Community
Connectors
At Northamptonshire Mind, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe and supported when it comes to their mental health.
However, we know that some people, especially those from the Global Ethnic Majority, face extra challenges when it comes to getting the help they need.
A study by Mind, showed that many people from the Global Ethnic Majority feel unsure about reaching out for support due to fears of being treated unfairly or misunderstood.
That’s why we are working to make sure all our services are welcoming and helpful to everyone.
Meet the team
Meet our Community Connectors who are looking to work alongside established community groups and individuals who are passionate about mental health and inclusion.
Stacey - Northampton
Serina - Wellingborough
Community Connectors
What does "Global Ethnic Majority" mean?
The term Global Ethnic Majority refers to people from communities that are often racialised, including people of African, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American descent. These communities make up the majority of the world’s population, but in some countries, including the UK, they can face more challenges when it comes to mental health support and other services. The term Global Ethnic Majority pushes back against racism and the idea that people of non-white ethnicities are inferior.
What is the "Community Connectors" project?
This project is all about helping people in different communities get the mental health support they need. It’s designed to make sure that people from the Global Ethnic Majority feel safe and understood when reaching out for help. We have created new roles in the community – Community Connectors – who will help connect people to the right support.
This important work is made possible thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, which helps support projects that improve the lives of people in communities like ours.
How will the project help?
We plan to reach over 3,700 people, including:
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People attending community sessions and workshops
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People connected to mental health services through our Community Connectors
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Volunteers and ambassadors who will play an active role in spreading awareness
The project will provide:
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More Support for Everyone: We’re making it easier for people to get help by having Community Connectors who know their local area and can guide people to the right services. They can even help during a crisis, making sure no one feels alone when they need help the most.
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Breaking the Stigma: We want everyone to feel okay about talking about their mental health. Our project will teach people in the community more about mental health, so they understand that it's okay to ask for help. This will help reduce the shame some people feel.
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Cultural Sensitivity: We know that everyone’s background is different, and mental health support needs to be respectful of that. Our Community Connectors will be from the community and understand the different cultures, making sure the help people get is right for them.
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Building Leaders: We want people to feel empowered to help each other. That’s why we are training Community Mental Health Ambassadors who will be champions for mental health in their own communities. These ambassadors will help spread awareness and make sure people know where to turn for help.
Why is it important?
Many people from the Global Ethnic Majority feel like mental health services don’t understand them, or they worry about being treated unfairly. But mental health affects everyone, and everyone deserves the right support. By focusing on the needs of people from the Global Ethnic Majority, we’re working to make sure that everyone has the chance to get the help they need when they need it.
We know that people from the Global Ethnic Majority may feel unsure or worried about mental health services because of past experiences or fears of discrimination. But we are here to listen, learn, and improve how we provide help. Our goal is to create a place where everyone can feel comfortable asking for support.