Our Story
Established in April 2020, the Thelma Matilda Alves Foundation is committed to championing the mental health and wellbeing of women from African and Caribbean descent. Our foundation is a tribute to our Founder's grandmother, who courageously emigrated from Jamaica to the UK in pursuit of a better life for her seven children. Numerous accounts of her grandmother's experiences underscore the challenges of undiagnosed mental health issues, particularly heightened during the Windrush era migration to the UK.
Rayann Bryan is the founder behind our mental health charity. With a passion for making a positive impact on the mental well-being of individuals, Rayann brings a unique perspective to our organisation. Inspired by personal experiences and a commitment to fostering change, Rayann established our charity to provide support and resources for those navigating mental health challenges.
The Problem
Ethnic breakdown of qualified clinical psychologists in England and Wales
Ethnic breakdown of women who have a common mental health disorder
White people are twice more likely to receive mental treatment than Black people (mind.org.uk, 2019)
10% of BAME people believe that talking therapy adequately considers their cultural background (mind.org)
The mental health charity Mind stated that “Black women experience substantially higher rates of mental health problems than white women".
Her grandmother's narrative profoundly influences her doctoral research, delving into the lasting impact of immigration during the Windrush era on the psyche of subsequent generations of racial minority women in the UK. The study aims to explore the generational effects of racial melancholia, mourning, and mimicry, shedding light on the intricate interplay between historical experiences and the mental well-being of the mothers and daughters of Windrush. This research initiative seeks to uncover insights that can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by minority women and inform targeted mental health support strategies within the UK.
Embarking on a mission to understand the mental health landscape for three generations of black Caribbean females in the UK, she uncovered the stark underrepresentation of black women in both professional roles and as recipients of mental health support. The pervasive impact of gendered and racialized issues on the mental health of black women has often been overshadowed by stereotypes, stigmatization, and misogynoir.
Motivated by this revelation, she founded this foundation as a dedicated effort to confront and counteract the prejudices and discrimination faced by black women seeking to practice and access mental health services in the UK. Join us in championing a more inclusive and supportive environment for the mental well-being of minority women.