Oyekoya: Nigerian Students, and the Black Community in Wales Face Substantial Mental Health Challenges, Worsened by Institutional Apathy, Structural inequalities, among other things
In this interview with Ugo Aliogo, the Director of BMHS, Oyekoya Alfred, speaks on the mental health challenges among Nigeria students, the black and Asian communities in Wales especially in Swansea. The efforts the organisation is putting in place to support victims with mental health, advocacy activities in the community and other issues. Excerpts.
Globally, a significant portion of the world’s population is grappling with various mental health challenges. Therefore, mental health remains a pressing issue in different countries both in the schools, workplace, and family life. Do you feel mental health victims are getting enough treatments in comparison to other ailments?
Globally, it is evident that a significant segment of the world’s population grapples with a range of mental health challenges. Unfortunately, the provision of adequate mental health treatments are still very low in comparison to other ailments. Thus, creating a pressing issue in schools, workplaces, and family life.
The harsh reality is that a substantial number of individuals in dire need of mental health care face significant barriers in accessing high-quality health services. This critical situation is compounded by the pervasive stigma associated to mental health, acute shortages in human resources, fragmented service delivery models, and a glaring lack of research capacity needed to drive impactful implementation and policy changes.
The resulting mental health treatment gap is not a mere statistic; it signifies a profound and deeply felt injustice for countless individuals whose well-being hangs in the balance.
To address this disparity, it is crucial to foster ongoing conversations about early intervention support.
By doing so, we can work towards dismantling barriers, raising awareness, and advocating for the necessary measures to ensure that mental health victims receive the attention and care they deserve.
Can you give an insight into the present situation of mental health in Wales and the UK. What are the medical interventions available for patients and how helpful have these interventions been so far?
Providing insight into the current state of mental health in Wales and the UK reveal a situation marked by both progress and critical challenges. The Mental Health Act in the UK is under scrutiny for long-overdue reform, and concerns have been raised about the inherent structural discrimination within the existing law. Last month, it came as a shock to several stakeholders when the government abandon critical aspect of its own manifestoes to legislate and reform the outdated law.
The reform is essential to empower patients with mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, ensuring that they have greater control over their treatment and receive the dignity and respect they rightfully deserve. Furthermore, addressing these reforms could play a crucial role in mitigating severe race inequalities.
Currently, individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds are disproportionately detained, with up to five times higher likelihood compared to their white counterparts. Urgent action is imperative to address this structural discrimination.
Disappointingly, the November 2023 King’s Speech, outlining the government’s last legislative programme before a potential election in 2024 or early 2025, did not include a mental health bill. This omission implies that any necessary reform will have to wait for a future government, leaving the urgent task of addressing structural discrimination hanging in the balance.
While there is currently significant emphasis and energy directed towards addressing the symptoms of mental health issues, the true legacy work lies in reforming the regulatory framework that underpins health inequalities.
What is the present mental health challenges confronting Nigeria students and the black community in Wales? What are the major triggers for mental health for Nigerian students living in Wales and UK?
Presently, Nigerian students in Wales and the broader Black community face substantial mental health challenges, exacerbated by institutional apathy, structural inequalities, racism, fear, stigma, and discrimination.
Black Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals encounter disadvantages in accessing mental health and wellbeing services, leading to disparities in the quality of care they receive.
Structural discrimination, arising from ostensibly neutral policies and practices, contributes to adverse outcomes for specific groups.
Our organization works closely with resilient Nigerian students, including international students, who exhibit commendable determination to excel despite facing numerous challenges. Notably, triggers for mental health issues among these groups range from culture shock to concerns about employment, school fees, accommodation, and experiences of racism and discrimination.
Particularly for Nigerians, unfair limitations during settlement in the UK pose significant challenges. Examples include the demand for six months’ payslips for securing accommodation and the requirement of relevant UK experience for minimum-wage jobs. These unnecessary barriers compound existing problems related to immigration, health, and finances, further impacting the well-being of many Nigerians.
In terms of passing legislations and ensuring implementation of policies by the Welsh government to protect the interests of the black community especially Nigerians. Do you feel there have appreciable progress?
