Talking about mental health doesn’t come easily to everyone – nor does seeking help if you’re feeling low. So, what better way to ease people into conversations about their wellbeing than some tea and cake?
That was the thinking behind a project, which has brought together Muslim women from Shanklin Village and Sutton Mental Health Foundation – with profoundly positive results.
As Jubee Matthews, development officer with Community Action Sutton (left) explained, the idea came out of a big Eid celebration last year that united the community.
“During the Eid event we had many conversations and mental health came up a lot,” she said. “People had a range of anxieties – about money, jobs, family, bereavement … Some mentioned experiencing depression.
“But when it came to seeking help for your mental health, it was a NO – they would rather sweep it under the carpet. That is the same in all parts of society – reaching out for help can be a big taboo.”
People had a range of anxieties – about money, jobs, family, bereavement … Some mentioned experiencing depression.”
The Eid celebration (below) was so successful that people wanted to see more events on the estate. A cake sale, as part of Macmillan Cancer Care’s Big Coffee Morning fundraiser, was planned.
Says Jubee. “I was aware that Sutton Mental Health Foundation was keen to reach out to the borough’s diverse communities. I wondered if I could make this into something bigger; lay the seed for something else. So, I suggested the foundation as the cake sale venue.”
The cake sale was a great success attracting more than 70 women, with an emphasis on getting together to have fun. They got to see inside the foundation premises and realised it was a warm, friendly – and not at all daunting – place.
People talk more openly about mental wellbeing and there have been requests for help with various mental health issues. There’s definitely been a shift in awareness”
According to one woman from Shanklin village who took part: “The premises are next to the Shanklin, just two minutes’ walk away, but not a single one of us knew it existed. But all that has changed.”
“What’s happened since is fantastic,” adds Jubee. “The women are running exercise sessions at Sutton Mental Health Foundation – which have a waiting list. There are other activities too, Saturdays are fully booked. They even organised their own international women’s day festival there.”
Alyia from the local Muslim community explained: “Since the cake sale a few ladies have been volunteering with the Sutton Mental Health Foundation. Its location is now widely known across the community – people visit for various activities like yoga and engage with its services. People know all about the crisis café too.”
One of the volunteers added: “People talk more openly about mental wellbeing and there have been requests for help with various mental health issues. There’s definitely been a shift in awareness that approaching mental health services shouldn’t be daunting.”
Got an idea?
Local organisations looking to work with communities in Sutton, or anyone with an idea for bringing people together, can contact Community Action Sutton by emailing [email protected].