In a recent survey conducted by Melanin Medics exploring the wellbeing of 152 Black African and Caribbean medical students, the findings revealed that 89% of respondents felt that COVID-19 had impacted their mental wellbeing.
Supported By
The Mind Us Project is a series of initiatives focused on supporting the mental wellbeing of Black African and Caribbean medical students and doctors.
The impact of COVID-19 on the mental wellbeing of Black African and Caribbean medical students and doctors is of great concern. Not only have countless lives been lost, but there has been a significant disruption to medical education. This, coupled with the pre-existing issue of the differential attainment gaps and the lack of accessibility to mental health services has highlighted a need for targeted action.
The Mind Us Project endeavours to mitigate some of the long term effects of COVID-19 by providing a comprehensive array of initiatives which will facilitate a positive, long-lasting impact upon individuals.
OUR GOALS
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To support the mental wellbeing of Black African and Caribbean medical students and doctors who have been adversely affected by COVID-19.
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To provide access to supportive therapy services to those who have been personally affected by COVID-19.
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To decrease the impact of COVID-19 on career progression by increasing the awareness of opportunities and activities for academic success.
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To develop long-lasting professional relations and increase social support.
Melanin Medics was funded by the British Medical Association through BMA Giving to deliver the Mind Us Project.
OUR SOLUTIONS
“THIS YEAR HAS BEEN VERY CHALLENGING FOR BLACK AFRICAN AND CARIBBEAN DOCTORS AND MEDICAL STUDENTS. FOLLOWING RECENT WORLD EVENTS, IT IS CRUCIAL THAT PROMPT ACTION IS TAKEN TO SUPPORT THIS GROUP. THIS IS WHY THE MIND IS PROJECT IS MORE NEEDED NOW THAN EVER BEFORE. WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A LONG-LASTING IMPACT ON OUR CURRENT AND FUTURE WORKFORCE. WE KNOW THAT SOCIAL SUPPORT CAN MAKE A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE AND HAVE WITNESSED THE SUCCESS OF OUR MENTORSHIP PROGRAMMES BEFORE.
THE MIND US PROJECT IS NECESSARY AND WE ARE COMMITTED TO INITIATING THE CHANGES THAT WE WISH TO SEE.
OLAMIDE DADA
FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF MELANIN MEDICS
The Enrichment Programme
The Mind Us Enrichment Programme is a fully funded development programme designed to help final year medical students succeed. It brings together a dedicated close-knit community of clinical expertise alongside access to well-being services and career support. Participants will be carefully matched with a mentor, receive guided information through educational career webinars and receive access to supportive therapy through the Wellbeing Fund. The activities are designed to help final year medical students navigate their last year of medical school and help them thrive in the next phase of their life.
The Education Series
We will be delivering a series of educational activities to help reduce career-related anxiety, support wellbeing and provide practical career guidance and support for medical
students and doctors.The activities are uniquely designed with a multi-blended learning approach to facilitate academic
support alongside wellbeing support. We are looking for individuals with relevant expertise interested in delivering these sessions.
The Wellbeing Fund
Research has demonstrated that the BAME community are at high risk of the adverse effects of COVID-19. Coupled with the exposure of their occupation and individual
experiences of race-related trauma, we believe doctors and medical student need access to specialised supportive wellbeing services
The Wellbeing Fund will enable Melanin Medics to fund supportive therapy sessions provided by specialist psychological services for African and Caribbean doctors and medical students.
The Community
The Mind Us Community help to make this project a great success. From our partners, to programme participants, Mind Us mentors, Mind Us Educators and Wellbeing Fund beneficiaries, the Mind Us Community emphasises that we all have a part to play in actively advocating for the betterment of the mental wellbeing of our future and current workforce from ethnic minority backgrounds.
The Project is still seeking sponsors and partnerships for 2021 - if you are interested please contact us for more details: info@melaninmedics.com
We are currently working to bring the Mind Us Project to more schools around the UK. Get in touch with us if you would like to take part, or to find out more about what is involved.
