Honouring Black History Month 2025
Every October, Black History Month invites us to reflect on and celebrate the achievements, culture, and heritage of Black communities. It is a time to recognise trailblazers whose contributions have shaped society, while also highlighting the ongoing fight for racial equality and the importance of representation for mental health and wellbeing.
At West Central London Mind, we know that mental health cannot be separated from identity and lived experience. Racism, discrimination, and exclusion all impact mental health, and research shows that Black people in the UK are more likely to experience poor mental health outcomes and face barriers when seeking support. Black History Month is therefore not only about looking back, but also about listening, learning and taking action to build more inclusive and supportive communities today.
Celebrating Innovators and Inventors
Too often, the names of Black inventors and pioneers are left out of mainstream history. Yet their innovations touch our daily lives in countless ways.
Patricia Bath
The first Black woman doctor to receive a medical patent, and co-inventor of the Laserphaco Probe, which transformed cataract treatment.
Garrett Morgan
Inventor of the traffic light and a safety hood that became the basis for modern gas masks.
Gladys West
Mathematician whose work on complex algorithms paved the way for GPS technology.
Elijah McCoy
Engineer and inventor whose automatic lubricator revolutionised machinery, inspiring the phrase “the real McCoy.”
Frederick McKinley Jones
Inventor of the portable refrigeration system, revolutionising food storage and medicine.
Alice H. Parker
Designed an early central heating system, paving the way for safer, warmer homes.
Celebrating Black Mental Health Advocates
Alongside innovators in science, art, and culture, many Black leaders have worked tirelessly to transform the conversation around mental health.
Olaudah Equiano (1745–1797)
Abolitionist whose writing and activism highlighted the trauma of slavery and its lasting psychological impacts.
Professor Dawn Edge
The UK’s first Black female professor of mental health, whose research focuses on reducing inequalities and improving culturally informed care.
Dr Jacqui Dyer MBE
Mental health campaigner and advisor to the NHS, leading national work on tackling racial disparities in mental health services.
Akala
Artist, writer and activist using music, education, and advocacy to highlight the impact of inequality on identity and mental health.
Candice Brathwaite
Author and broadcaster sharing honest stories about identity, motherhood, and wellbeing, sparking vital conversations around mental health.
These advocates remind us that mental health activism is inseparable from the fight for equality and that representation is vital in ensuring services are fair, inclusive and accessible to all.
Black History in the UK
Black History Month has been marked in the UK since 1987, when it was first celebrated in London. Today, it is a national opportunity to celebrate Black British culture and heritage, to recognise the struggles against racism and injustice, and to honour the stories that have too often been overlooked.
It is also a moment to celebrate the huge contribution of Black communities to every aspect of British life: from the Windrush generation and their descendants who helped rebuild post-war Britain, to the countless contributions in music, art, literature, science, politics, and sport.
Food, Identity and Mental Health
Food plays a powerful role in supporting mental health and wellbeing:
- Mindfulness – chopping, stirring, and tasting encourages you to be present in the moment.
- Connection – meals bring people together, reducing feelings of isolation.
- Identity – cooking traditional food strengthens cultural pride and belonging.
- Creativity – experimenting in the kitchen can boost mood and self-esteem.
For Black communities, food is also a way of holding on to heritage. Recipes are a reminder of where people come from and the resilience of those who came before.
Our Suicide Bereavement and Prevention team have compiled a list of recipes for Black History Month.
You can find the recipes here.
Taking Action This Black History Month
Black History Month is not just about remembrance; it is about action. Here are some ways you can get involved:
- Learn and share – explore the lives of Black trailblazers and amplify their stories.
- Support Black-led initiatives – whether through businesses, community projects, or creative work.
- Challenge inequality – speak up against racism and support change in your community.
- Prioritise mental health – encourage open conversations about wellbeing within Black communities and beyond.
Mental Health Resources for Black Communities in London
We know that finding the right support can feel overwhelming, especially when mental health services have not always reflected or understood the experiences of Black people. There are a number of organisations working specifically to support Black communities:
- Black Minds Matter UK – providing free, specialised therapy for Black people across the UK, with culturally competent Black therapists.
- BAATN (Black, African and Asian Therapy Network) – the UK’s largest community of therapists of Black, African, Asian and Caribbean heritage, offering resources and therapist directories.
- Black Thrive London – a partnership focused on improving the mental health and wellbeing of Black communities, addressing systemic inequalities.
West Central London Mind, providing free and low-cost services in Brent, Westminster, Wandsworth, and Kensington & Chelsea. Our goal is to ensure support is inclusive, accessible, and shaped by the needs of our diverse communities.
If you are seeking support, you do not have to face things alone. Reaching out is a powerful first step, and there are services here in London that understand the importance of culture, identity and lived experience in mental health care.
Posted on: 16th October 2025