Instructor Spotlight – Bame Mental Health Support

We’re back with another Instructor Spotlight to celebrate the valued, dedicated work of organisations we’ve worked with who prioritise Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) within their work. This time we’ve spoken with Alfred Oyekoya, Director of BAME Mental Health Support (BMHS), a not-for-profit organisation fiercely committed to achieving mental health equality within the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Community (BAME).

MHFAW: Tell us who BMHS are and what you do.

Alfred: BMHS focuses on education, advocacy and the provision of culturally sensitive mental health support within the BAME community. Our mission is to dismantle the systemic barriers of institutional apathy, inequalities, racism, fear and stigma that too often prevents BAME individuals from accessing the mental healthcare they need. To address these challenges, BMHS has launched initiatives such as the Vaccination Enlightenment Campaign in Wales, weekly Mental Health Awareness Training, advocacy for health equality with the Welsh Government and our partnership with Mental Health First Aid Wales (MHFAW). Ultimately, BMHS envisions a world where mental health support is accessible to everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity.

MHFAW: Why did BMHS need MHFA training/instructors?

Alfred: BMHS recognised the crucial need for MHFA training and instructors as a way to empower its response to mental health concerns within the BAME community. MHFA’s culturally sensitive framework for understanding and addressing mental health crises ensures that the support provided by BMHS is both effective and respectful of the individuals they serve. By having MHFA trained individuals, BMHS bridges the gap between a person in crisis and professional mental healthcare, allowing for immediate intervention and guidance. Additionally, MHFA training combats stigma and increases mental health literacy within the BAME community, helping to foster a safe space for open discussion of mental wellbeing. The focus on early intervention inherent in MHFA training allows BMHS to connect individuals with the right resources at an early stage, potentially averting more severe mental health challenges in the future. Ultimately, embracing MHFA training strengthens BMHS’s ability to provide the most appropriate and impactful mental health support for BAME communities.

MHFAW: How does MHFA relate to the work you do at BMHS?

Alfred: It provides a framework for our staff and volunteers to become the crucial first responders to mental health crises within the BAME community. This allows for immediate support and guidance, ensuring that individuals know they’re not alone. MHFA’s emphasis on cultural competency aligns with our mission to provide support that is sensitive to the unique experiences and backgrounds of those we serve. By promoting mental health literacy, MHFA helps in breaking down the stigma that persists within BAME communities, encouraging open conversations and reducing barriers to seeking help. In essence, MFHA is a vital tool that amplifies our ability to provide effective, culturally appropriate and empowering mental health support within BAME communities.

MHFAW: What impact has the MHFA Training had for you individually/as a team?

Alfred: Personally, it’s given me the confidence and knowledge to offer support in mental health situations, replacing fear with understanding. The training has fostered deeper empathy for the unique mental health experiences of BAME individuals, allowing me to provide more compassionate and culturally sensitive care. It’s also challenged my own internalised stigma, making me a stronger advocate for mental health equality.

Within the BMHS team, MHFA has provided a shared language and approach to mental health concerns, ensuring cohesiveness in our support efforts. By expanding MHFA training into the community, we’re building a network of empowered mental health allies within BAME communities. Ultimately, this training translates to better mental health outcomes for the communities we serve, bolstering both individual skills and our collective ability to champion mental health equality.

MHFAW: Would you recommend training as a Mental Health First Aider to others?

Alfred: I’d strongly recommend MHFA training to anyone. Much like traditional physical first aid prepares us for physical emergencies, MHFA empowers us to respond to mental health crises with knowledge and compassion. In a world where mental health challenges are widespread, this training becomes an essential life skill. MHFA allows you to be part of a crucial support network in your family, workplace, and community. The training addresses stigma, encourages open conversations about mental health and creates a safer environment for those who need help. Beyond its practical benefits, MHFA fosters personal growth, empathy, and challenges our own preconceptions. Whether you want to better support loved ones, create a more inclusive environment, or simply expand your own understanding, MHFA training is an investment with wide-reaching, positive impacts.

MHFAW: In your opinion, what is the most impactful part of the course?

Alfred: For me, the most impactful part of the MHFA course is the shift in perspective it fosters. The training goes beyond simply providing definitions and focuses on developing a deeper understanding and empathy.

MHFA challenges the stigma and preconceived notions that often surround mental illness. It humanises these struggles and emphasises that anyone can be affected, regardless of background or circumstances. This shift in understanding has made me far more compassionate in my interactions with others, giving me the confidence to offer support without judgment.

The course also highlights the importance of listening without trying to “fix” a situation. Often, the most powerful support we can offer is simply being present and providing a safe space for someone to express themselves. This focus on active listening and non-judgmental support is truly transformative and has made a profound impact on how I approach mental health conversations.

MHFAW: What’s the most positive story/experience you’ve had through delivering training?

Alfred: One particularly positive experience that stands out involved a participant who was initially hesitant to engage in the MHFA training. As the sessions progressed, it became clear that this individual carried a deep-seated stigma surrounding mental health. They shared that within their own community, mental illness was often seen as a weakness.

Throughout the training, I witnessed a remarkable shift in this participant’s perspective. The course’s focus on understanding the biological and environmental factors contributing to mental health challenges began to break down their preconceptions. By the end, they shared how the training had profoundly changed their outlook, expressing newfound empathy for those struggling with mental health conditions and a desire to challenge the stigma within their own community.

This experience underscored the power of MHFA training in not only providing knowledge but also transforming attitudes. It was incredibly rewarding to witness someone shed their own internal biases and embrace a more compassionate and informed understanding of mental health.

MHFAW: How impactful has your MHFA training been for your wider community?

Alfred: My MHFA training has had a significant ripple effect within my wider community. As a trained First Aider, I serve as a resource for those experiencing mental health challenges, providing early intervention support and guidance. This increased access to care has been crucial for many individuals. My training allows me to model the open and non-judgmental approach to mental health that MHFA promotes, gradually chipping away at the stigma that can prevent people from seeking help. By sharing my knowledge and skills, I empower others to become better informed about mental health and I’m equipped to offer basic support. Furthermore, MHFA has given me the confidence to advocate for improved mental health policies and resources, ensuring my community’s needs are heard. While the changes may be subtle at times, the impact of my training is evident in the growing openness surrounding mental health discussions, increased understanding of mental illness and individuals feeling empowered to seek the help they need.

MHFAW: Has your MBE helped you to raise awareness of mental health within your community?

Alfred: Receiving my MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) has significantly boosted my ability to raise awareness of mental health within my community. The recognition has increased the visibility of my work with BMHS, allowing me to reach a wider audience. It also lends credibility to our efforts, making it easier to engage with partners and policymakers. Importantly, the MBE recognises the crucial need for mental health equality, challenging stigma and encouraging open conversations within communities where such topics are often avoided.

MHFAW: Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

Alfred: I want to highlight the importance of lived experience within BMHS. Having staff and volunteers who bring first-hand understanding of mental health challenges within the BAME community ensures that our support and advocacy work is truly relevant and respectful. While MHFA is a valuable tool, we recognise that systemic change is needed for long-term impact. This means advocating for culturally competent healthcare, tackling socioeconomic inequalities and actively combatting racism. At BMHS, we firmly believe that collaboration is essential. We work with other organisations, mental health professionals and community leaders to amplify our work and create lasting change for mental health equality within the BAME community. I’m always eager to learn and grow, so feedback and suggestions from those with a passion for promoting mental wellbeing within marginalised communities are always welcome.