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As part of Black History Month, Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ will host an event to help combat mental health stigma and to encourage all to openly discuss mental health, particularly men who identify as Black.

‘Black Men on the Couch’ will be a round table conversation involving guests who have a connection to Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ or Leicester.

Rotimi Akinsete, founder and director of Black Men on the Couch, will host the event, which have been running for approximately 10 years across the country. Rotimi has hosted at a number of institutions and a wide range of Black men have agreed to be interviewed. These include, Lord Simon Wooley, Prof Jason Arday and George the Poet.

Details about the event:

• When: Wednesday 6 November, 5-8.30pm
• Where: Hugh Aston Building, LE2 7BY

Black Men on the Couch will be led Professor Ivan Browne, Professor in Public Health Practice at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥, with discussions led by Rotimi Akinsete.

About the speakers:

• Professor Ivan Browne is Professor of Public Health at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥. He previously worked as the Director of Public Health at Leicester City Council and was key in leading Leicester through the COVID 19 pandemic.
• Byron Dixon OBE is the founder and CEO of the award-winning brand, Micro-Fresh®- An innovative technology used globally by manufacturers and retailers to protect and preserve the freshness of their products. In 2018, he received an OBE for services to industry and innovation. He is currently a Pro-Chancellor at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥.
• Mel Thomas QPM is a retired Police Sergeant who spent over 30 years in policing and received the Queen’s Police Medal for distinguished services to crown and county. He also participates as a Ground Hunter as part of the Channel 4 series, Hunted. 
• Jamal Jeffers is a practising barrister at KCH Garden Square Chambers in Leicester and Nottingham, specialising in family law, specifically child protection matters. Jamal is an alumnus of Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ and is currently a Pro-Chancellor.
• Lloyd Luther is a Leicester rapper and producer. His single Drugs on Tap, which was filmed in Leicester, has had over 7 million listens on Spotify and 2.5 million views on Youtube. Lloyd is an alumnus of Æß²ÊÖ±²¥, having studied a degree in Music Technology.
• Deano Presto is a Leicester based DJ, composer and songwriter. He is a host for Britain’s Got Reggae (BGR), a national UK competition that promotes UK reggae talent. Deano also works with local artists and supports local shows and events. He is an alumnus of Æß²ÊÖ±²¥.

The event will include edutainment, stands with Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ and community health awareness and resources. Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ staff research related to mental health and wellbeing will also be showcased. Pre and post event refreshments will also be available.

A journey through time and sound

Ahead of the round the table conversation, staff and students are also invited to join a celebration of Black music and culture with Future Development Facilitators Group (FDFG).

Dean Presto and Lloyd Luther, Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ alumnus and founders of the FDFG, will lead the event which will include:

• A rich tapestry of Black music, from soulful classics to contemporary hits, as we honor the legacy of Black artists
• Live performances, including captivating spoken word
• An engaging panel discussion exploring the impact of Black music on culture
• Flavours of the Caribbean with delicious food.

When: Wednesday 6 November, 2.30-4pm

Where: Hugh Aston Building, LE2 7BY

If you have any questions, email the Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ Events Office at eventsoffice@dmu.ac.uk