Black Minds Matter UK launches Pardner Hand Initiative to secure Black mental health for generations to come

A community-led initiative to build a safety net for the Black community in the UK

London, 1 October 2025 — Black Minds Matter UK, a leading mental health charity for the Black community, today launched the Pardner Hand Initiative. Unveiled during Black History Month, the initiative aims to raise £100,000, funding culturally relevant therapy and tackling stigma to ensure Black people can access the mental health support they need to thrive.

Rooted in community traditions, the Pardner Hand Initiative takes inspiration from the long-standing practice of collective saving, known as the Pardner Hand (also called Susu, Sou-Sou, or Ajo). Brought to the UK by the Windrush Generation, this system was built on trust, accountability, and mutual support. By reimagining the practice for mental health, the initiative demonstrates how a legacy of collective care remains powerful and relevant today.

“We are proud to launch the Pardner Hand Initiative during Black History Month as a reminder that our community has always built safety nets when traditional systems shut us out. Today, with economic and political pressures weighing heavily on mental health, we are reimagining that legacy for our times. Building on this milestone, Black Minds Matter UK is launching the Pardner Hand – a groundbreaking initiative to create a Black mental health fund, by us, for us. We invite everyone to contribute so that when we or our loved ones need it, there is something to draw on..” — Danielle Bridge, CEO, Black Minds Matter UK

Since its founding in 2020, Black Minds Matter UK has been a lifeline for Black communities, raising over £3 million, delivering thousands of free, culturally appropriate therapy sessions, and supporting hundreds of individuals on their journey to mental health recovery.

With contributions starting from just £1 a month, supporters can join the Pardner Hand to help reshape the mental health landscape for Black communities across the UK — ensuring accessible, culturally grounded care for generations to come.

This initiative stands as a tribute to the enduring spirit of the Windrush Generation and an embodiment of this year’s Black History Month theme: Standing Firm in Power and Pride. By pooling resources and standing together, Black Minds Matter UK is creating a sustainable model of care that uplifts and empowers.