I recently attended the “Making Time for Black Mental Health” event hosted by Bella from Think Tenacity Academy CIC at Cottons Caribbean Restaurant in Vauxhall. The event took place on friday 22nd of May 2026

it was a reminder of the importance of safe community spaces that centre Black wellbeing. The event brought together over 100 attendees, including families, carers, advocates, therapists, Plus Healthwatch Southwark, Healthwatch Lambeth, CNWL Talking Therapies Service Westminster, Carers UK, alongside other community organisations supporting mental health awareness and wellbeing.

We were all united around conversations on mental health, lived experience, and reducing stigma within the Black community.

The event was officially opened by Folake Segun, CEO of Healthwatch Lambeth which led on to meaningful conversations, which I have created a video to show highlights of the event.

As a carer advocate, I found the event especially valuable because it highlighted how community-led support can create genuine impact.

The evening included a Q&A session with Black therapists and speakers who openly discussed mental health challenges, cultural understanding, and the importance of representation in support services.

There were also wellness stalls, books, information tables, and opportunities for local organisations to connect directly with the community. Seeing families, children, and professionals all engaging together showed how mental health conversations can become more accessible and less stigmatised when events are designed with inclusion at the centre.

What stood out most to me was the sense of togetherness and intentional care throughout the event. Think Tenacity’s mission to tackle health inequalities and create spaces where Black people feel seen, heard, and supported was evident in every part of the evening. Hosting the event at a vibrant riverside venue with free entry, wellbeing activities, and opportunities to socialise created an environment where people could relax while also engaging in serious and necessary discussions around mental health.

Events like this are essential because they remind us that advocacy, wellbeing, and community support all go hand in hand.

Find out more about Think Tenacity Academy CIC:
Contact: SerenaEventManager@thinktenacity.com

Next event date: 23rd September 2026
https://ThinkTenacity.eventbrite.com

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