New video shows routes to work for Black men with mental health problems

12 May 2004

Getting back to work after experiencing mental health problems can make all the difference to a person's life, according to a video released today by the Mellow Campaign and the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health (SCMH).

Better Must Come: Black men moving on, features the inspiring stories of seven Black men overcoming stigma, discrimination and the myth that people with mental health problems cannot work.

The video shows how big the barriers to work can be, and how they can be tackled successfully with the right support and advice.

The men take different approaches to getting work. Some go to college; others do voluntary work or go straight into employment. Many get support from community organisations, specialist mental health employment services and Jobcentre Plus advisers. The video shows what is available from these and other sources of support, and how Black men can get access to them.

Bhavesh Hindocha, the director of Better Must Come, said: "Following the lives of this diverse group of people has shown what can be achieved if Black men are given the right support to pursue their ambitions in life. It makes clear the terrible waste of human potential where people are not supported, or are discriminated against, in their search for work. Above all, it shows the determination and tenacity of the men to give themselves a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

"Better Must Come aims to inspire more people to get their lives back as these seven men have done. We hope it will be used by mental health services, community groups and employment agencies to train staff and to encourage other Black men."

Paul Grey, the video narrator, said: "Black men with a history of mental health problems often face multiple discrimination. But this need not prevent them taking back control of their lives. With effective support from trained workers and a positive attitude among those around them, Black men can achieve their goals and overcome the exclusion they so often have to face."

Better Must Come was produced by Loud Minority for the Mellow Campaign and the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health. It is accompanied by Discussion Notes for trainers.

Buy Better Must Come online