We are Afrikindness
Mental Health
Breaking Barriers: Understanding Access to Mental Health Support in Black Communities in Leeds
Partner with usAfrikindness is proud to be working in partnership with Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service and Touchstone on an important mental health research project focused on understanding and addressing inequalities within Black communities, particularly those of African and African-Caribbean heritage
Breaking Barriers: Understanding Access to Mental Health Support in Black Communities in Leeds
About the Mental Health Research Project
Afrikindness, a Leeds-based charity supporting positive racial identity and wellbeing in Black communities, is partnering with Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service and Touchstone to deliver a focused mental health research project.
This collaboration builds on a shared commitment to reducing inequalities in access to support and strengthening culturally responsive care. Together, we are exploring the experiences, beliefs, and perceptions of African and Caribbean communities in Leeds to better understand the barriers to mental health support.
The research will inform the co-production of practical resources—both to support communities in understanding and engaging with mental health services, and to equip professionals with the knowledge and cultural awareness needed to provide more inclusive and effective care.
Our Approach
We place community voices at the centre of research engagement.
Through direct dialogue and collaboration, we are:
– Listening to lived experiences
– Exploring perceptions of mental health in communities
Our engagement spans communities in Leeds and surrounding areas, ensuring diverse perspectives across age groups and backgrounds.
Why This Research Matters
Across the UK, Black communities continue to experience significant disparities in access to mental health support, engagement with services, and overall outcomes. Cultural stigma, lack of representation, systemic barriers, and limited culturally appropriate services often prevent individuals from seeking or receiving the help they need.
This research aims to explore these challenges in depth, amplifying lived experiences and identifying practical, community-informed solutions that can influence more inclusive and responsive mental health services.
Research Status
We are actively engaging with communities, gathering insights, and building a rich understanding of the challenges and opportunities within mental health support systems
Outcomes and Findings
Our Committment
At Afrikindness, we are committed to ensuring that research does not just highlight problems, but drives real change. This project represents an important step towards building equitable, culturally responsive mental health services that truly meet the needs of our communities.
Want to get involved?
This is a collaborative, community-led project involving:
Afrikindness, leading on community engagement and outreach
Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service, contributing clinical insight and service expertise
Touchstone, supporting culturally competent approaches and inclusive practice
Together, we are working alongside parents, young people, community leaders, and individuals with lived experience to co-produce meaningful and impactful research.
