Mental Health Awareness Week 2021


Your mental health is the best investment you can make for your future health. Here are 4 steps to start looking after your mental health and some amazing organisations that work hard to support young people’s mental health in the UK.

At Genesis Sun we believe that every young black person should be supported, encouraged and empowered to make an informed choice about their wellbeing.  We want to support the drive to break the stigma surrounding mental health so that every individual can thrive in everything they do. We must challenge the misconception that mental illness affects only the ‘weak,’ and that our mental wellbeing is static and unchangeable.

We have shared 4 steps to start looking after your mental health. We have also included some amazing organisations that support young people’s mental health in the UK.

Mental health in black people

Studies show that black British people in the UK are much more likely than others to be diagnosed with serious mental illnesses. Stigma, cultural barriers, and systemic discrimination are all issues that both black men and women confront throughout their lives. Therefore, we feel it is extremely important to make positive changes and support our community in every way possible.

Making positive steps 

Sometimes it can be difficult to make positive changes, particularly in uncertain times. It can be especially difficult to know where to begin. We have shared 4 steps to enable you to take care of your mental health and wellbeing.

1.Take every day as it comes.

It can be as simple as going for a walk, practising a new skill, or doing something creative. Setting small goals each day will help you to stay focused and motivated.

2.Stay active

Regular exercise is extremely important. Regular exercise is good for your self-esteem, concentration, sleeping patterns, and mood. Exercise keeps the brain and your other vital organs healthy. It helps with motivation and confidence, which is something we believe to be extremely important at Genesis Sun.

3.Do things that make you happy

Keep doing the things you love to do and the things that are important to you, it can help keep the fun in your life. It will give you a sense of accomplishment and purpose, boost your confidence and help to connect with others.

4.Connect with others

Strong family ties and compassionate friends will support you in dealing with life’s pressures. Spend time with family, friends (including pets) and the people in your community. Together the people around you can help strengthen your mental health and wellbeing.

Where can I find support? 

If you are a young person in need of support, there are lots of amazing organisations that can support you.

YoungMinds – YoungMinds is a charity who aim to ensure that no young person feels alone with their mental health and that all young people get the mental health support they need, when they need it, no matter what. You can text the YoungMinds Crisis Messenger for free 24/7 support across the UK.

Mind – Mind is a charity who provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing mental health difficulties. The campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

If you need non-urgent information about mental health support call Mind Infoline on 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk. Find more information on the Mind helplines page. 

Black Minds Matter – Black Minds Matter connects black individuals and families with free mental health service. They have amazing black therapists to support you with your mental health. They work towards removing the stigma and remodelling the services to be relevant for the black community. To find out more about their work, therapists, and to get involved contact them today.

Genesis Sun needs your help

At Genesis Sun we recognise the importance of mental health and believe that prevention in mental health is not just urgently needed but also represents the best investment we can make for our future health.

We work with young black people to help build their confidence and unlock their potential. Our vision is to create a stronger and more diverse nation through inspiring, encouraging and promoting talent, we want to give our community the tools they need to thrive. To help us continue to do this we need your support. Check out our Go Fund Me page and consider a donation today.