VOLUNTARY WORK

Current voluntary work

WE TELL YOU PROJECT: PERCEPTIONS OF WHAT HURTS AND WHAT HELPS
Winner of Spirit of Manchester Youth Volunteering Award 2015 
In association with 42nd Street, Hideaway Youth Centre and funded by Manchester City Council

Member of peer research led project over three years asking young black men about their perceptions of mental health. 

Engaged with stakeholders in government, other voluntary sectors and the mental health practitioners.

I attended meetings with Education Minister Sam Gyimah MP and a two day group residential to London we sat down with groups including Save the Children and Black Training and Enterprise Group (BTEG) 

I am contributing to writing the report of findings, that will be shared with policymakers and mental health services. 

Highlights of the project 

Peer researchers (I am second from left) at We Tell You launch event at Manchester Metropolitan University. 

Posing with research team (Me, pictured fifth from left).

SCHIZOPHRENIA ELECTRONIC RESOURCE STUDY
Also known as Culturally-Appropriate Schizophrenia Psychological Education Resources (CaSPER) 

Manchester University study developing an electronic resource to help improve knowledge and attitudes among African-Caribbean families. 

I am helping develop a website and contribute to focus groups discussing schizophrenia and options for an electronic resource tool. 

Previous notable voluntary work

MUSIC COMMUNITY PROJECT 

I participated in a week long songwriting community project run by MIMA Music and U.S Embassy. It ended with a performance to an audience of local people at Judgemeadow Community College, Leicester.

The group travels the world teaching groups how to create music using their unique mix of instruments and lyrics called 'improvisation'.

I was a band member and co-producer of interviews with colleagues throughout the week. 

With Ye Olde Americans band members (I am third on the back row) after concert.

In association with MIMA Music and U.S. Embassy.

Interviewed about my thoughts on Day 1 of the MIMA Music songwriting programme.