Black History Month is observed throughout the entire month of October every year in the UK. It is a time to acknowledge, reflect and celebrate Black culture, identities and contributions to history, both those that have already happened as well as the history being created today.
For 2025 the theme is ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’.
Cherron Inko-Tariah MBE on the BHM UK website described the theme as:
Power represents the influence, leadership, and capacity to effect positive change. It acknowledges the visionaries who have led political, civil rights, and social movements, as well as those who have broken barriers in business, education, and the arts. Their legacies remind us that true power is not about titles but about the collective strength, courage, and unity used to forge a more equitable future for all.
Pride reflects cultural identity, heritage, and the celebration of Black excellence. From the art and music to the stories passed through generations, pride is the heartbeat of Black communities worldwide. It’s about knowing where we come from, embracing our history, and walking boldly into the future without compromise or apology. Pride is a declaration of the beauty, the resilience, and the unmatched contributions of Black culture to the world.
As we join with those recognising and celebrating Black culture and identity this month, we also want to highlight the incredible Black people who have influenced change within mental health, especially those, who by sharing their own experiences, have highlighted the disproportionately high numbers of Black people facing negative experiences when seeking mental health treatment.
We recognise that more needs to be done to better protect the mental health of Black people and address the institutional and systemic inequalities and racism that exists within mental healthcare. We will work to help ensure that more is done to highlight the unique barriers and issues Black people face regarding mental health and support.
For more on all things Black History Month please visit the official Black History Month UK website.
Mental Health support for Black people
If you’re Black you may face difficult experiences, like discrimination and microaggressions, that can affect your mental health. It may feel helpful to get support from an organisation with a deeper understanding of your lived experienced. (this doesn’t mean that other mental health services aren’t for you – as services should always be inclusive and welcoming). Below are some organisations to check out.
Black Minds Matter UK – A charity that provides up to 10 sessions of fully funded 121 talking therapy for the Black Community, delivered by our amazing cohort of registered associate Black therapists.
The Empowerment Group - is an award-winning registered charity that supports people of Black African and Caribbean heritage aged 14 and over in the UK facing mental health challenges. This is achieved through free online 1:1 culturally appropriate therapy.
African and Caribbean Mental Health Services - ACMHS is a community-based organisation providing free and confidential culturally appropriate services predominantly to African and African Caribbean communities as well as other minority groups
The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network - Home of the largest community of Counsellors and Psychotherapists of Black, African, Asian and Caribbean Heritage in the UK
Black Mind - A grassroots art-as-activism organisation that centres the collective mental health, wellbeing, justice and joy of Black people in Britain.
BAYO - From the Yoruba word meaning 'Joy has found us' it is a space to find collectives, organisations and services from across the UK, for the Black community, to support your mental health and wellbeing.
African Rainbow Family - Charity that supports people seeking asylum and refugees who are LGBTIQ+ and have African heritage.
Refugee Council -The nation’s refugee charity having a positive impact on refugees and changing their lives for the better.