MBS Brief
MindBodyandSoul (MBS) for Mental Health in BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) Communities in the UK was founded in 2017 by a group of dedicated Ugandan health diaspora professionals based in Northwest England. The organization, also known as MBS, was established with a primary mission to promote health awareness and combat stigma prevalent within black communities in this region.
Over the course of just a few years, MBS has become a household name among families across Northwest England. Parents regularly reach out seeking guidance and resources to better understand neurodiverse conditions, manage challenging behaviors, and promote the mental health and well-being of their children. It quickly became apparent that there was a critical need within our community that required immediate attention and support.
Today, MBS operates as a registered Charitable Incorporated Organization (CIO) with a robust governance structure comprising three trustees and a dedicated Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Our organization is further strengthened by the invaluable contributions of up to twelve trained volunteers who play a pivotal role in our programs and initiatives.
At MBS, we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals from BAME backgrounds can access culturally sensitive mental health services and resources. Through community engagement, education, and advocacy, we strive to empower individuals and families to prioritize their mental health and well-being.
Our work extends beyond awareness-raising to actively addressing systemic barriers and disparities that impact mental health outcomes within BAME communities. By collaborating with local stakeholders, healthcare providers, and community leaders, MBS aims to drive positive change and promote equitable access to mental health support for all.
As we look toward the future, MBS remains steadfast in our commitment to serving and advocating for the mental health needs of BAME individuals and families in Northwest England. Through innovative programs, partnerships, and outreach efforts, we aspire to create lasting impacts and contribute to a healthier, more resilient community.
Join us on our journey as we continue to evolve and expand our reach, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future where mental health is prioritized and celebrated within every community.
Our Vision
A society where all members of minoritised communities in the UK have equitable access to mental health support, characterised by culturally competent care, heightened awareness, and improved engagement with mental health services, leading to a healthier, more inclusive community for minoritised communities.
Our Mission
To preserve and protect the mental health and well-being of ethnic minority communities across the UK
Our Objectives
To offer Culturally Sensitive mental health Awareness Programs and neuro diverse throughout the year:
Collaborative working with the National Health Services and other statutory providers to improve access to services and Mental Health pathways.
To offer ongoing Family and Community youth mental health Support Programs.
To get involved in research promotion and publications related to minoritised communities in Uk.
Use Engagement Metrics to monitor participant feedback, impact and outcomes
MBS Activities
Culturally sensitive mental health and neurodiverse activities:
The organisation has been dedicated to Conducting at least 10 face to face culturally sensitive workshops annually to raise awareness about mental health, psychiatric conditions, autism, and learning disabilities within minoritised communities in Uk. Some of these have been offered by external providers. These activities are ongoing every weekend throughout the year.
Our music, art, dance and drama, poems, sports, and outdoor trips to help ident beneficiaries communicate their mental health needs as well as sharing experiences during the activities. Sometimes outcomes have meant that our facilitators complete a referral or signpost for treatment and support. Such supports can be challenging as the Northwest is not diverse. We have discovered that supports needed for mental health for people of colour is not necessarily the generic offered in mental health pathways. We therefore continue carrying out research to create a better solution.
Collaborative working with the Police, NHS, Universities and Local authority:
This expo has built trust and brought positivity between ethnic minority communities and the local police. It has improved self-esteem, confidence, and resilience in 15–19-year-olds. It is the most popular project followed by our Mental Health Awareness Seminars.
LJMU holiday career guidance supports every august has been well received by the youth. It has also been a great way of career choices support for ethnic minority students. Students has also seen it as a supportive and safe space to share experiences.
Autism and learning disabilities Awareness: Women at the frontline of special parenting, misjudged
This is our ongoing psychoeducation and family narrative focus groups where women of colour, share culturally sensitive stories, experiences and how to cope with parenting children with special needs. Support is given in terms of knowledge sharing, completing paperwork, social care needs and mental heal signposting. These usually to take place in our outdoor autism friendly environments.
Improved Sense of Belong and Achievement Group (Revision):
Belonging and Achievement Group, was started after assessing school achievements verses behavioral change at school and at home as reported by parents for children of colour. This also showed that the children who struggled in school suffered more bullying, more detentions and as a result left school with no qualifications. There are more likely to get involved in criminal behavior or detention under the mental health act. We have therefore introduced the weekly STEM classes in 2022, funded by the British Science Association.