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)