Black British Women on Health

We know the UK healthcare system was not built for black women, nor does it function with us in mind. The physical and mental health consequences of this exclusion, lack of access and misogynoir continue to impact us every day and sometimes practices taught within our own communities can affect our wellbeing too.

Navigating this system is exhausting, but you are not alone in your journey.

In partnership with Wellcome Collection, Black Ballad has commissioned a series of five insightful articles by black women on health and wellness – from living with sickle cell to balancing mental health with religion.

Also included are the health-related stories that we have previously covered and will continue to centre.

It’s beyond time we put our healthcare needs first.

“How can [black women] trust a healthcare system that fails to safeguard their needs, value their humanity or protect their lives?”

- What Black Women Do When The NHS Fails Them

“Along with strength, I was also raised to have shame. And for a Black woman to say, “I need help”, for me was a very shameful thing.”

- Don’t Call Me A Strong Black Woman