Counselling All Nations

Counselling All Nations Counselling All Nations (CANS), is a registered charity set up to respond to and provide culturally sensitive counselling to BAME communities

Our vision for the future is one where Individuals, families and communities live together in justice, harmony and welcome, meeting needs appropriately, with nobody left out.

This is a powerful Samaritans campaign that tells the story of a Black older man who feels overwhelmed and reaches out f...
29/11/2025

This is a powerful Samaritans campaign that tells the story of a Black older man who feels overwhelmed and reaches out for support.
This kind of representation truly matters.
Men from minority communities often face additional barriers when it comes to opening up about their mental health. Seeing someone who looks like them, with similar lived experiences, reflected in a national campaign can help break down stigma, encourage conversation, and remind people that support is for everyone.
No one should ever feel alone. Reaching out is a strength — and campaigns like this help more people feel seen, understood, and supported.

31/10/2025

Black History Month at CANS
As Black History Month comes to a close, we reflect on the inspiring figures we have celebrated this October, from Frantz Fanon to Samara Linton, each one has shaped how we understand and support mental health.
Their work reminds us that mental health is never separate from culture, identity, and community. It also reminds us of our responsibility to build services that are inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all.
At CANS, this commitment continues all year round. We thank you for joining us this month in honouring these legacies and we invite you to continue learning, listening, and standing with us for better mental health for everyone.

Black History Month at CANSSamara LintonWe finish our Black History Month series by celebrating Dr. Samara Linton, a Jam...
30/10/2025

Black History Month at CANS
Samara Linton
We finish our Black History Month series by celebrating Dr. Samara Linton, a Jamaican-British doctor, writer, and advocate for mental health equity.
She co-edited The Colour of Madness, a landmark book sharing Black and minority ethnic voices and experiences of mental health in the UK.
Linton reminds us that telling our stories is vital to healing and to changing systems for the better.

Black History Month at CANSJacqui Dyer MBEThis Black History Month, we celebrate Dr. Jacqui Dyer MBE, a leading campaign...
28/10/2025

Black History Month at CANS
Jacqui Dyer MBE
This Black History Month, we celebrate Dr. Jacqui Dyer MBE, a leading campaigner for racial equality in mental health services in the UK.
As Vice-Chair of England’s Mental Health Taskforce and founder of Black Thrive, she has worked tirelessly to improve access and outcomes for Black and minority ethnic communities.
Dyer’s leadership reminds us that representation and advocacy are essential for lasting change in mental health.

Black History Month at CANSPatrick Vernon OBEWe honour Patrick Vernon OBE, a British activist and social commentator kno...
26/10/2025

Black History Month at CANS
Patrick Vernon OBE
We honour Patrick Vernon OBE, a British activist and social commentator known for his tireless campaigning on health inequalities and justice for the Windrush generation.
His work highlights the long-term effects of racism and injustice on mental health and wellbeing in minority communities.
Vernon continues to be a strong voice for equity, reminding us that community, history, and mental health are deeply connected.

Black History Month at CANSBeverly Daniel Tatum (b. 1954)This Black History Month, we celebrate Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum...
15/10/2025

Black History Month at CANS

Beverly Daniel Tatum (b. 1954)
This Black History Month, we celebrate Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, a psychologist and educator whose work explores race, identity, and mental health.
Her influential book Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? has helped generations understand the impact of racism on self-identity and wellbeing.
Tatum reminds us that identity development and mental health are inseparable and that education plays a vital role in creating supportive environments.

Black History Month at CANSSuman Fernando (1939-2022)We remember Professor Suman Fernando, a Sri Lankan-born psychiatris...
11/10/2025

Black History Month at CANS

Suman Fernando (1939-2022)
We remember Professor Suman Fernando, a Sri Lankan-born psychiatrist who spent his career challenging racism in UK mental health services.
He argued that mental health care must be culturally sensitive, inclusive, and responsive to the lived experiences of ethnic minority communities. His books and advocacy changed how services are delivered in the UK.
Fernando’s legacy inspires us to keep striving for equity in mental health for all communities.

10/10/2025

World Mental Health Day
Today we pause and reflect on mental health, how it affects all of us, yet how access to support and understanding remains unequal.
For many minority ethnic communities, the barriers are higher: stigma, cultural taboos, language differences, distrust of services, and experiences of discrimination can make it harder to speak up, get help, or even recognise that someone is struggling.
At CANS, we believe no one should feel alone or unseen. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to:
• amplifying voices from diverse communities
• creating culturally safe spaces for conversation
• advocating for mental health services that understand and respect cultural contexts
• reducing stigma and encouraging people to reach out
If you or someone you know needs support, you are not alone. We are here and together, we can build stronger, more inclusive paths to healing.

Black History Month at CANSSherman James (b. 1944)Meet Dr. Sherman James, an African-American epidemiologist who develop...
08/10/2025

Black History Month at CANS

Sherman James (b. 1944)
Meet Dr. Sherman James, an African-American epidemiologist who developed the concept of “John Henryism,” a theory linking the stress of fighting against racism and inequality with health outcomes.
His research highlighted how chronic stress impacts both mental and physical health in Black communities, showing the need for systemic change alongside individual support.
James’ work is a powerful reminder that mental health is deeply shaped by the pressures of inequality.

Black History Month at CANSMamie Phipps Clark (1917-1983)Today we celebrate Mamie Phipps Clark, an African-American psyc...
05/10/2025

Black History Month at CANS

Mamie Phipps Clark (1917-1983)
Today we celebrate Mamie Phipps Clark, an African-American psychologist whose groundbreaking research revealed the impact of racism on children’s mental health.
Her famous “doll test” showed how segregation harmed the self-esteem of Black children. This evidence played a crucial role in the U.S. Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education, which ended racial segregation in schools.
Clark’s work reminds us that children’s wellbeing depends on a society that nurtures equality and belonging.

Frantz Fanon (1925–1961)This Black History Month, we honour Frantz Fanon, a psychiatrist and philosopher from Martinique...
01/10/2025

Frantz Fanon (1925–1961)

This Black History Month, we honour Frantz Fanon, a psychiatrist and philosopher from Martinique whose work transformed how we understand mental health and identity.
In his groundbreaking book Black Skin, White Masks, Fanon explored how racism and colonisation affect self-esteem, mental wellbeing, and collective identity. His insights remain powerful today, reminding us that mental health cannot be separated from the society and culture we live in.
At CANS, we continue to work for culturally sensitive mental health support, inspired by trailblazers like Fanon.

01/10/2025

October marks Black History Month, a time to honour the achievements, struggles, and contributions of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities.
At CANS we know that mental health is shaped by culture, identity, and history. This month, we will spotlight influential figures who have challenged stigma, advanced research, and fought for equity in mental health services.
From pioneering psychologists to today’s campaigners, their legacies remind us that wellbeing is a shared journey.
Follow our page throughout October to learn, reflect, and celebrate with us.

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Olive Tree House, 23/29 Foundation Street
Belfast
BT15EP

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0798-9363113

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