Young Black people have helped to create a novel training programme that aims to bridge gaps in mental health awareness and improve access to services.
Working with experts at the University of Birmingham, young people who have experienced mental illness have created the Co-STARS training package, which focuses on enhancing mental health literacy within Black communities.
Funded by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation), the team is now preparing to take the training package into underserved Black communities. Gathering in places of worship and community centres, young people will deliver the training in a bid to encourage people from these communities to access timely support for their mental health.
Co-STARS focuses on providing accurate knowledge about mental illness, self-care practices, and accessing appropriate support, whilst addressing often-overlooked cultural nuances among people from Black African and Black Caribbean backgrounds.
Co-STARS represents a joint effort to dismantle mental health disparities and secure lasting change by empowering Black communities and health professionals. We want to reduce mental health inequalities for Black ethnic groups - Co-STARS is a beacon of hope and progress towards achieving this goal. By equipping professionals with culturally sensitive tools, we enhance their ability to address unique challenges faced by Black individuals.
Severe mental illnesses, such as psychosis, profoundly impact individuals’ lives, causing distress and altering their perception of the world. Unfortunately, vulnerable groups, including those from minority ethnic backgrounds and socioeconomically disadvantaged situations, bear an unfair burden.
In the UK, Black individuals are disproportionately affected by psychosis, facing barriers to accessing mental health support. These challenges stem from racism, discrimination, mental health stigma, and limited awareness of the symptoms of mental health, also known as mental health literacy.
The community-based evaluation of Co-Stars sees the young people and University of Birmingham experts working with Catalyst 4 Change CIC, Forward Thinking, Birmingham Women’s and Children's Foundation Trust, and Black Country HealthCare NHS Trust.
Through four work packages, the project will deliver training directly to local underserved communities through Black youth facilitators, whilst providing an online training course specifically tailored to better support Black communities. Rigorous research trials will assess the impact of Co-STARS - measuring outcomes such as reduced mental health detentions, improved well-being, and societal benefits
Assistant Professor
Staff profile for Siân Lowri Griffiths, Research Associate and Teaching Fellow in the School of Psychology at the University of Birmingham.
