The wellbeing project began as a men’s mental health project – designed to help men with mental health issues. The initial sessions were face to face sessions with over 200 men meeting to discuss a variety of issues and opening up to other men about their struggles. The sessions were facilitated by a qualified instructor.

The feedback from the sessions was fantastic and all the men reported what a great platform it was. To involve more men, the sessions were moved to weekly online sessions attracting up to 40 men per session – dealing with a variety of matters that affected mental health including family and relationships.

The men discussed opening up the forum to include women. Although the initial sessions centred around family and children and the cultural adjustments as a result of relocating to UK from Africa, the topics of discussion expanded and involved a variety of facilitators and speakers from organisations such Northamptonshire Mind, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Gamcare, Family Support Link, various NHS Departments, Northamptonshire Carers etc. Additionally, specialist speakers have spoken on topics such as Sickle Cell and African Nutrition.

A wide variety of topics have been discussed online including Sickle Cell, Diabetes, Dementia and Parksinons, nutrition for African people, Afrophobia, Xenophobia & Tribalism, Substance Abuse, Gambling, HIV, Sexual Health, The Power of Music on Mental health, Marriage Traditions in Zimbabwe, Food Safety, Eating Disorders, Addictions, Mental Health Coping Skills.

Sessions continue to be run online on fortnightly Monday evenings. If you are interested in attending, please get in touch on 07783189911 or uafricanassociation@gmail.com