Racial Trauma after Tragedy and Supporting Black Students

*Stay tuned this will be updated  as people share resources*

This page contains a list signposts to places for therapy and counselling, books, articles, podcasts and other resources to support the wellbeing of people going through racial trauma.

Therapy and counselling are only one method of supporting your mental wellbeing - if this is the support you choose, please ask and conduct research into the type of therapy or counselling you think would benefit you.

 

If you have a mental health condition, you may be able to access Disabled Students Allowance, that can help you access one-to-one support and help cover disability-related costs.

If you are struggling to complete your studies, you may be able to apply for Extenuating Circumstances - please speak to your department or the Union advice service to help you through the process.

UCL Specific

• UCL Counselling Service are now doing all appointments over phone — fill in this form to book an appointment: 

  • You can specifically request to have a BME councillor on this form if that is what you would prefer.

• Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) - you can speak to their advisors for 1-to-1 support, get advice, etc. 
• BME Network will be hosting self-care sessions - follow us  @uclbme2020 to find out when 

External places for therapeutic support:

• You can self-refer or refer through your GP to a local NHS Psychological Service for free / for young people - waiting times may vary
• Local services and community groups supporting BME communities: Camden and Islington 
• Nafsiyat (get a referral for free short-term therapy, or pay for therapy)
• Black, African and Asian therapy Network – Therapist directory with free services available
• Accept Consortium - provides free psychotherapy and counselling services to Islington BME residents.
• Imkaan – UK based, black feminist organisation dedicated to addressing domestic, sexual and familial violence against BME women and girls

• Muslim Counsellors and Psychotherapist Network (MCAPN) -  directory of Muslim counsellors 

• Muslim Youth Helpline - a helpline supporting Muslim young people (open 7 days a week, 4-10pm)

• Black Minds Matter UK  - free professional mental health resources in the UK

• Black Thrive – UK partnership between communities to address black mental health inequalities

• Inside Out UK – Blog, workshops and events that provide young adults with the tools and techniques to manage and optimise their mental wellbeing, sign up to newsletter for notification of upcoming events such as ‘Dealing with Racial Trauma’ June 25th.

External Resources:

• An interactive flow chart for those that are struggling with self-care

Books

• All About Love – bell hooks
• Healing racial trauma: the road to resilience – Shelia Wise Rowe
• The Racial Healing Handbook: Practical activities to help you challenge privilege, confront systemic racism and engage in collective healing – Anneliese A. Singh
• My Grandmothers Hands: Racialised Trauma and the pathway to mending our hearts and bodies – Resmaa Menakem
• Inner work of racial justice: Healing ourselves and transforming out communities through mindfulness – Rhonda V. Magee
• Today I Affirm: A Journal that nurtures self care – Alexandra Elle
• Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower – Brittney Cooper

 

Articles

• The Four Bodies: A Holistic Toolkit for Coping With Racial Trauma by Nappy Head Club
• A toolkit for community and self-care tool kit for cultural trauma and hosting own healing space for your friends and family
• Self-Care Tips for Black People Who Are Struggling With This Very Painful Week - Rachel Miller
• Article on Black Men and toxic masculinity and self-care - Satya
• Self-Care for Black Queer Men
• 101 ways to take care of yourself when the world feels overwhelming - Annie Wright

 

Podcast

• LobaLand x TheNapMinistry – rest then rise guided meditation for black community during this time of activism to help recharge energy and change the world for the better (all streaming platforms)
• A podcast exploring self-care for Black Men - Let’s Talk Bruh
• Podcast: Mental Health for Activists
• Irresistible Movements Podcast

 

Social Media Pages

• Rest for Resistance - a website for QTPoc Mental Health
• @thenapministry – exploring importance of rest as a form of resistance and reparations
• @therapyforblackgirls – mental health resources and podcasts
• @blackandembodied – mental health therapist and social justice advocate
• @rachel.cargle / @thegreatunlearn – resources, social justice and educational information/tools
• Self-care tips on Instagram by Reign x Shine