March 28, 2024

I, Science

The science magazine of Imperial College

In this episode, Polly chats to Rebekah Lindo, one of our colleagues on the science communication course, about her experience of mental health living as a Black woman in the UK. She touches on unconscious bias in the healthcare system, cultural stigma, and some shocking statistics. However – it is heading in a more hopeful direction, with increasing destigmatisation, increased awareness, and more resources available.

Our producer Lily also touches on her mental health experiences as a mixed-race woman and Polly provides a perspective from her experiences as a London doctor.

It also features a beautiful song by Raelle (Rebekah) – Purple Skies – which is available to listen to on all streaming platforms.

Helpful links and resources

Samaritans  Open all day everyday creating a safe space for you to talk about whatever life is throwing your way. It works to make sure that there is always someone there for anyone who needs someone.

https://www.samaritans.org/

Tel: 116 123

Nightline– An anonymous ,confidential and non-judgemental listening service listening and information service run by students in London, for students in London where they are able to talk to university students about anything that is troubling them. As this service is run by students, they can directly empathise with their callers problems

https://nightline.org.uk

Tel: (+44) 207 631 0101

Mind- for better mental health– They offer a wide range of support to empower people who may be experiencing a mental health problem, through emergency advice should you need urgent help, through their crisis coping tools, if you are in a crisis right now and are looking for ways to help yourself, and through caller support, where you are able to access a member of their team directly through their Infoline, and their Legal line– which provides legal information and general advice on mental health related law.

Website:- https://www.mind.org.uk/
Infoline: 0300 123 3393
Email: info@mind.org.uk
Text86463
Legal line0300 466 6463
Email: legal@mind.org.uk
Open 9am -6pm

The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network-

Home of the largest community of Counsellors and Psychotherapists of Black, African, Asian and Caribbean Heritage in the UK

https://www.baatn.org.uk/

Girlhood Interrupted

A report on the erasure of black girls’ childhoods

https://genderjusticeandopportunity.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/girlhood-interrupted.pdf

Article on How the Strong Black Woman Trope can be Harmful


This episode was produced by Lily Hayward with host Polly Cohen and guest Rebekah Lindo. The episode featured music from Raelle.