What does meaningful mental health support look like when systems do not fully understand the communities they serve?

In this episode of AfriWoman Chats, we are in conversation with Salma Mohamed, an Integrative Psychotherapist and founder of the Somali Mental Health Network. Salma’s work sits at the intersection of clinical practice, lived experience, and community leadership. Through her therapeutic work and the development of the Somali Mental Health Network, she is helping to shape approaches to mental health that are culturally grounded, accessible, and rooted in the realities of Somali communities across the UK.

This conversation explores how culture, identity, and faith inform mental health support, the structural gaps within mainstream provision, and the role of community-led networks in building long-term pathways to care. We also reflect on intergenerational healing, practitioner wellbeing, and what it takes to move from awareness to meaningful systemic change. This is part of African Voices Platform’s ongoing work exploring community, leadership, and public life.