Project Proposal: Mental Wellbeing for Black, African, and Ethnic Minority (BME) in Manchester
This two-year initiative aims to address the unique and significant mental health challenges faced by BME men of African descent in Manchester. Our goal is to reduce stigma, improve mental health awareness, and enhance access to culturally sensitive support, leading to early intervention and increased confidence in facing life’s difficulties.
🎯 Core Objectives
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Tackle Stigma: Directly challenge harmful cultural beliefs and stigmas surrounding mental health.
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Equip Individuals: Provide participants with practical coping tools, mental health knowledge, and essential peer support.
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Strengthen Community: Foster robust community connections to act as an early, confident support network.
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Improve Access: Signpost participants to professional services (GPs, counselling, housing) when needed.
 Two-Year Programme Breakdown
The project will be delivered over two years, moving from foundational awareness to deep support and sustainability planning.
Year 1: Building Awareness & Connections
| Activity | Frequency/Scale | Description |
| Mental Health Workshops | Monthly (2 hours) / 30-50 participants | Focused sessions on core topics like stigma, anxiety, depression, and emotional resilience. |
| Guest Speaker Community Events | Bi-monthly (3-4 hours) / 40-60 people | Talks and meetings led by culturally relevant mental health professionals and respected community leaders. |
| Awareness Campaigns | Ongoing | Social media posts, posters, and short videos disseminated in key community languages. |
| Signposting Sessions | As needed | One-to-one support to connect individuals directly with professional services (e.g., GPs, counselling, housing support). |
| Training for Peer Mentors | Twice per year / 10-15 emerging leaders | Recruiting and training committed community volunteers to become mental wellbeing champions. |
Year 2: Deepening Support & Sustainability
| Activity | Frequency/Scale | Description |
| Men’s Wellbeing Meetings | Bi-weekly (1.5 hours) / 15-20 men | Consistent meetups providing a safe space for dialogue focused on mental, emotional, and physical health. |
| Cultural Wellbeing Days | 4 events per year (Half-day/3-4 hours) / 60-100 attendees (including families/wider community) | Events combining cultural practices, food, and mental health education to reduce isolation. |
| Evaluation & Storytelling | Ongoing | Collecting detailed feedback and participant stories to reflect shared learning and assess outcomes. |
| Legacy Planning | End of Year 2 | Focused efforts on training additional leaders, applying for continuation funding, and integrating successful elements into local existing services. |
📢 Promotion & Outreach
We will ensure high visibility and reach by promoting the initiative through a multi-channel approach:
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Strong Community Partnerships
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Targeted Social Media Campaigns
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Promotional Materials in Local Venues
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Leveraging Word-of-Mouth Networks
📈 Learning & Evaluation
The project is committed to continuous learning. We will systematically collect feedback, evaluate key outcomes, and actively involve participants in shaping the project’s next steps and future strategies.
