Black Mental Health Manifesto’s Post

Numerous #asylumseekers and #refugees endure harrowing experiences and profound losses, often involving prolonged exposure to violence and separation from loved ones. Many flee imminent warfare with little warning, facing a multitude of hardships. Research indicates that children seeking #asylum in Europe frequently grapple with various mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Upon arrival, these individuals may continue to face hurdles such as social isolation, familial and cultural estrangement, and difficulties accessing essential services. Language barriers and a lack of comprehension regarding legal procedures and migrant rights further compound their struggles. Displacement is happening all over the world and to people from all walks of life. At CIAC we are here to connect cultures and change lives. 🌐 We're proud to provide a low-cost fee services and extensive pro bono assistance to those in need. With five dedicated staff and ten volunteers from nine nationalities, CIAC is a diverse organisation making a difference in our ever changing community. 💪 #CIACImpact #ImmigrationSupport

🚨 The conflict in Ukraine has resulted in an estimated 15 million people needing psychosocial support, with millions potentially requiring medical treatment. A very severe problem is that access to mental health services continues to be impeded by stigma, discrimination, and human rights violations. Psychosocial support is extremely important for those, especially children experiencing conflict, displacement, family separation, witnessing atrocities, and other life-threatening events. 📢 It is paramount to raise awareness about the importance of early psychological support and provide information on common signs, symptoms, and reactions to stress and distress. The need for psychological support is greater than ever. 💔 Failure to provide children from Ukraine with proper treatment and adequate support may result in long-lasting effects that can negatively impact not only themselves but also their families and communities. 🧡 🌍 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) recognized Mental health and psychological support as a crucial and lifesaving emergency response. That is why thousands of volunteers and staff members of the National Red Cross Societies have taken part in the Psychosocial First Aid (PFA) training. Assistance is provided in Ukrainian and other languages through diverse platforms, including helplines, mobile outreach, and in-person group activities. 🫶 Read more on Psychological First Aid provided through helplines below: https://ow.ly/iGVf50Rsvtx #EU4Health #IFRC #PsychosocialFirstAid #PFA

National Reconciliation Week is a time to learn, reflect, and celebrate the rich cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year's theme, "Now More Than Ever," emphasises the ongoing need for reconciliation. I'm fortunate to have family members with Indigenous heritage, and I'm committed to supporting them and their communities. In my work as a Resilience Revolutionist and Suicide Prevention Advocate, I'm aware of the importance of cultural connection and strong family ties for well-being. Reconciliation Week is a chance to learn more about these strengths and how we can better support Indigenous Australians. This #NRW2024, I'm committed to learning more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing and to sharing resources about Indigenous mental health services. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have established culturally-appropriate services to address mental health needs. How can you contribute? Here are some ideas: - Learn about the traditional owners of the land you live on.    - Support Indigenous businesses and artists.    - Educate yourself about the history and ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous Australians. Together, we can all play a part in reconciliation. #resilience #mentalwellbeing #sewb

Happy World Mental Health Day 2024! This year's theme "Mental Health at Work," is highlighting the essential role of work in providing a sense of identity, purpose, and financial stability. At African Youth Action Network - AYAN we are dedicated to ensuring that the mental health of young refugees is prioritized, especially as they navigate job opportunities and livelihood support in challenging environments. Through our initiatives, including recent mental health training sessions with over 60 refugees in the Kyaka II and Kiryandongo settlements, we focus on creating a supportive community where young people can thrive personally and professionally. Work can be a source of empowerment, but we must also acknowledge the challenges that come with it, such as discrimination, harassment, and inequality. By providing mental health resources and advocating for better working conditions, we empower youth to share their stories and transform their communities. We need to ask ourselves, How can we collectively improve mental health and support for young people in refugee settlements? We want to hear your thoughts in the comments! #WorldMentalHealthDay2024 #MentalHealthAtWork #RefugeeYouth #AfricanYouthActionNetwork #MentalWellbeing #Advocacy #CommunitySupport #YouthEmpowerment #TogetherForChange