Regarding the passage of legislation and the implementation of policies by the Welsh government to safeguard the interests of the black community, particularly Nigerians, there has been notable progress. It is crucial to understand the context of the United Kingdom’s devolved structure, where Wales has autonomy in areas such as Health and Education. This decentralization enables Wales to take initiative without waiting for Westminster.
An example is the reform of the Code of Practice for Mental Health in Wales, currently reflecting the 1983 Mental Health Act, which our organization advocates for reform at the local level.
Despite our active involvement in consultations, including contributions to legislative screenings, there is a growing sentiment within our community that implementation is overdue. Many community members are now more interested in seeing tangible changes implemented rather than engaging in further consultations.
While there has been significant investment in addressing the symptoms of poor mental health, it is essential to collectively address the root causes. Without addressing these causal factors, the cycle of mental health challenges may persist, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure lasting positive outcomes.
You are into promotion of social justice and free enterprise. There was a story that was reported by ITV News UK, that “Students from Nigeria studying at Swansea University claim they have been thrown off their courses, threatened with security and told to return home after their tuition fees were paid hours late.” Are you involved in assisting these Nigerians in fighting their case? What is the progress on this issue and how certain are you that they are going to get justice?
We are deeply committed to the promotion of social justice, and we are affected by the distressing situation reported by ITV News regarding Nigerian students at Swansea University. It is disheartening that these students have been removed from their courses, threatened with security, and instructed to return home.
Unfortunately, as of now, there hasn’t been significant progress in resolving this issue. One of the students diligently paid his school enrolment fees before the deadline, adding to the perplexity surrounding the situation.
Our organization’s role is to offer support to those affected, advocating for fairness and justice. However, it is imperative for institutions, particularly Swansea University, to take direct action by engaging with these individuals as customers, recognizing that they are more than just student numbers.
The imperative and excellence of community cohesion demands that these students are not left behind.
We will continue to call for transparency, communication, and swift resolution from the university to ensure that these students are re-absorbed into the academic community without further delay.
It is our hope that the university, as a responsible institution, will prioritize the welfare and academic pursuits of these students and work towards a just and satisfactory resolution to this unfortunate situation.
From your profile, it was stated that your expertise includes strategic advisory services and an astute understanding of the needs of grassroots communities and cultural relevant interventions to address health inequalities. You are reputed to have long fought for equality in access to public health in Swansea, why do you think health inequalities exist in grassroots communities? In your work with grassroots communities, what would you say are their major needs (social and healthcare) and what are some of the interventions you brought forward to address the health inequalities facing these communities?
The passion to leverage on my competence and influence to meet the needs of individuals on a case-by-case basis have given me veritable insight into how everyone can make significant contribution that can change our world. If we can get it right with an individual, we would have helped a family and helping a family we would have the potential to change the society and then subsequently the nation.
I’m a believer of bottom-up approach when it comes to changes and the ability to connect with thousands of people on a monthly basis and this gives me strategic insight into recommending vital areas that can be changed in policies that would result in better outcome for the society.
It is a travesty for anyone to claim to represent a people or a race and have no direct communication with the people and this fact has been the biggest hurdle we have experienced in the UK in previous years.
We have had individuals who have sometimes held political or strategic offices with no connection with the people and therefore could not effectively represent the views and aspirations of the people.
Some have resorted to theories and assumptions and by so doing have literally been guided by the mainstream media thoughts which are sometimes a distraction for the core aspirations of the people.
In my 18 years in advocacy and representing the voice of the less privilege, I have realised that when it comes to Black, Asian And other minority groups, there is a need for culturally relevant interventions that can help and support the groups to address the challenges they face in order to thrive in the UK, hence the reason why we place less emphasis on medication as early intervention support.
What does your work as the Poverty Truth Commissioner with Swansea Council entail and how has this impacted your work in the area of mental health?
In my role as the Poverty Truth Commissioner with Swansea Council, my work involves collaborating with a diverse group of individuals to amplify the voices and experiences of those affected by poverty. Launched in October 2022 in Wales, the Swansea Poverty Truth Commission has been instrumental in overcoming the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a commissioner, I actively contribute to creating safe spaces for individuals with lived experiences of poverty to share their stories, establish connections with one another, and engage with influential decision-makers in the local community.
The Swansea Poverty Truth Commission comprises a total of 28 dedicated Commissioners, myself included. We voluntarily invest our time and expertise to ensure that the perspectives of those affected by poverty play a central role in the decision-making processes that shape policies and initiatives.
