New 'EmpowerMENt' group to tackle serious issues

The leaders of a new group for men of African Caribbean heritage have said they want to provide a space to tackle the serious issues they still face.

It is hoped the EmpowerMENt project's weekly sessions in Ipswich will provide an opportunity to share experiences and contribute to the community.

The initiative has been supported by Ipswich Borough Council and the Ipswich Windrush Society and is run by members of a podcast called 1SAF, which addresses subjects including misrepresentation and exclusion.

"We feel that as men, we know what's going on in our society and we feel we owe a duty to come together to find solutions, to discuss topics that we feel are impacting us," said Taicey Gumbeze, from the podcast.

Government data has shown 18.9% of black households in England and Wales are made up of a single parent with dependent children, the highest percentage out of all ethnic groups. The lowest was Asian households, at 5.7%.

Research by the mental health charity Mind has shown black men are far more likely than others to be diagnosed with severe mental health problems. They are also more likely to be sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

Mr Gumbeze said: "We're covering mental health, financial literacy - there's one interesting session called 'things I wish my mother or father taught me'.

Michael Huggins, another of the 1SAF presenters, who is known as "M", said it was important men of his generation talked about difficult subjects.

"It's sometimes it's easier not to, sometimes it's easier to put your head in the sand.

"But you've got to think about the bigger picture, think about your next generation, your next kin, because you're not always going to be here.

"Be selfless and think 'what legacy can I leave behind, what did I do to help?'

Max Thomas, founder of the Ipswich Windrush Society, said: "Young black boys, men, do not have any representation there to encourage them.

"My personal experience was [at school] I didn't have any at all, even books did not reflect us, did not reflect me.

"People didn't want to talk about it, even our parents."

Fourteen people attended the first meeting of the EmpowerMENt group, which Mr Thomas said was fantastic, but he added there was space for more.

"I don't see myself as a role model, I just try to do the best I can and pass the baton on to the young," he said.

The sessions run on Wednesdays 19:00-21:00 BST throughout July and August, at Nansen Road Baptist Church, Ipswich, IP3 9HN.

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