The Black Mental Health Conference 2026: The Black Man’s Burden

About this event

Join us for the inaugural and impactful Black Mental Health Conference 2026, dedicated to addressing the mental health challenges faced by the Black community. This conference will bring together mental health professionals, community leaders, educators, NHS representatives, police, housing sector experts, and members of the Black community to examine the systemic issues affecting wellbeing and access to care.

Whether you work in healthcare, education, policing, housing, or grassroots community support, this conference will provide insights, inspiration, and strategies to help prioritise mental health and reduce stigma within Black communities.

The conference theme, ‘The Black Man’s Burden,’ draws on both historical roots and contemporary relevance. It takes its inspiration from Reverend Henry Johnson’s powerful response to Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The White Man’s Burden,’ highlighting the ongoing legacy of colonialism, systemic injustice, and racial oppression.

While the title specifically references Black men, it is intended as a general statement reflecting the shared experiences and challenges faced by both Black men and women. These forces continue to impose distinct challenges on Black communities, profoundly impacting their mental health. Our aim is to unpack this burden, explore its origins, and foster critical discussions around healing, resilience, and systemic change.

We are honoured to welcome Dr Leroy Logan, MBE, who will deliver a keynote address.

• Registration and Coffee: 9:30 AM
• Conference Start: 10:00 AM
• Conference Ends: 3:30 PM

Who will we hear from:

• Audrey James: Psychotherapist and Host
• Leroy Logan MBE: Former Superintendent in the Metropolitan police
• Charles Brown: Psychoanalytical Psychotheraphist
• Damel Carayol: Artist , Poet and Musician

• Keynote presentations from expert speakers
• Interactive Q&A sessions to engage directly with thought leaders
• Panel discussions exploring mental health across social institutions
• Networking opportunities with professionals and community advocates
  

There is plenty of free parking available on-site at Kingsholm Stadium for your convenience.

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Host or Publisher Black South West Network (BSWN)