The scheme, launched by Croydon Council’s public health team, offers tailored counselling for residents from Black Caribbean, African, Asian and mixed-heritage backgrounds who have not been accessing traditional services.
Dr Andrew Brown is the director at Croydon BME Forum. (Image: Croydon Council) It aims to address cultural, ethnic, and faith-based barriers by connecting residents with counsellors trained in cultural awareness.
Dr Andrew Brown, director at Croydon BME Forum, said: “We are really pleased to offer culturally sensitive counselling, along with other organisations in Croydon.
“Although more people are seeking mental health support, there is still some stigma preventing residents from getting the help they need.”
Counselling is available through several community organisations, including Croydon BME Forum, Asian Resource Centre Croydon, Cassandra Centre, One Vision, and Care To Listen.
They are delivering both one-to-one and group sessions, and residents can contact these organisations directly to access support.
Executive Mayor of Croydon Jason Perry said: “We all need someone we can trust, who understands us, so we can discuss the issues we are dealing with in our lives.
“These new culturally sensitive counselling sessions will help even more people in Croydon to talk openly, without judgement, which supports good mental health.”
The council is also encouraging residents to follow the ‘five ways to wellbeing’.
These include staying connected with others, being physically active, continuing to learn, staying present and mindful, and giving time to help others.
The new service is part of the council’s wider commitment to improving long-term health and wellbeing in the borough.
Full details of the scheme and further mental health resources are available on the council’s website at www.croydon.gov.uk/mentalhealth-wellbeing.
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