Black History Month – Information, Stories, and Resources

Black History Month is a month-long celebration of the achievements of Black people throughout history right up to today. It is an opportunity for everyone to learn about the history and the Black community while also making strides to eradicate the inequality that still exists in society today.

Studies show that the UK continues to have healthcare inequalities, especially around the disproportionate impact on people from black and minority ethnic groups.

To better understand the health inequalities experienced by black and minority ethnic communities NHS England established the NHS Race and Health Observatory (RHO).  The RHO investigates race inequality in health and social care, providing evidence-based health policy recommendations and facilitating long-term transformational change. You can read more about how they are making a difference here.

Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)

Black children are more likely to be identified as having special educational needs than their white peers. The Oxford University study found that black Caribbean pupils, including those with mixed heritage, are twice as likely to be identified as having a social, emotional, or mental health need. You can read more about the report here.

A lack of understanding of cultural differences, racism from teachers, and ineffective classroom management are among factors mentioned in the report as possible reasons for the over-representation. Research also shows that black children with SEND are more likely to be disciplined than white children, for example, receive a detention or be suspended from school.

The Department for Education (DfE) says discrimination has no place in schools and if a school has discriminated against a pupil on the grounds of their disability, a claim can be lodged with the free SEND Tribunal.

Mental Health

The conversation around Mental Health has improved over recent years. Partly due to the pandemic, people are more aware of their needs and are more conscious of their responses to social media, and the news.  This is particularly important with regard to Black mental health, especially with the increase in public discussion, and awareness of, racism.

According to Young Minds:

If you need help and support with making a complaint about a mental health service, you can contact your local NHS Complaints Advocacy service. This is a free and confidential service, independent of the NHS. Each Local Authority has its own service, which you can find details for on their website. Find out who is your local authority here.

You can also contact the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman who can assist you with finding contact details, support, and advocacy services.

The resources below include inspirational stories and details on supporting Black children with complex needs. We hope they are a helpful starting point.

Inspirational Stories

Many inspirational black people have stories to share, including Nana Marfo. Nana was born premature and lives with a tracheostomy. He noticed from a young age that he rarely saw himself represented, as a black disabled man, in British culture.  Nana states that:

You can read more about Nana, and the people he admires, here.

Read more about inspirational disabled people:

• Discover stories of inspirational Black disabled people throughout history on Respectability.org
• Find influential Black women with disabilities to follow on social media on DisabilityHorizons.com
• Focusing on children and young people in the care system, Become is a charity that works to uplift the voices of young Black people. They have some great signposting to books, TV programmes and resources about the Black experience in the UK. Visit their website to discover more.

Services and resources supporting Black children with complex needs

• Black Special Needs Parents UK has a series of podcasts for parents of Black special needs children in the UK and those who love them.
• Young Minds has some great resources and support on Black mental health matters.
• BAME Health Collaborative  – highlights the voices of those who have had life-changing healthcare experiences.
• The National Autistic Society – has developed its Equality and Inclusion plan, including BAME branches.
• Boloh support adult asylum seekers across the UK, and Hong Kong British Nationals settling in the UK. Providing advice, emotional and therapeutic, and practical support such as food, devices and clothing.
• The NHS have a variety of links to organisations to help care for children with SEND.

If you have any comments, ideas, or suggestions about this article please contact us at [email protected]

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