Venue: Chapter One Bookshop

Time: 14.15 – 15.30

Stigmas attached to mental health stop it from being properly discussed within literary contexts. Racism within mainstream mental health services means that there is a lack of understanding and services provided to BAME people. How does writing effect this? Does mainstream literature perpetuate the stereotype and lead to dangerous consequences such as the medicated and sedated black woman?

Dr Col Bashir is a psychologist, poet and playwright.

JJ Bola is a Kinshasa born, London raised writer, poet, educator and workshop facilitator

Charlotte Maxwell is a poet and short story writer from Manchester

Radikal Queen is a cultural activist and poet based in the UK, who makes grassroots theatre and music

Desiree Reynolds started as a journalist and has since written film scripts, poetry and short stories