Mental Health (Are Black Boys More Affected By Mental Health Issues?) Artwork

S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast

A podcast that explores a public health approach to improving the mental health of black boys while challenging the negative stereotypes associated with this demographic in the society. This is a happiness research informed creative podcast featuring discussions with professionals, changemakers and young people. It is hosted by Kay Rufai, a poet, photographer, filmmaker, playwright, mental health researcher.…he keeps himself busy with anything creative. So expect to hear interesting thoughts, discussions with professionals, change-makers and audio recordings from the young people that participated in the programme.

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S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast

Mental Health (Are Black Boys More Affected By Mental Health Issues?)

May 14, 2020 • Kay Rufai • Season 1 • Episode 4

The fourth episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Health (Mental), as it pertains to young people, black boys and the society as a whole. In this episode, the theme Mental Health as it pertains to black boys and black men, what the stats say, and how this plays out in the schools, criminal justice system, health care and mental health services.

The host, Kay Rufai ( https://www.instagram.com/universoulartist/ ) explores using his happiness research from the top 5 happiest countries ( You can download the report here; https://mailchi.mp/faddab9bb9a1/pdf-delivery ), how to best support these young boys, as well as ourselves in a bid to improve our mental well-being.

The episode features audio clips from young boys that participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys classroom workshops with Kay Rufai exploring their experiences with mental health (positive and negative) and how best to be supported through it.

Read the Guardian opinion piece about Kay Rufai and his work on challenging stereotypes of Black boys in the society (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/mar/18/photographs-black-teenage-boys-prejudice-stereotypes )

Check out the Guardian Photo Gallery of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project

( https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/mar/18/portraits-black-teenagers-south-london-mental-health )

Checkout the Artist - Kay Rufai's website - www.universoulartist.com

Here's some further research around happiness for your perusal

Articles referenced
Centre For Mental Health Report

School Exclusions and Mental health impact

'Be Worried About Boys' research piece ( https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/moral-landscapes/201701/be-worried-about-boys-especially-baby-boys )

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