The major differences between Eastern European countries and Sweden can be an additional stress to migrants. Not feeling at home, discrimination and not belonging can lead to worse mental health in migrants from the former Soviet Bloc compared to Swedish locals. Reference (Blomstedt, Y., Johansson, S. E., & Sundquist, J. (2007). Mental health of immigrants from the former Soviet Bloc: a future problem for primary health care in the enlarged European Union? A cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health, 7, 1-12.) #ExpathyStats #PolishExpats #EuropeanMigrants #SwedishMigrants #PolishMigrants #Expathy #ExpathyApp #stress #stressrelief #stressless #expat #expatlife #expats #expatliving #expatfamily #expatlifestyle #socialcommunity #socialmedia #socialhealthgrowth

Empathy over division In April 2024, we lost a beautiful boy, Daniel Anjorin, killed with a Samurai sword while walking to school in Hainault, London. The tragedy of his death, by a senseless act of violence, shook us all. Yet, in the face of this horrific event, the response from the community was one of restraint and understanding. There were no calls for civil unrest from politicians, no social media campaigns to"send his killer back to where he came from". Mainstream media didn’t misrepresent the killers origins and there were no protests against immigration. Spanish and Brazilian migrants were not unfairly targeted or made to feel unsafe. Instead, there was a collective understanding that the root cause of this tragedy was mental health issues—a deeply complex and serious matter that requires our attention and resources. Contrast this with the response to another heartbreaking incident—the death of three children in Southport at the hands of a Welsh-born teenager, with mental health struggles and “no known links to Islam”. While the pain of such loss is unbearable, some reactions have only deepened the wounds. Blame and anger, while understandable, only lead to further harm and division, which is the last thing grieving families need. These incidents remind us of the importance of addressing the real issues rather than letting emotionally charged rhetoric take over. Mental health is a challenge that cuts across all backgrounds, and it's crucial that we approach it with the seriousness and compassion it deserves. Let's focus on creating a society where our responses to tragedy are measured, respectful, and aimed at healing rather than hurting. My heart goes out to all who have lost loved ones, and my hope is that we can come together to support one another, regardless of the circumstances. Dialogue is essential, even when it’s difficult. #mentalhealth #discrimination #AntiRacist #diversity #equality #inclusion #manchester #fitness #personaltrainers #boxing

Is your organization supporting #ChildrensRights? Register for the Info session on the Call for Proposals #Rights of the #child and #ChildrensParticipation 📆24 January⏱️10:00CET https://lnkd.in/gpApeT9g #EU #CERV Programme invests 12M EUR funding for projects responding to children’s needs focusing on children with specific vulnerabilities including Ukrainian children. With this call, CERV supports the policy initiatives EU strategy on the rights of the child and European Health Union: mental health (europa.eu)

Is your organization supporting #ChildrensRights? Register for the Info session on the Call for Proposals #Rights of the #child and #ChildrensParticipation 📆24 January⏱️10:00CET https://lnkd.in/ezz2JwZn #EU #CERV Programme invests 12M EUR funding for projects responding to children’s needs focusing on children with specific vulnerabilities including Ukrainian children. With this call, CERV supports the policy initiatives EU strategy on the rights of the child and European Health Union: mental health (europa.eu)

The Community Dialogue on Pressing Social Issues is a forum designed to bring together diverse voices within the community. It provides a platform for open discussions on various societal challenges affecting the youth. Eg. Youth Restiveness, Youth Unemployment, Substance Abuse and more. Yiaga Africa FCDO Services #EYCH #turnupdemocracychallenge #youthdevelopment 

Is your organization supporting #ChildrensRights? Register for the Info session on the Call for Proposals #Rights of the #child and #ChildrensParticipation 📆24 January⏱️10:00CET https://lnkd.in/dgevXS9k #EU #CERV Programme invests 12M EUR funding for projects responding to children’s needs focusing on children with specific vulnerabilities including Ukrainian children. With this call, CERV supports the policy initiatives EU strategy on the rights of the child and European Health Union: mental health (europa.eu)