A mum of two and CEO of Shatter Girl UK says there is not enough awareness of mental health in low income communities.
Louise Mckenna, 39, of Sneinton stresses the importance of mental health awareness and urges more action to be taken to educate black people within low income areas.
Suicide among black teenagers is on the rise according to a study published by the Initiative to Prevent Sexual Abuse. 
Louise said: “There is not enough awareness and no support in low income areas. There’s just not enough talking among black people.
“There is a stigma against mental health within the black community, it’s still a topic no one wants to talk about.”
“Discrimination, poverty, sexual abuse all effect black people and plays a role in mental illness, which can lead to suicide attempts.”
The study shows black youth are less likely to receive mental health treatment than their white counterparts.
Community workers, like Louisa, believe this is due to the stigma against mental health treatment within the black community.
The Shatter Girl CEO works closely with children and teenagers affected by sexual abuse mental health further stressed her concern in the lack of dialogue amongst men about mental health.
She said: “There is a real problem in the black community. A lot of men are not dealing with their problems and don’t have the support.”
Louise also campaigns against mental health medication and has been working within the community to help children find other ways of coping with their mental health.
