"Why aren't there more Black folks in global mental health?"
Daniel posed this important question to our team a year ago.
We've been trying to answer it ever since and can confidently say that one reason is that structures supporting meaningful inclusion are lacking in the global mental health space. This means that while Black folks may technically be "allowed" in the space, there isn't enough support for many to thrive. Support can come in many forms, one being capacity building structures. These are structures and spaces that quite literally, build capacity - think classes, workshops, fellowships, etc. They are learning, growing, building spaces.
The Black Mental Health Fellowship Program is part of an initiative started by the Black Mental Health Program to create structures where Black folks can collaborate towards better mental health. Also part of this initiative are Black Healing and Learning Circles.
Right: Wilbroad, the first Black Mental Health Leadership Fellow at a community event.
Get to Know Wilbroad, Current Fellow
Meet Wilbroad Kabagame
Wilbroad is a social worker and non-profit leader based in Mbarara, Uganda. He started The Alive Again Foundation which focuses on serving survivors of suicide as well as their
loved ones. Wilbroad's team also prioritizes suicide prevention work - as a social worker, Wilbroad knows that solving complex problems like suicide take holistic approaches.
Successes & Challenges
After five years, Wilbroad has built an incredible team and truly made an impact in his community. (metrics) Organization and funding are ongoing challenges for Wilbroad, so when he and Daniel sat down to explore the fellowship, they identified core goals: (goals)
Fellowship Design Process
With these goals in mind, Daniel & Wilbroad crafted a fellowship journey that centers on; (areas). Activities include; (activities) With the plan set, Wilbroad started his fellowship in June.
Fellowship Activities & Learnings
Four months in, we're excited to share that Wilbroad is hitting his stride and The Alive Again Foundation is growing rapidly. June focused on social media, leadership & management and organizational development. July's trainings centered fundraising & financial management, strategic planning and organizational culture. August's work focused on partnership development, social work skills including group facilitation and community event planning. This month's focus is research and employee development.
Collaborate for the Future
Host a Fellow
Become a BMH Fellow
Fund a Fellowship
If your organization serves Black communities in Africa or the African Diaspora, we'd love to explore how our organizations can work together to build Black mental health leaders and strengthen our organizations.
Fund a Fellowship
Become a BMH Fellow
Fund a Fellowship
Fellowships typically run 3-6 months and are intensive, focused leadership development experiences. Average fellowship costs run between 3-5K USD and each is co-designed with the prospective fellow and their community.
Become a BMH Fellow
Become a BMH Fellow
Become a BMH Fellow
We welcome fellows who are passionate about Black Mental Health and leadership in the global mental health space. If you'd like to apply for a fellowship, please complete the interest form below and our team will be in touch soon.