MENTAL health services from across the district are teaming to help raise awareness in BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) communities of the support available.

The Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust has partnered up with Sharing Voices to highlight the support - and how people can access it.

Razia Akhtar, Clinical Psychologist at the Trust, said: “This event is targeted at people from a BAME background.

"Within all communities, but particularly BAME communities, there can be a stigma attached to mental illness and people that need support can be hesitant to access the care that they need.

"By running this event we want to break down those barriers and make people realise that mental health is just the same as physical health, it does not discriminate, and anyone can suffer from problems at any time in their life.

"It’s important that people know what signs to look out for in themselves and their loved ones and know how to access that support if they think it is needed. Getting help early can really help someone get better a lot quicker.”

Alyas Karmani, Chairperson at Sharing Voices, added: “It is essential that we create safe spaces to overcome both the stigma associated with mental illness as well as potential bias and discrimination directed towards people from diverse BAME backgrounds.

"This event is a vitally important step in creating real partnerships between BAME communities, psychological therapies and counselling service providers in Bradford.”

Attendees on the day will be able to learn more about different mental health difficulties; find out about mental health services in Bradford and how to access them; learn more about how to get psychological therapy; try out interactive exercises like those used in therapy sessions; ask questions to mental health professionals directly and have a say on how to improve mental health services.

The event will take place on Monday, July 15 between 9.30am and 1.30pm at Carlisle Business Centre, Bradford.

Lunch will be provided and it is free to attend - book a ticket by emailing bamecommunities@gmail.com or visiting Eventbrite.