Growing racial equity in youth counselling and mental health support
Youth Access commissioned us to deliver this co-production project, aiming to help address and dismantle the gross racial inequities seen in therapeutic support.
Over a series of online interviews and workshops, and an in-person workshop, we brought together learning from four organisations which work specifically with young people of Black heritage, as well as the young people they serve.
Crucially, this project was based on the premise of decolonising not ‘diversifying’. We were not looking at inclusion initiatives to encourage more diversity in mainstream services, but rather, recognising the impact of colonisation and systemic racism in building a mental health system where Black people in particular face massive inequities and injustices. Thus, we explored therapeutic approaches that centre Blackness, acknowledge oppression, and honour collective, cultural and ancestral tools for wellbeing.
As a project led by the voices of lived experience and people facing ongoing racial trauma, we were careful to centre care as both an ethos and a practice.
Following the release of the report, we hosted a launch webinar attended by over 80 participants, inculding youth workers, therapists and lived experience experts.
Testimony:
“It was also helpful to have conversations informally and in a non-clinical setting where there was space to disrupt hierarchy and have honest conversations.”
“Having someone listen to my voice definitely made me empowered. I felt like no one understood me at all before this. Now I remind myself that I have more influence than I realise, and even small steps matter. I feel more empowered to make change when I focus on my purpose and take small, consistent actions.”
“I feel more held and supported by a network of likeminded people with similar values and purpose and that's very energising and it gives me courage to keep going.”
“I found the day was held with a lot of care, gentleness and permission.”
- Participants