
Somali Mental Health Day

Raising Awareness and Developing Interventions that Improve Outcomes
Mental illness can affect anyone. Yet mental illness is often poorly understood, stigmatised, and
organisations working to address issues find themselves under-resourced. When it comes to
Somalis, to date, very little research or policy attention has focused on how to improve
outcomes for members of this diverse community dealing with mental illness. Somalis tend to
have a unique and distinct perception of mental illness and wellbeing, bringing particular
challenges and opportunities. This conference aims to explore these and to develop and
consolidate partnerships with public, private, and third sector stakeholders to support and
empower people with mental illness so that they may thrive.
What is the conference about?
The one-day conference will focus on raising awareness and developing interventions that
improve outcomes for Somalis and their families who are experiencing mental illness. In the
afternoon you will have the opportunity to participate in any of the following four breakout
sessions:
a) Khat rehabilitation
b) Reducing barriers to accessing mainstream services
c) Improving outcomes for Somalis with autism
d) Integrating Islamic and traditional therapies with mainstream services to improve outcomes
Who should attend?
Staff working with Somali and BMER service users with, or at risk, of developing mental
illness
Statutory agencies and policy makers
Anyone interested in improving outcomes for people with mental illness
The full program of the conference will follow shortly. Please book your ticket using the following
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/somali-mental-health-day-conference-
tickets-32464845226 (deadline 23 March 2017)