advice

African health and wellness in the East Midlands

Kweku AmponsahGH

17d ago

As a pharmacist I've noticed African patients often come in late — conditions that could have been managed early are now complex. Cultural stigma around mental health and financial barriers around dentistry are the biggest culprits I see. What does the community think? Are there barriers to healthcare access that are specific to Africans here?

3 replies

A
Adeola Fasanya17d ago
Adeola from Sunderland — social work. The mental health stigma is the hardest barrier. I have clients who will not access support because of what their family back home would think. We need culturally safe spaces, not just generic NHS referrals.
B
Blessing Osei17d ago
Blessing from Liverpool — nurse. The dental issue is critical. Poor oral health links to heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications — conditions already prevalent in African communities here. Dental check-ups cannot be seen as a luxury.
Y
Yewande Adegoke17d ago
Yewande from Glasgow. On mental health: Black Minds Matter UK offers free therapy sessions with therapists who understand the diaspora experience. Please share this link everywhere — it is genuinely life-changing for some people.