Black History Month - Black History Month, Mental Health & Health Inequalities

By Tanisha Zaman

As part of Black History Month, young people from Partnership for Young London are sharing short blogs that explore what this month means to them. Through their personal stories, they reflect on their lived experiences of BAME culture, heritage, and identity. This initiative celebration of our diversity as young Londoners, embracing dual heritages and highlighting the richness that comes from different backgrounds.

As part of Black History Month, young people from Partnership for Young London are sharing short blogs that explore what this month means to them. Through their personal stories, they reflect on their lived experiences of culture, heritage, and identity. This initiative is a celebration of our diversity as young Londoners, embracing dual heritages and highlighting the richness that comes from different backgrounds.

Black History Month is a moment to celebrate culture, history, and identity. But it is also a time to reflect on the changes across structures and cultural mindsets that need to be made, particularly as young people of colour in London continue to face inequalities around health and wellbeing.

During our recent focus group, we asked young people questions such as “What does Black History Month mean to you?” and “How do you see the connection between Black History Month and mental health?” These conversations highlighted how strongly identity and wellbeing are intertwined. Young people told us that while Black History Month is a time of visibility and celebration, it also opens up space to address challenges around stigma, representation, and access to support. For many, celebrating identity and tackling mental health inequalities go hand in hand - both are about recognition, empowerment, and building stronger communities.

Research published by the Cambridge University Press shows that young people of colour are more likely to experience poor mental health but less likely to receive the right support. In London, where diversity is one of our greatest strengths, inequalities in access to care remain stark. NHS data shows that people of colour are disproportionately represented in acute and crisis services yet underrepresented in early intervention and preventative care.

This imbalance highlights systemic barriers that need urgent attention.

The rise of digital health in London presents both opportunities and risks. Apps, online therapies, and wellbeing platforms are becoming more common, but too often they are designed without the voices of young people of colour. When cultural context and lived experiences are overlooked, digital tools risk becoming inaccessible or unrelatable. Representation in research and design is therefore crucial to ensure these services meet the real needs of our communities.

This is where Digital Health Ambassadors come in. Over the last few years, the young people’s board has been working to shape services that support all young people, especially those who are marginalised and often overlooked. I believe young Londoners of colour must be at the heart of these discussions. By co-creating digital and health initiatives, we can shape a future where services reflect the city’s diversity and empower young people to take ownership of their wellbeing.

Black History Month reminds us to celebrate identity and progress - but it also calls us to act. In London, it is a chance to amplify young voices, challenge inequalities, and work together to ensure every community can thrive.