Who We Are

Black People Talk CIC was established in 2019 by Yannick Yalipende and Nkasi Stoll to provide safe spaces for Black university students to be brave and talk about their mental health. Since then Black People Talk has opened up to education institutions, places of work, and in the community. We work in collaboration with Black people, and allies, to reduce mental health inequality in access to appropriate support.

Our Manifesto

  • Provide Black people with the tools to advocate for their own and others mental health.

  • Explore the narratives around Black people's mental health and reclaim the narrative to one that is fair.

  • Understand and document the lived experiences and life events that shape the mental health of Black people in the UK.

  • Increase awareness and understanding of Black people's mental health.

 

 The Black People Talk Team

 
Yannick Yalipende // Founding DirectorYannick is currently training as a Clinical Associate Psychologist within the NHS, and also completing an MSc in Applied Neuropsychology from University of Bristol. Yannick has over 9 years of experience working in clinical and community mental health and wellbeing services.

Yannick Yalipende // He/Him // Founding Director

Yannick is currently undertaking a professional doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He holds a MSc in Clinical Associate Psychology from University College London, a MSc in Applied Neuropsychology and a BSc in Experimental Psychology from the University of Bristol. Yannick has over 9 years of experience working in clinical and community mental health and wellbeing services.

 
Nkasi Stoll // Co-Founder and Black Students Talk DirectorNkasi is doing a PhD in Psychology at King’s College London titled: “Mental Health and Wellbeing of Black University Students in the UK”. She holds a MSc in Mental Health Studies from King’s College London and a BSc (Hons) Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience from University of Nottingham. Nkasi has over 10 years of clinical and research experience working in mental health and wellbeing services.

Nkasi Stoll // She/Her // Co-Founder and Director

Nkasi is doing a PhD in Psychological Medicine Research at King’s College London titled: “Mental Health and Wellbeing of Black University Students in the UK”. She holds a MSc in Mental Health Studies from King’s College London and a BSc (Hons) Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience from University of Nottingham. Nkasi has over 10 years of clinical and research experience working in mental health and wellbeing services.

 

Abiy Babatunde // She/Her // Black Students Talk Project Manager

Abiy is a mental health advocate and multidisciplinary creative. She holds an MSc in Affective Disorders from King’s College London and a BSc (Hons) Psychology from De Montfort University. Abiy has over 6 years of experience working in youth and community services, forensic mental health, and clinical services.

 
Hayat Hussein // Black Students Talk PsychologistHayat is completing a Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology. She is working as a Counselling Psychologist within the NHS. Hayat has experience in working within complex trauma, primary care and community mental health services. Her doctoral research explores different cultural meanings of distress and different barriers to accessing mental health care. This research has pursued her passion in considering how social, cultural and political contexts can influence individuals and how clinicians need to be more culturally competent, flexible and understanding towards this.

Dr Hayat Hussein // She/Her // Black Students Talk Psychologist

Hayat is a Counselling Psychologist within the NHS. Hayat has experience working within complex trauma, primary care and community mental health services. Her doctoral research explored different cultural meanings of distress and different barriers to accessing mental health care. She is passionate about considering how social, cultural and political contexts can influence individuals and how clinicians need to be more culturally competent, flexible and understanding towards this.