CLIMBING KILIMANJARO TO SUPPORT THE MENTAL HEALTH OF BLACK MEN

In March 2020 Faith Abiola-Ellison, an NHS health and social care commissioner, will undertake an eight-day trek over Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise funds for our organisation the Red Earth Collective (REC)

REC is a non-profit, Community Interest Company, that is passionate about mental health, the arts and the wellbeing of African and Caribbean communities in the UK. We work with professional artists and people with lived experience of mental health problems to create new and innovative work that support the mental health and well-being of black people and challenges mental health stigma and discrimination

Black communities often face stigma and complexity around mental health. There can be reluctance to seek professional help or talk to family and friends about feelings of sadness, depression and anxiety. Some men self-medicate and become isolated as they attempt to solve their problems on their own. This issue of 'masking pain' is especially prevalent amongst black men who often grow up in a culture where expressing feelings of sadness and pain is often regarded as a 'weakness'

To encourage men to talk about their mental health and to seek help we have developed “Menologues”.

Menologues is a creative programme that uses theatre, music, spoken word and the visual arts to encourage men to share their stories and experiences and talk about their mental health. It provides a safe and healing space for men to develop their talents as writers and performers and we provide advice and guidance to support their wellbeing and build their resilience.

In 2018 and earlier this year we collaborated with Rites of Passage Productions ( www.rop-productions.co.uk) to produce our first Menologues programme, Revealed, a play exploring the emotional world of black man played to sell-out houses at the Midlands Art Centre in Birmingham.

We combined each performance with discussion and debate with the cast, mental health professionals and audience members all exploring the many ways we can all support mental wellness in our communities.

Faith is currently training hard as she aims to reach the top of Kilimanjaro. At 5895 metres above sea level it is the highest peak in Africa and we want to raise £1.00 for every metre that she surmounts .

Yes, we know there’s a Mountain to climb and it will be no easy task. However, we also know that with your support and Faith’s determination we can reach the summit.

www.redearthcollective.org.uk