Therapist Femi Agbebi talks about work by Newham Talking Therapies to help young black men in the borough reach out for mental health support.

Why has Newham Talking Therapies (NTT) launched a campaign to support young black men in Newham?

We recognised that for young black men reaching out to mental health services can be such a difficult step to make. Stigma, shame, or just not knowing where to start can all be big challenges. So, we started this campaign to make ourselves more visible to young black men in Newham, to tell them ‘We’re here! To listen and to talk’. Our hope is that more young black men feel encouraged to reach out for help.

What different approaches is the service testing?

We’ve tested out engaging local gyms and barbers’ shops with merchandise and leaflets with information about our service. We’ve been working closely with the University of East London to set up a mental health stall during their fresher’s week, and to host mental health workshops. We created a billboard artwork and advertised it at Westfield Stratford City shopping centre.

What has been the response to the digital poster at Westfield Stratford City shopping centre?

It has been brilliant both by people from the community and staff within the trust. People all across are really resonating with the importance of the message we are trying to get across. It’s getting people talking about the topic, and that’s one of the main things. The more people can talk openly about black men’s mental health, I believe the more young black men will be encouraged to seek out therapy.

How important is the campaign to you?

I myself resonate with this message so much. As a young black male, who is also a therapist, I’ve seen first hand how mental health is a tricky topic to talk about within my community. Even in my personal life, just the fact that people know I’m a therapist already makes them comfortable to talk to me about really sensitive things. That’s why I have a passion to take ‘therapy’ outside of the therapy room and into the community!

What would your message be to any young black men in Newham who might need help?

I often imagine this… A mechanic can fix your car. A doctor can fix your health. A plumber can fix the leaks in your house. A therapist enables you to pick up the pieces in life when you feel all three are going wrong. Asking for help is a sign of strength, resourcefulness, and confidence. Here at Newham Talking Therapies we’re here to help.