Discover our journey, meet our founder, and learn about the values that drive us forward
My thesis for my post-graduate course researched reasons why recent immigrant women living in the UK who are experiencing domestic violence do not engage the law and it was at this time when I realised that in the UK, mental health problems are more common among ethnic minorities communities than they are in the general population, that ethnic minorities communities are more likely to disengage from mainstream mental health services, encounter mental health services through the criminal justice system rather than a referral from GPs and are disproportionately detained under the Mental Health Act.
I work for a mental health service provider and truly access to this service by people from ethnic minorities communities is next to zero. This inspired me to set up an organisation that would stop mental ill-health in ethnic minorities communities before it stops them so I approached my colleagues Susie Brennan and Margaret Msimbe who both have a wealth of experience in health and social care, particularly mental health and Inini Initiative Ltd was born.
I view myself as a change maker who is committed to tackling poverty and injustice in my community. I love people. My purpose is to have a positive impact on them and leave behind a lasting legacy through kindness.
- Last MafubaOur core values underpin everything we do, the way we work and how we deliver our services. These are:
We are very mindful of our clients backgrounds and therefore take a respectful approach, being sensitive towards their cultural and religious beliefs.
Creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered regardless of their background or circumstances.
Providing compassionate, culturally sensitive support that helps individuals navigate challenges and build resilience.
Equipping individuals with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to take control of their mental health and wellbeing.
In the UK, asylum seekers, refugees and migrants are met with a hostile environment where they face inequalities across all indicators of economic and social wellbeing. Many of them occupy positions of disadvantage. They have higher rates of unemployment and if employed are overqualified for their jobs and face discrimination, live in poorer housing, report poorer health, and have lower levels of academic achievement.
In the UK, it is established that mental health problems are more common among ethnic minorities communities than they are in the general population. Evidence suggests they are disproportionately detained under the Mental Health Act 2007 and usually come into contact with mental health services through the criminal justice system rather than the general referral system. There is evidence they present at a crisis point which suggests an unwillingness to engage with mental health services.
Historically, people from minority ethnic communities are known to be underrepresented in health research and hence, most interventions are developed for mainstream societies. This precludes the understanding of their health needs thereby having a negative impact on the development of effective services and interventions.
Hear from our founder and see the impact we're making in communities across the UK
Last Mafuba shares the story behind Inini Initiative
Hear from community members about their experiences
Driven by a commitment to make lasting change in ethnic minority communities
Increase awareness of mental health within ethnic minorities communities to remove the stigma and social exclusion promoting support by improving awareness of mental health needs.
Build relationships with individuals so they talk openly about past experiences, trauma or concerns about adapting to a new culture providing the opportunity to talk to someone who will understand and advise them.
Advocacy for clients for whom English isn't the first language to help them understand the Mental Health support services available to them and to encourage improved access to these services through signposting in community settings.
Assistance to enable health professionals to understand how to conduct culturally appropriate assessments with clients from BME communities building an understanding of mental health needs and improving service design and delivery with better health outcomes for service users.
Working together with organisations that share our commitment to mental health and community wellbeing
Join us in creating positive change and supporting mental health in ethnic minority communities across the UK.