This MANUP? Talks session focuses on something that is often discussed, but rarely handled well. How we engage with Black and racialised men around mental health in a way that actually works.
Too often, support systems assume that if men are not talking, they are disengaged or resistant. For many Black men, the issue is not unwillingness. It is mistrust, past experiences of being misunderstood, cultural pressure, and systems that were never designed with them in mind.
Hosted by Mavis Wenham, Board Director at ANKH Place CIC, this session will explore how professionals, organisations, families, and communities can engage with Black men more effectively. Not by talking at them, but by understanding the realities they face and changing how we listen.
This session is not about blame. It is about learning. It is about recognising why some approaches fail, and what actually helps men feel safe enough to speak honestly.
What this session will cover
Why many Black men disengage from mental health services.
The impact of stigma, racism, and cultural expectation on help-seeking.
How professionals and supporters can build trust rather than reinforce distance.
Practical ways to engage without judgement or assumption.
Who can attend
MANUP? Talks sessions are open to men and women. This session is for anyone who genuinely wants to understand, listen better, and be part of meaningful change for Black and racialised men.
A Zoom link and passcode will be shared after sign-up.