The Manchester University Amp programme is a five year research programme focusing on Mental Health in the Black Minority Ethnic communities with a major focus on South Asian Communities
The findings of the programme have stressed the importance of working with strategic groups in bringing together the diverse local and national organisations who are essential in addressing the often complex needs of communities.
Mental Health is often seen as a taboo subject and not openly discussed by individuals, families or communities.
The aim of the Speak UP Speak OUT Campaign is to be a tool and resource for professionals, communities and local organisations working with Mental Health Clients. Providing awareness, information and access to essential information required to address mental health issues and reduce gaps and barriers
It hopes to be an innovative campaign whereby individuals, groups and professionals are able to come together in discussion and look at ways in which Communities can be supported and provided with services which meet their needs.
In phase one Manchester University Mental health have developed an interactive Facebook page highlighting mental health topics through true accounts. This has received great interest and positive feedback. The page will provide a useful insight to areas of mental health and promote mental health support services.
The facebook page brings together a combination of information from a religious, cultural and medical point of view. It addresses the issue of Mental Health as well as informing and educating on diverse areas such as forced marriages, abuse, Black Magic, sexuality etc. To view the page, visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mental-health-Speak-UP-Speak-OUT/233144326764233
In phase two Manchester University Mental health will designing and developing an interactive websites with blogs, podcast, vodcast and forums and the last phase will deliver a nationwide campaign through workshops, seminars and conferences.
For further information, email Jawad Ahmed, at: [email protected]