The impact of this work on mental health is profound. By amplifying the voices of individuals with lived experiences of poverty, we foster a more inclusive and empathetic understanding of the challenges they face. This, in turn, has the potential to influence policy decisions that address the root causes of poverty, subsequently contributing to improved mental well-being within the community.
The collaborative efforts of the commission aims to create a more equitable and compassionate society where the impact of poverty on mental health is acknowledged and addressed through informed and empathetic decision-making.
You have an extensive background in project management and offer senior-level financial and policy guidance. How do you combine these areas of expertise with your work in mental health and social justice?
With a robust background in project management, senior-level financial, and policy guidance, I seamlessly integrate these skills into my work in mental health and social justice.
Valuing kindness as a crucial leadership quality, I approach my career as a Chartered Accountant and Project Manager with over 18 years of experience in corporate finance and third sector leadership with a compassionate mindset.
This outlook influences my interactions by prioritizing empathy and understanding, allowing the empowerment of individuals facing challenges through simple acts of kindness, such as providing a listening ear or offering guidance.
The fusion of project management, financial acumen, and policy expertise enables me to bring a comprehensive and compassionate perspective to mental health and social justice, contributing to positive change.
On the home front, in January 2023, the Mental Health Bill 2021 was passed into law. The Act is a significant step forward for mental health in Nigeria as it seeks to promote and protect the lives of people suffering from mental illness and eradicate every form of stigmatization and discrimination among them. How much efforts have you put in place to push advocacy about mental health in Nigeria? Is your organisation in partnership with any Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the creation of awareness for mental health?
In January 2023, Nigeria made significant strides in mental health by passing the Mental Health Bill 2021 into law, replacing the outdated Lunacy Act. This landmark legislation aims to promote and protect the lives of individuals with mental illnesses while eradicating stigmatization and discrimination.
Regarding advocacy efforts, our organization has been actively involved in promoting mental health awareness in Nigeria. We have collaborated with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and corporate bodies that share our vision.
Together, we have worked to raise awareness about the necessity of reforming the mental health legal framework. Notably, our collaborative efforts played a role in the eventual signing of the bill during the previous administration in Nigeria.
While the law signals political will in Nigeria to enhance mental health care, effective implementation is crucial. The current administration’s commitment to realizing this vision is essential, and attention must be given to securing funding for implementation.
Addressing issues like increasing financial allocation for mental health services relative to total healthcare expenditure is essential.
It is worth noting that the UK’s ongoing Mental Health Act reformation, which inspired momentum in Nigeria, is yet to be signed into law—an ironic contrast to Nigeria’s recent legislative success. This highlights the need for sustained efforts to ensure that mental health reforms globally translate into meaningful changes in legislation and, ultimately, in the lives of those affected by mental health challenges.
You were listed among the 100 people changing the face of Wales. What does this mean for you? How can this feat motivate your efforts in the promotion of social justice, fight against health equality in Swansea and mental health in Wales?
Being recognized as one of the 100 Changemakers in Wales holds immense significance for me. It is both an honour and a privilege to contribute to the realization of Wales’ vision outlined in the Well-being of Future Generations Act (2015). This recognition serves as a testament to the impact of my efforts in promoting social justice, fighting health inequality in Swansea, and advocating for mental health in Wales.
Wales, lauded by the United Nations for its unique Well-being of Future Generations Act, has set a standard for protecting the interests of children and future generations.
Being named among the top 100 Changemakers signifies a direct contribution to the well-being of Wales, aligning with the principles embedded in the progressive legislative framework.
Receiving the confirmation email from the Welsh Government was a pleasant surprise, and I extend my gratitude to those who nominated me for this award. Knowing that our efforts are not only acknowledged by individuals and community organizations but also by the Welsh and UK Government is heartening.
While the bulk of our work through BAME Mental Health Support may not be visible on social or media platforms due to the privacy of service users, this recognition underscores the importance of grassroots efforts.
Despite the absence of a digital footprint, supporting over 1500 individuals monthly has garnered attention from authorities who recognize the significance of our work at the grassroots level. This acknowledgment fuels my motivation to continue advocating for positive change and well-being, contributing to the broader societal goals outlined in the Well-being of Future Generations Act.
