“Speaking the Unspeakable Through Creativity Workshops”

The “Speaking the Unspeakable Through Creativity Workshops” project holds particular significance for everyone, but most especially the Black and African community in Milton Keynes and its surroundings.

According to a government report, from MIND.ORG, there is evidence that “Black people with mental health needs are less likely to be receiving treatment and less likely to have contacted a GP about their mental health. Also, ethnicity facts and figures shows that Black people were just 1.3 times more likely than White British people to be receiving mental health care, with the Black African group actually less likely.”

Research also shows that there are deep-rooted racial inequalities within the mental health system and this must change. People from ethnic minority communities are more likely to experience a mental health problem, less likely to receive support, and have poorer outcomes from services.

The project’s focus on creativity as a means to speak the unspeakable can provide a a social prescribing and less stigmatised approach to addressing emotional well-being. Also amongst many other benefits, the workshops can foster a sense of community cohesion and belonging among residents in Milton Keynes, a space to share experiences and support one another through creative expression.

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