Around 32% of Black and Black British women experience common mental health disorders, compared with around 20% of White British women.
Black communities are 3.5 times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act.
Despite higher need, Black adults are significantly less likely to receive mental health treatment than their White counterparts.
Young women aged 16–24 have the highest rates of mental health difficulties in the UK.
Her Melanin Mindset
Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Black women in Southwark
Her Melanin Mindset is a community interest company based in London, Essex, Kent and surrounding areas, dedicated to improving the mental health, wellbeing and empowerment of Black women aged 16 and over.
We provide free culturally responsive mental health sessions, wellbeing workshops and movement events, delivered exclusively by Black therapists and Black wellbeing specialists who understand the lived experiences of the community we serve.
Our Mission is simple
to create safe, accessible spaces where Black women can heal, grow and thrive.
Why Our Work Matters
Black women in the UK face unique mental health challenges shaped by the intersection of race, gender and social inequality.
Research shows:
Around 32% of Black and Black British women experience common mental health disorders, compared with around 20% of White British women.
Black communities are 3.5 times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act.
Despite higher need, Black adults are significantly less likely to receive mental health treatment than their White counterparts.
Young women aged 16–24 have the highest rates of mental health difficulties in the UK.
Black women also experience additional pressures including:
racism and discrimination
financial inequality
cultural stigma surrounding mental health
the expectation to always be “strong”
These barriers mean many Black women delay seeking support until they are already in crisis.
Her Melanin Mindset exists to change that.
Our Approach
We believe representation and cultural understanding matter in mental health support.
All of our sessions are delivered by Black therapists, counsellors, coaches and wellbeing specialists who understand the cultural, social and lived experiences that shape Black women’s wellbeing.
Our approach focuses on:
Culturally safe support
Early intervention
Community connection
Holistic wellbeing
We create spaces where Black women can speak openly, be understood and prioritise their mental health without judgement.
Our Services
Free Mental Health Support Sessions
We deliver free group and one-to-one mental health sessions designed specifically for Black women.
Sessions are facilitated by qualified Black therapists and mental health professionals and may include:
guided group discussions
emotional wellbeing support
coping strategies for stress and anxiety
self-care and resilience building
trauma-informed conversations
These sessions provide safe spaces to share experiences and access culturally relevant mental health support.
Wellbeing Workshops
Our wellbeing workshops focus on practical tools for improving everyday wellbeing.
Topics may include:
managing stress and burnout
confidence and self-esteem
boundary setting
mindfulness and grounding practices
work–life balance
healing from racial trauma
Workshops are delivered by Black wellbeing specialists and coaches who understand the unique experiences of Black women.
Movement & Community Events
Physical movement plays a vital role in supporting mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Her Melanin Mindset hosts movement events that encourage Black women to reconnect with their bodies, release stress and build community.
These events may include:
group walks
dance and movement sessions
outdoor wellbeing events
community fitness activities
Our goal is to make movement accessible, joyful and community-focused.
Our Community
Her Melanin Mindset supports Black women aged 16+ in London, Essex, Kent and surrounding communities.
Our programmes are designed to be:
accessible
free
community-led
culturally informed
We believe mental health support should not be a luxury.
It should be available to every woman who needs it.
Our Vision
We envision a future where Black women feel empowered to prioritise their mental health without stigma or barriers.
Through our work we aim to:
reduce mental health inequalities
increase access to culturally competent support
build stronger community connections
promote long-term wellbeing for Black women
Get Involved
We welcome support from:
Community Partners
Local Organisations
Volunteers
Funders who believe in improving mental health equity
Together we can create healthier futures for Black women in London, Essex, Kent and surrounding areas.