Synergi-Leeds, in association with Words of Colour, are hosting the first public screening of The Journey to Racial Equality in Leeds Mental Health Services, a documentary, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A at Seven Arts, Leeds, on Wednesday 22nd March 2023.
Directed and produced by Joy Francis and Adrianne McKenzie for the Synergi Collaborative Centre (phase 1) during the Covid pandemic in 2021, the film offers a case study of Leeds’ collaborative journey to reducing ethnic inequalities within diverse communities.
The documentary features interviews from a range of Leeds-based health, mental health, public health, NGO and community sector professionals and experts by experience who, as change agents, are impacting and influencing the narrative and pathways within organisations and communities in Leeds. It also features powerful performances by poets Khadijah Ibrahiim, Black Ops Poetry and Saju Iqbal Ahmed.
Following the one hour screening, there will be a panel discussion and Q&A, moderated by Joy Francis, Executive Director, Words of Colour, and Co-Founder and former Co-Director of the award-winning Synergi Collaborative Centre.
Panellists include Sharon Prince, Deputy Director Psychological Professions, Leeds & York NHS Partnership Foundation Trust, Sinead Cregan, Director of Development and Innovation, Inspire North, poet and mental health advocate Abdullah Adekola, Pip Goff, Director, Volition at Forum Central, Heather Nelson, Chief Executive, Black Health Initiative and Expert by Experience Tessa Francis.