Black History Month

In 2024, the theme was Reclaiming Narratives and we had a particular focus on Being Visible – highlighting the contribution of some of our Black psychiatrists, the experiences of people using mental health services and celebrating the achievements and contributions of Black people to society.

Podcast: Dr Naa Adoley Addo's Psychiatric Journey from Ghana to the NHS

In this conversation, Dr Naa Adoley Addo shared her journey from psychiatric training in Ghana to her practice in the NHS.

She discussed the rigorous training she underwent, the challenges and rewards of working in the UK, and the cultural differences she encounters in mental health care.

Naa also reflected on her achievements as a psychiatrist, the balance between her career and motherhood, and the importance of cultural diversity in the psychiatric field.

Blog post: Reclaiming a positive narrative about Black people navigating mental health services

Read this powerful blog from Dr Uju Ugochukwu, Consultant Psychiatrist, considering how we reclaim a positive narrative about Black people navigating mental health services and our role, both individually and collectively, in improving equity of access, experience, and outcomes.

Dr Ugochukwu is a hugely talented female psychiatrist with extensive experience in leadership and research. She is a fellow of the College and trained Quality Improvement Coach and leading the AMHE aimed at improving access, experience and outcomes for Black men and refugees and asylum seekers.

Free Members' Webinar: ‘I See You’ – Leading Cultural Change in Healthcare

This webinar was held on Thursday 10 October in partnership with the Association of Black Psychiatrists (ABP-UK). It was chaired by Dr Tim Ojo, general adult psychiatrist and former Associate Registrar (2017-2022).

This discussion took us on a journey of navigating the healthcare system through the eyes of leaders both in and outside of the healthcare system, who are trying to bring about cultural change to better serve our patients and create a more enabling and inclusive space for our workforce.

Speakers

• Chair: Dr Tim Ojo, Consultant Psychiatrist, Coach, Leadership Mentor, Accredited mediator and Organisational Consultant
• Ashiedu Joel, NED and Councillor in Leicester
• Jennifer Izekor, Cultural Intelligence & Inclusive Leadership Trainer, CEO Above Difference Ltd
• Dr Buki Adeyemo, CEO of North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS FT

The College celebrated Black History Month 2023 by exploring the relationship between mental health and the arts.

Podcasts

Listen to an in-depth conversation between Oluwatunmise Oladapo Kuku, podcaster and life coach and Ms Praise Ogabi in which they shared stories of dealing with mental illness, as well as their relationship with using art as a form of therapy.

You can also hear about the extraordinary contributions of black female psychiatrists, in our podcast delving deep into the vital issues of racism and equity within the field of psychiatry. Host Dr Uju Ugochukwu was joined Dr Itai Matumbike and Dr Mona-Lisa Kwentoh sharing their experiences, knowledge, and perspectives.

Blog posts

Throughout Black History Month 2023 we published a number of blog posts:

• The arts and art therapy - not a cure-all but its benefits cannot be overlooked - by medical student Oluwamayomikun Ajayi
• Afrodepression: Towards another aesthetic for Black despair - by Dr Dami Ajayi, a writer and psychiatrist
• Inaugural Aggrey Burke Fellows: Daniel Olaniyan - we hear from one of the inaugural Aggrey Burke Fellows
• Another Inaugural Aggrey Burke Fellow, Isabelle Gallier-Birt, wrote about the intersection of mental health and the arts.
• Remembering the struggles, remembering the achievements - by the College's Chief Executive, Paul Rees.

Webinar

We also held a special free Black History Month webinar for members on 12 October on 'Improving mental health through creativity'. In the webinar (included below), Dr Chinwe Obinwa led a discussion with members of the Culture Club of the UK's Association of Black Psychiatrists.

They discussed how the arts has an important role in celebrating and representing Black culture and as a form of therapy, bringing benefits professionally and personally.

For Black History Month 2022, we heard from several doctors who talk about their journeys, achievements, influences and what makes them 'proud to be'. Watch their video interviews below:

• Olufemi Talabi, a Core Psychiatric Trainee for Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
• Dr Chinwe Obinwa, a Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, Clinical Director for Forensic Career Services Derbyshire Healthcare, and President of ABP-UK
• Dr Itoro Udo, a Consultant Psychiatrist at City Clinic and Wellness Center, London, Ontario, and an Adjunct Professor at Western University, London, Ontario
• Dr Abimbola Fadipe, Consultant Old Age Psychiatrist, Executive Medical Director Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
• Dr Dami Ajayi, Specialty Doctor, Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and Trainee/Blog Editor, BJPsych International