chair of Advancing Mental Health Equalities Taskforce. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with vulnerable groups and grassroot community organisations, contributing to a transformation of mental health policy and provision. This has included the founding of Black Thrive and developing the first anti-racism framework for mental health service providers; The Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework.

Where you can find support:

At Working Well, our Upskills Reach service specialises in supporting Black and minority ethnic communities in accesses mental health and employment support.