About Black Health Initiative:         

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Black Health Initiative is the lead umbrella organisation of various health projects. We aim to support the health and well being of African Caribbean and African communities in Leeds.   

Our BHI offices are currently located on Mexborough Grove just behind the Chapeltown Enterprise Centre on Chapeltown Road, Leeds.

Our Projects:  

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Mayisha Project - Provides drugs education, prevention and harm reduction interventions to young people under the age of 25 who are affected by issues of substance (mis) use.  We can see our service users within schools, community venues, in their own home or at our offices.  Service users can be seen on a one to one basis or as part of a group. Mayisha will accept self-referrals as well as referrals from professionals  via telephone, fax or post.  Should the referral not be relevant to Mayisha we will endeavour to signpost and support the referrer to the most relevant and appropriate  agency.

E-mail:  mayisha@blackhealthinitiative.org.uk

Therapy Project - Runs throughout various times of the year and provides a range of therapies to adults and young people affected by long term illness, or full-time carers who have the responsibility of looking after a family member.  The therapy sessions take place within our specially equiped treatment room, and we will sometimes take our services into other venues within the Leeds 7 and 8 community.  Therapy sessions are 1 hour long and each client is offered between 4 and 6 weeks worth of sessions.  Treatments range from Indian Head Massage to Aromatherapy Massage and Reiki Healing.

E-mail:  admin@blackhealthinitiative.org.uk

Sexual Health Projects - The provision of free sexual health advice and sexually transmitted infection testing for both men and women in Leeds. Distribution of free condoms and lubricants as well as providing sexual health education for schools, colleges and community groups. BHI has also produced a DVD titled 'To Da G To Da U To Da M.' This training resource reflects the multi-layered issues affecting young people and in particular, young black people. Guidance notes have been produced with the DVD which provide factual information and ideas for further sources of information and support. This DVD is suitable for young people aged 13+ and aims to promote discussion and awareness of sexual health issues and services. To obtain a copy please contact BHI on 0113 3070300. The cost of the DVD with guidance notes is £15 including postage.   More information and an order form can be found here.

E-mail:  admin@blackhealthinitiative.org.uk

Testing Times - Provides free rapid HIV testing in a confidential setting.  We have trained workers  to answer any questions about HIV and the HIV test. Clients are asked to give a pin-prick sample of blood to our nurse. Results are usually ready  within 20 minutes.

If a client receives a positive result the Testing Times team will arrange for further tests and an appointment at a sexual health clinic. Testing Times can also help clients access local emotional and practical support services.  Clients who receive a negative result can talk about why they put themselves at risk and how they might want to manage their risk taking in the future. If a client wishes they do not need to give their real name when attending.  Our drop in sessions take place on Tuesdays between 6pm and 8pm.  Please call 0113 3070300 for the location.   

E-mail:  admin@blackhealthinitiative.org.uk

Website: http://www.mesmac.co.uk/tt/Partners.htm

Ku Sikia Counselling -  Provides a free and confidential counselling service to African, African Caribbean, Dual Heritage and other Minority Ethnic Young People aged 13 to 19.  Ku Sikia also provides a counselling and complementary therapy service to adults aged 20 and over.

Website: http://www.kusikiacounselling.org

E-mail:  kusikia@blackhealthinitiative.org.uk