The poetry workshop encouraging black men to open up

Speaking candidly on mental health and masculinity is challenging for many men, but this poetry workshop is changing that.

Nestled away in Brixton, south London, I joined the Mandem, Let's Talk programme every Monday for four weeks to understand the issues facing young black men today.

"Going to spaces like this where you can allow yourself to be vulnerable, you can feel yourself growing and evolving as a person and how that will influence you as a man moving forward," attendee Dizo said.

The programme is run by black-led charity Poetic Unity and is designed to help attendees express their emotions and build confidence through spoken word.

Through a mixture of word games, writing prompts and guided discussions, young men are encouraged to bring their authentic emotions to the table.

The room fell heavy with hushed silence as Dizo shared his poem on mental health.

My Guys Don't Understand Depression

And it's not like it's their fault

There's already so much they go through

Because even on the darkest of days

We wear the darkest of shades

Because true say

We don't wanna show our tears roll tru

Depression hits many man in different ways

So of course it don't look the same

"I was having a conversation with a lifelong friend about mental health, it was the first time removing the layers of stigma around it. I felt so positive afterwards, just being open - it inspired this poem," Dizo recalls.

According to the Priory group, about 77% of men experience anxiety, stress or depression, and 40% never speak about it.

Youth Access also reports that racialised youth, and in particular young black people, face additional barriers, including cultural stigma and experiences of racism.

Dizo went on to share how the workshop has helped him process his emotions: "During our first session we had a writing prompt about giving a guide to our younger self.

"I was talking to a friend afterwards about my poem. I thought 'wow, if I could give this to someone younger than me it could change the trajectory of their life'.

"Poetry is exposing: you're putting yourself out there. This space has opened the gateway to having meaningful conversations with the men here and in my life," he said.

Dizo also expressed the exhaustion of being repeatedly stopped and searched.

"I've been stopped and searched too many times, I don't feel like that should be normal.

"I live five minutes from the police station - they must have seen me walking my dog before.

"I wasn't wearing any black and my hood wasn't up and they still stopped me, it made me feel like I can't win and I wrote about that experience in a poem," he said.

Dizo isn't alone in opening up about harmful stereotypes - other attendees feel inspired to divulge their stories too.

More than just my height

People see the size and get hype

And try make a comment that's sly,

And I wonder why? Is it cos I'm a guy I should let it slide?

Cos I don't think that's right!

And I might not start a fight tonight, but I will think you're a weirdo,

As you compare me to chocolate and say you want a bite,

Or when u ask "you know what they say about big feet" when I tell you my shoe size

So I'm sorry but it's taken me all of my might, to tell you "no we can't take a picture just because I'm 6 foot 9"

Benjamin's poem explores sexual stereotyping and objectification, something the others at the workshop agree is a common experience.

"I was in a shop and a woman came up to me and took a picture of our feet together. A guy that she was with made a loud comment and said 'if that's how big his feet are imagine how big another part of his body is'. That made me feel, I would say objectified and uncomfortable," Benjamin shared.

He outlined that putting this experience into a poem helped him release pent up emotions, and explained the importance of third spaces for men.

Benjamin - who performs as XVI - has been writing poetry for nearly two years and explains the necessity of spaces like this: "When I write a piece and perform it, it's good because others can relate to it.

"It's easier to share in an intimate group like this, it's a safe space.

"Somewhere I can meet other black men who can relate to the same things and we all have a love for poetry," he added.

Programme manager Ehireme Omoaka explained what facilitating the workshops means to him.

"What inspired us was creating spaces for black men to thrive. Being vulnerable with each other and knowing that poetry is a centre point of expression."

He added: "Seeing people delve into conversations they wouldn't anywhere else is inspiring.''

Reflecting on last year's Mandem, Let's Talk workshop, Ehireme said: "There was one occasion where someone revealed their sexuality, which made me feel like this space really is for everyone.

"People walk in with self doubt, asking themselves 'who am I', and seeking support that is found in the brotherhood which is this group."

"Leaving the workshop always feels like a breath of fresh air," Dizo said.

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