I Am My Brothers Keeper

In the UK, people of African Caribbean descent are far more likely to be diagnosed with mental health and sectioned under the mental health act. 

Research shows although people do suffer from mental health in predominantly black countries such as Africa and the Caribbean, the symptoms nor the experience is the same with statistics showing to be significantly lower. Here in the UK there are concerning risk factors that contribute to a young black man’s quality of life that other races do not have to endure, such as systematic racism and police brutality often starting from the early age of 11 years old. 

Being taught from parents that you have to work twice as hard as any other race in education and career choices in combination with being a targeted within the criminal justice system, for example stop and search where black males are 8 times more likely to be stopped and searched than any other race because of the colour of one’s skin is also triggering and difficult to grasp but are expected to understand that society has a dislike for them and move with caution. 

When a young person sees no positive representations of themselves and feels they are of no value it is no surprise that bad decisions are often made that can be endangering to themselves as well as others. What makes it worse is they are living upto the expectations that are placed upon them before they are even born. 

Currently 32% of young black men under the age of 18 are taking up the prison population, serving longer sentences than other races 

Around 50% of mental health starts from the age of 14 years old and although it is often genetic, environmental factors are also said to be the cause. 

We want to use this project as a prevention and or intervention getting our young men back on track and with a healthy mind state. 

Taking these young people to Ghana as part of the project creates a safe space out of their normal environment where they can be themselves whilst learning about the origins of their history and culture. Demonstrating what a positive community with people look like them looks like, whilst implementing all of the resources we have been able to poole together. This will help to build up the confidence and courage to build stronger and lasting relationships with people within their own community in the UK, build up their self esteem and ultimately take pride in their identity. This will not only benefit the young people on the trip but the rest of the community making it a safer and more productive environment for all. 

This project is our direct response to what is currently happening within our community and our call to action.