Black History Month takes place each year in October, aimed at celebrating the culture, history and achievements of black communities. At Life Links we also want to highlight the importance of mental health within the Black Community, with a goal of breaking down that stigma.

For more information about Black History Month click here: https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/

What is our aim during Black History Month?

During this month we want to raise awareness in certain topics such as the existing stigma surrounding mental health, with a purpose of empowering others to share their stories. By doing this we want to reassure others who are experiencing or who have previously experienced ill-mental health that they are not alone, and there is support available.

A great example of this would be Luli Ade. She started a blog to allow Black men to have the opportunity to speak up about mental health, and to share their personal experiences with it. Her purpose was to tackle the stigma surrounding mental ill-health in the black community. She is a great inspiration to us and has proven that even in a small scale, sharing these experiences and stories can be beneficial.

Her Story was covered by the BBC, to watch the video click the link below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZxBAW56awE

What are we doing at Life Links?

Here at Leicester Life Links we have always been a diverse service open to all communities. Throughout October we will be running Workshops and support groups related to Black History Month. Our BAME group was kick-started in July, and we will continue to be running sessions throughout October. We have also developed a Recovery Education Workshop ‘Creativity for Wellbeing’ which we will link to the creative side of Black History Month, and the impact of Black Artists and creative’s all around the world.

For more information on how to join our BAME group and Recovery Education Workshop Contact us

What’s happening in Leicester?

Leicester is a city proud of its diversity and multiculturalism, as well as its ability to express it self artistically. There is no better place to celebrate Black History month. There are plenty of events happening in Leicester from Art exhibitions, to powerful talks and master classes.

If you are interested in attending any of these and want to know more about how Leicester is celebrating Black History month click here https://www.serendipity-uk.com/black-history-month-leicester/

We hope to achieve our aim of spreading awareness, and that you can join us in celebrating Black History Month 2020!