Time for Change: Actions Not Words

October is Black History Month, and the theme for 2022 is "Time for Change: Action, Not Words."

Action Not Words emphasises how recognising the existence of racism and discrimination is not enough; we must actively embed anti-racism work within our institutions and personal actions. That includes the work we do here at CASS, as we aim to support and promote the work of Bristol’s equality and faith communities while remaining mindful of and challenging the wide-ranging effects of systemic racism on mental health and the inequity within the UK's mental health care system.

Bristol's innovative, Black-led mental health organisations, like Nilaari,  Project Zazi, and Bristol Black Carers, provide community-led mental health and wellbeing support, acknowledging the impact of intersecting oppressions on the Black community and Bristol's history as a city built on and founded on the legacy of racial injustice. These services offer an model of mental health service provision which is led by the people they serve and act as a powerful call to fund, promote and community led mental health support.

Take a look at the CASS leaflet on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic led mental health and wellbeing support in Bristol.

Some resources we've found useful this month: 

Where to get support during Black History Month, Mind

How to build mental health services fit for diverse communities, Bristol Cable

Project Zazi's Library of Resources, Off the Record

Summary reports, Black South West Network