Black Minds Matter Is Raising Money - Here's How To Help

Mental health charity, Black Minds Matter UK (BMMUK), have launched their biggest fundraising event so far.

Black Minds Matter was created last year to provide safe therapeutic spaces for Black people and offers essentially mental health support from therapists who better understand their lived experiences and traumas. Since its launch in June 2020, BMMUK has funded 1,200 courses of therapy, however, the waiting list needs more funding. There are another 2600 people already signed up, requesting Black Minds Matter’s support.

The #BMMUK21K challenge is a 21-week campaign to find 21,000 long-term donors, as well as raise awareness around issues of mental health and the important work the charity is doing. By securing 21,000 long-term donors, willing to donate just £5 a month, Black Minds Matter will be able to fund a minimum of 1,500 extra courses of therapy per year. There is also an option to make a one-off donation.

As part of the challenge, BMMUK is asking people to share five things that have helped their mental health during the pandemic. The end of the 21 weeks will make the one-year anniversary of Black Minds Matter’s first fundraising campaign. Those supporting the challenge include Loyle Carner, Pandora Sykes, and Joy Crookes.

Founder Agnes Mwakatume said, “we are beyond excited to get the 21k challenge underway. The campaign is going to be crucial in ensuring that BMMUK can create a lasting impact on the face of Black mental health and help as many individuals as possible.”

The pervasiveness of racism in the UK was reflected in a BMMUK survey launched in the weeks leading up to the 21-week fundraising campaign. The survey found 61% of the 1000 participants experience racism or microaggressions every month, and 215 have those experiences every week. Proving that there is much more that needs to be accomplished in addressing racism in the UK and in understanding the traumatic impact of racism on mental health.

For more information on how to sign up for the challenge, visit the Black Minds Matter UK Instagram or website.

Next up, Politician's Just Don't Do Their Job In Britain