Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing in South London and Beyond

In today’s fast-paced world, mental health and emotional wellbeing have become crucial conversations, especially for young people navigating complex challenges. Recognising the lack of dedicated resources for young Black problem in South London, Black Thrive partnered with Comuzi to co-design Rootstowings.co.uk—a comprehensive resource designed to foster positive mental health and emotional resilience in young people, parents, carers, and educators.

Why the Roots To Wings Toolkit Matters

Black pre-teens face unique challenges, including intergenerational trauma, systemic inequalities, and cultural misunderstandings in educational and community settings. This toolkit was developed through a co-creation process involving young people, parents, carers, teachers, and mental health advocates, ensuring that the strategies and resources provided are practical, culturally sensitive, and impactful.

Key Outcomes of the Toolkit

The Roots to Wings Toolkit is designed to achieve meaningful change through:

✔ Improved Children Mental Health – Providing holistic wellbeing support tailored to the needs of Black young people.

✔ Effective Communication – Bridging the gap between young people, their families, educators, and schools.

✔ Trauma-Informed Interventions – Recognising and addressing the ongoing effects of trauma in Black communities.

✔ Supporting Black Educators – Equipping Black teachers with tools to navigate discrimination and foster inclusive learning environments.

What’s Inside the Toolkit?

The Roots To Wings Toolkit includes a range of Mindful Moves—practical activities that encourage proactive mental health management. These activities are designed for different groups, from young people and parents to educators and school leadership. Some key activities include:

🔹 Mindful Move Activities – Step-by-step exercises to support self-awareness, stress reduction, and emotional balance. 

🔹 Expressions Workshop – A creative space for young people to use art, music, and writing to process their emotions. 

🔹 Heritage Projects – Engaging initiatives to help young people explore and celebrate Black cultural heritage, fostering a strong sense of identity and pride. 

🔹 Trauma-Informed Training – Resources for teachers to better understand and support the mental health needs of Black students. 

🔹 Parent and Carer Workshops – Guidance for parents and carers on navigating stress, supporting self-expression, and creating open communication channels at home.

Taking Action: How You Can Use the Toolkit

The Toolkit is designed to be accessible and adaptable. Whether you’re a young person looking for self-care strategies, a parent seeking guidance, or a teacher working towards inclusivity in the classroom, there’s something for everyone.

To get started: 

✅ Download the toolkit and explore the Mindful Moves activities. 

✅ Implement simple daily practices, such as affirmations or mindful journaling. 

✅ Encourage conversations about mental health at home and in schools. 

✅ Advocate for cultural representation and inclusivity within educational spaces.

Building a Future of Wellbeing and Empowerment

By integrating the strategies outlined in the Roots To Wings Toolkit, we can collectively create a healthier, more supportive environment for Black pre-teens. This is more than just a resource—it’s a movement towards meaningful change, ensuring that young people can thrive emotionally, mentally, and socially.

Want to learn more? Access the full toolkit here today and be part of the journey towards a more inclusive and supportive future.

Join the conversation! Share your thoughts on social media using #RootstowingsToolkit and let us know how you’re using the resources in your community.