Black women experience mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression at a higher rate than any other ethnic group. Following on from the "Colour of Madness" panel discussion on BAME mental health, this event has been put together to provide a safe and welcoming space for Black women to explore and discuss literary works that centre and reflect the Black female experience.

Discussion topics for the event will be drawn from the radical works of Audre Lorde. Lorde, a self-described Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet, wrote, lectured and spoke about her experiences with struggle, difference and progress. A Black, lesbian, feminist, she believed in the "power of language - of speaking - to articulate, selfhood, confront injustice and bring about change in the world". Her prose and poetry has been described as "transformative". She used her writings as an act of self-preservation and many who read her works do so as an act of self-care.

Mental health is a taboo subject in BAME communities but the oppression, marginalisation and discrimination faced is real. While the reading group is not a substitute for seeking professional mental health care, it will be a safe and radical space where Black women can talk, share, listen and (hopefully) heal.
"Often we give lip service to the idea of mutual support and connection between Black women because we have not yet crossed the barriers to these possibilities, nor fully explored the angers and fears that keep us from realising the power of a real Black sisterhood." - Audre Lorde, Your Silence Will Not Protect You.

Due to the nature of the event, spaces are very limited. If you reserve a place and are no longer available to come, please let us know so we can reallocate your ticket.

The discussion text will be emailed to attendees once a ticket has been purchased.

Disclaimer:The reading group is peer-led and there will be no trained professionals available. If you need professional help or advice, please see your GP or speak to the Samaritans (http://www.samaritans.org) or MIND (https://www.mind.org.uk).

For a list of LGBTQIA+ specific mental health charities and organisations see here. 

For a list of psychological services for Black, African and Caribbean people see the Black, African and Asian Therapy Network here: www.baatn.org.uk

Gender inclusion policy:This event is open to all women (trans, intersex and cis) who are of the African and Caribbean diaspora. If you are a Black nonbinary, agender or a gender variant person who feels they can contribute to and benefit from attending this event, please come. You are welcome. We do not police gender. If someone iattends it is because they feel that they are included by the gender inclusion policy,

Accessibility:The door entrance is wide enough for a wheelchair and has no steps. The reading group will be held on the ground floor. Seating for the event will be portable plastic chairs with no arms. There is a non-accessible toilet inside the shop and a fully wheelchair accessible toilet with handrails in the cafe next door which our event attendees have full use of.

Safer spaces guidelines:By attending this event you agree to the following:
To actively work to make the event a safe and welcoming space for all who attend by being respectful, inclusive, considerate and understanding. If someone is here it is because they feel that they are included by the gender inclusion policy, and therefore they are welcome.

Remember, everyone attending the event is experiencing oppression, marginalisation and discrimination in some form. Be aware of your privileges and think about how your words, opinions and actions are influenced and who they might exclude and harm (for example LGBTQIA+ people, economically underprivileged people, people who don't benefit from class privilege, people with non-normative bodies, disabled people, people with chronic illnesses, people with mental health conditions and people who are neurodivergent - e.g. conditions such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia).

Be aware of your role in the group dynamics. Consider if we've created a space where everyone can contribute to the discussion equally and freely if they want to and if they don't want to participate that they are not made to feel uncomfortable or less included.

Avoid language that is sexist, transphobic, binarist, homophobic, biphobic, islamophobic, antisemitic, slut shaming, ableist, fat shaming and ageist.

Be careful about using gendered pronouns (she/he). Although this is a "women's reading group", do not assume that everyone in the group identifies as female. Some people use the pronoun "they". It's always best to ask people what pronoun they use.

Use trigger warnings if you are going to talk about difficult and potentially triggering issues.

Do not assume everyone's first language is English or that everyone has access to the same level of education/knowledge as you. Try to avoid using academic language. If you do, explain the terms and expressions you use. The same applies to the use of activist terminology.

Respect confidentiality: no photos and no recordings. If you want to take notes they should preserve people's anonymity and be for personal use only.

To "call in" rather than call out if someone says something which is offensive and inappropriate. (Here is a useful article about "calling in": http://www.blackgirldangerous.org/2013/12/calling-less-disposable-way-holding-accountable/)

And lastly, it is important that you take care of yourself during the event - emotionally and physically. Do this in whatever way feels comfortable for you.