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How we help / Culturally sensitive therapy
We recognise and celebrate the cultural diversity of Lewisham borough, which is why we strive to deliver culturally sensitive therapeutic interventions across our service. We aim to break the stigma that is often associated with mental health as we empower you to reclaim control and address your difficulties one step at a time.
If you want to learn more about how and why we are working to make our service more inclusive then please download the booklet below.
Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Booklet (PDF)
Current projects
Lewisham Community Wellbeing’s Culturally Sensitive Low Intensity CBT Workshops focus on depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, panic, managing negative thoughts, impact of sleep on mental health and impact of Long Term Health Conditions on mental health.
For more information click here.
Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network’s Engage in ME project provides mental health and wellbeing support groups to adults from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BAMER) communities in Lewisham borough to:
Engage in ME online sessions are held weekly, for six weeks at a time, via Zoom. We attend one of the sessions to deliver a culturally sensitive workshop on anxiety and depression and to explain what we offer as a service.
For more information click here.
Mabadiliko provides a free, 12-week group that provides a space to talk and learn about topics such as: race, discrimination, microaggressions, the emotional effects of Covid-19 and lock-down, health and wellbeing, family and coping strategies.
For more information click here
The Design Museum content
We collaborate with Sydenham Gardens to provide the Tamil Asylum Seekers Group. This group involves PTSD Stabilisation Therapy and Social and Therapeutic Horticulture for Tamil Asylum seekers at the De Frene Market Garden site.
For more information click here.
Previous projects
In 2018 we started developing a men’s group to create a safe space to support men from the BAME community to manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. This was done with the view of improving male access to our service. In December 2019 we created flyers outlining the purpose of the men’s group and as a result, we visited Lewisham Town Centre and distributed them. We also circulated flyers in GP surgeries and other areas where men are likely to access such as Gyms. We also connected with other outside organizations that support the BAME community to inform them of the space we created to support men. On 27th January 2020 we held our first face to face Men’s group which was held for 6 weeks covering various topics such as; stress, depression, anxiety, problem solving, stereotype, health and fitness and relapse prevention.
Sydenham Gardens provided the African & Caribbean Group. This was a project for people who identify as having African or Caribbean heritage. The group involved a range of creative art and crafts, horticultural and mindfulness activities. We attended every four weeks to deliver culturally sensitive workshops around depression, anxiety, panic, stress and sleep.
For more information click here.
Watch the videos below to learn more about the therapies that we offer and to to meet our therapists who are committed to providing culturally sensitive therapy.
Lewisham Talking Therapies’ Service User Advisory Group (SUAG) is a way for service users and their carers to help us to plan, develop and improve our service. We particularly welcome involvement from individuals from BAME backgrounds.
For more information on how to join click here.
Click here for more local culturally sensitive resources.
“What can I say about my time on the emotional support group. Joining the group gave support/release in an unexpected way, I had pleasure of meeting such lovely people who made me believe in sisterhood and Makeda who led the group was amazing with the exercises we performed in each sessions these made me feel empowered, gave me my voice and strengthen me to deal whatever life threw at me.” – Regina
“To be able to take part in a support group with other people that look like me has truly been rewarding. where I felt that some of the battles, I was facing the other group members showed me that I was not alone. Coming from similar back grounds made it easier to express myself without having to explain in great detail as they already knew what I was already talking about. To have that space each week I looked forward to as this was the only real time, I gave myself for me. The weekly sessions showed me how important I am. As well as the need and the know-how, to value myself and my time. The support of the group was key to help me to keep moving forward. Thank you.” – Samantha
“I attended an emotional support group in January. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but what appealed to me most, was the fact a group had been created by a black organisation for black people. I never knew anything like this existed. It exceeded my expectations and really helped me through, a very traumatic time in my life” – Cheryl
“I am so thankful that I joined the Emotional Support Group – 12 week program. Over the course of each week, I found gratitude in meeting black women within a safe space, which allowed me to be open and honest with what I am going through. Through the support and tools facilitated by the leaders of this group, I was able to start my healing journey and rebuild myself internally and externally. Over the course of the programme the group organically became a unanimous safe space which enabled me to become more open and form ongoing friendships and support. ” – Susan
Watch the videos below to learn more about the therapies that we offer and to to meet our therapists who are committed to providing culturally sensitive therapy.
