Meet The Facilitators

Black Beetle Health is a UK-based charity dedicated to improving health for LGBTQ+ Black and People of Colour communities. They use their own experiences to guide their work, providing evidence-based health education, resources, and helpful signposting services. The organisation actively involves the community in research and offers consultations to promote better health and equality. At PeerFest 2023, Black Beetle Health highlighted their commitment to supporting diverse communities with informed and inclusive health initiatives.

Idaraya Life is committed to providing accessible health and well-being activities for all women. Embracing the belief that health and happiness should be within everyone's grasp, the organisation organises free activities, emphasising the importance of overall well-being and enjoyment rather than achieving Olympic-level fitness. As a testament to this philosophy, Idaraya Life delivered a mindful tie-dying workshop at this year's event. At the heart of Idaraya Life's mission is a focus on Black women within Greater Manchester, who often face challenges due to gender, race, and socioeconomic factors, placing them at a disadvantage. Founder Ayisatu Emore, drawing inspiration from conversations with friends during lockdown and her experiences as a mother, recognises the urgent need for increased fitness and mental health support in the community. Through their initiatives and mindful workshops, Idaraya Life is dedicated to empowering Black women to prioritise their health and happiness in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Heads2Minds is committed to shaping a world where individuals grappling with mental health and well-being challenges find solace, comprehension, and respect. Through their innovative programmes, Heads2Minds is reshaping the narrative around mental health and actively working to dismantle the lingering stigma that persists in society. Their objective is to empower individuals, urging them to take control of their health and well-being on their path to recovery. They invite others to join in their mission to create an inclusive space for open discussions about mental health and to provide holistic support for everyone in need. As part of their commitment, Heads2Minds recently delivered a talk on the profound impact of peer support in inpatient mental health services.

Michelle Baharier is an award-winning multi-media artist, a graduate of the Slade School of Fine Art and exchange student of the Städelschule Fine Art Academy in Frankfurt, Germany. Michelle’s artwork addresses the many barriers that she and others face, some due to disability discrimination and prejudice. Michelle delivered a workshop where participants created their own get-well-soon cards. Michelle describes the workshop with these words: "Have you ever wished you could send someone a card that you would have liked to receive during a difficult period in your life? Whether you want to create a card for someone battling mental health challenges, celebrate their journey towards recovery from substance addiction, or simply acknowledging their daily triumphs, this workshop is all about expressing empathy and support through art. Each card you make can be a source of inspiration and healing for the recipient."

42nd Street is a pioneering young people's mental health charity based in Greater Manchester, boasting 40 years of invaluable experience in offering free and confidential services to youth facing challenges with mental health and emotional well-being. The organisation is dedicated to providing support that aligns with the unique needs of young individuals. At PeerFest 2023, 42nd Street showcased their expertise by delivering an informative talk addressing youth mental health.

Liv Slania, a criminal justice peer support worker with a passion for mental health advocacy, delivered a talk discussing her book "Superheroics,” which is an interactive philosophy manual crafted to simplify the pursuit of a more contented and fulfilling life, especially in these turbulent and concerning times. Liv has been part of PeerFest for 2 years now, and in her professional role, Liv supports individuals with mental health challenges who have found themselves entangled with the criminal justice system. Drawing on her lived experience, she brings a unique perspective to her work, emphasising the importance of understanding and empathy.

Mothers Uncovered is dedicated to supporting women in matrescence- the transition into motherhood. Recognising the prevalence of post-natal illness affecting up to 100,000 women in the UK annually, the initiative aims to provide a safe space for mothers to admit their feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, breaking the silence around these issues. This creative support network provides a unique space for hundreds of women to openly discuss and celebrate their experiences in groups facilitated by past participants. Mothers Uncovered addresses the often-overlooked aspect of motherhood, emphasising the mother's perspective rather than focusing solely on the child. Participants explore their experiences through art, writing, singing, or mindfulness, fostering self-esteem and validating women's perspectives. They brought his creative approach to PeerFest, delivering a spoken word workshop.

The 3Rs (Real Relaxing Retreat) workshop explores the emotional well-being benefits of Bollywood yoga to bring joy and rejuvenation to participants. This unique workshop welcomed everyone to experience the delight of Bollywood yoga moves in a light, fun, and experiential setting, enriched with a fusion of famous Bollywood and Western music. The blend of Bollywood-inspired movements and Western music created a vibrant atmosphere, fostering not only relaxation but also encouraging participants to explore their own dance styles. The 3Rs workshop stands as a testament to the power of combining cultural influences and wellness practises for a holistic and enjoyable experience.

Lives Not Labels stands as a unique project committed to shedding light on the often-overlooked aspects of the mental health conversation. With a focus on conditions like personality disorders, psychotic conditions, and dissociative disorders, the initiative aims to address the void left by mainstream media discussions. Under the banner of "Sorry My Mental Illness Isn't Sexy Enough For You," Lives Not Labels has created a safe space for individuals grappling with less glamorous yet equally significant mental health conditions. The project recognises the harm caused by inaccurate perceptions, which can shame those with stigmatised disorders into silence. They delivered a talk sharing insights on utilising social media for awareness.

S.H.E. UK, is a charity in Nottinghamshire, that provides crucial support for survivors of childhood sexual abuse and exploitation. They delivered a talk about their SHE-roes Lounge—a female peer support group fostering connection and sef development, all facilitated by qualified therapists. Their services also include responsive telephone support, offering immediate coping strategies, and up to two years of weekly counselling delivered by qualified and trainee therapists. S.H.E. UK's holistic approach underscores their commitment to helping survivors on their path to healing and empowerment.

One Step Bury adopts a holistic, empowerment-based, and person-centred approach to physical and mental health services, cultivating a supportive community atmosphere. They provide free groups for both men and women and are inclusive of all ages (0-100) Service users are invited to engage in a diverse range of activities, including days out, boxing, self-defence classes, gym sessions, Zumba, yoga, meditation, mindfulness, art therapy, self-help courses, training, workshops, and chill-out sessions.

Paula's Place, born out of a personal journey to combat mental health challenges and anxiety, was founded by Paula during the lockdown. Faced with the need to shield at home for an extended 18 months, Paula found solace and purpose in creating a space for self-discovery and growth. Paula's Place is a haven for empowerment, self-growth, and building self-confidence. She delivered a workshop that champions the idea that we must be our own priority, recognising the importance of putting ourselves first in the journey towards mental wellness.

Calabash, a project under the George House Trust, provides a supportive environment for African men living with HIV to connect, share experiences, and discuss various aspects of living with HIV. Calabash, through its collaborative efforts, strives to empower and uplift African men living with HIV, fostering a sense of community, skill-building, and overall well-being. Monthly sessions offer diverse support, covering HIV-related, interpersonal, economic, and learning needs including empowering activities, social events, health and wellbeing sessions, indoor and outdoor activities, skills-based training, and volunteering opportunities.

In Between Lines is a project that empowers individuals with complex identities to celebrate themselves in their fullness. The project fosters a sense of community through a combination of online content and in-person events, providing a platform for individuals to explore their identities on their terms. They delivered a workshop drawing on intersectional lived experience, focusing on creating inclusive spaces. The workshop covered aspects such as space design, programming, trauma-informed practise, and boundary setting. This session served as a valuable refresher for experienced peer support leaders while also inspiring individuals to innovate and experiment in their own lives.