There is evidence that Somali communities in London have a high level of mental ill-health but a low level of mental health service use.

Cultural and language barriers, disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds and the fear of being labeled Waali are just some of the challenges faced by members of the Somali community in need of mental and emotional support.

Mental heath illnesses are often stigmatised within the community as there are prevalent cultural beliefs which suggest that mental health illnesses are cause by evil eye, evil spirit, sorcery or even poor practice of religion.

We believe that the first step to dispelling the stigmas is to have open and honest communication in an attempt to educate each other on how Mental health affects us all, whether directly of indirectly.