FROM TRAUMA
TO TRIUMPH
A Mentivity and YoungMinds Exhibition.
From Trauma to Triumph, is the culmination of the Creators Programme, a collaboration between Mentivity and YoungMinds. Through workshops and courageous conversations, young Black people explored key issues affecting their lives—intergenerational trauma, societal perceptions, and the impact of knife crime. Brought to life through collage art, audio, and photography, it amplifies the voices of young Black people and advocates for systemic change.
Our documentary 'Hear My Voice' captures the raw, unfiltered experiences of participants as they navigate conversations about mental health, systemic injustice, and identity. Our manifesto 'Shared Struggle and Shared Strength' is a tool for amplifying youth voices and pushing for systemic change.
Documentary
Hear My Voice
A powerful documentary filmed over 10 weeks, capturing the raw, unfiltered experiences of young Black people as they navigate conversations about mental health, systemic injustice, and identity. Created as part of the Creators Programme, the film amplifies their voices through personal reflections and creative expression, highlighting their journey from trauma to triumph. It’s a call to action for systemic change and a celebration of resilience, creativity, and hope.
Photography
Wilting Flowers
These photographs symbolise the fragility and resilience of both mental health and flowers. Just as flowers wilt from neglect and lack of care, so too does our mental well-being. Yet, with nourishment—whether it be water, sunlight, or care—both can be revived to thrive and flourish.
Photography & curation by Kelis Graham - @KreativeKelis
Kelis is a 20-year-old visual artist and a former mentee from Mentivity’s Raising Aspirations programme with Goldman Sachs in 2020, where her passion for photography was first nurtured. Now an active alumnus, she serves as Mentivity’s official photographer and the exhibition curator of photography. Currently an undergraduate student at Kingston University, Kelis recently completed the Creators Programme in partnership with Young Minds, further honing her creative vision and artistic expression.
Audio
Featuring a blend of poetry and animation, co-created by the young creators and brought to life by south London based Don Dada Studio.
Through spoken word and dynamic visuals, this installation captures the raw emotions and powerful voices of the participants. It amplifies their reflections on mental health & identity, offering an immersive experience. This installation stands as a testament to the transformative power of art in advocating for systemic change and uplifting young perspectives.
Manifesto
Shared Struggles & Shared Strength
Addressing the young Black experience on trauma, pressure, and safety
From weeks 7 to 8 of the Creators Programme, we held two powerful community activation sessions where young people delved deep into the issues they identified during the six-week workshops. These discussions were not just conversations—they were a platform for prioritising key themes that emerged from their shared experiences.
Through these collaborative sessions, they highlighted 15 pressing issues and honed them down to three core areas:
Intergenerational Trauma
Understanding the psychological and emotional wounds passed down across generations within Black communities and addressing them through culturally competent care and community healing.Perceptions and Pressures Faced by Young Black People
Challenging stereotypes and societal expectations that negatively impact mental health, career aspirations, and self-worth.Knife Crime and Its Lasting Impact on Black Communities
Recognising the systemic causes of knife crime, such as poverty, racism, and lack of opportunity, while advocating for trauma-informed, community-led solutions.
The Manifesto’s Purpose
The Creators Programme manifesto is more than just a document—it’s a tool for amplifying youth voices and pushing for systemic change. It aims to:
Influence Policy: Engage decision-makers with actionable insights and solutions from young people’s perspectives.
Shift Public Attitudes: Challenge harmful stereotypes and highlight the resilience and creativity of Black youth.
Foster Community Mobilisation: Inspire peer-to-peer support and grassroots action to build a more equitable future.
Support our work.
Weʼre raising £1,000,000 to run sessions at Mentivity House, provide support for young people through our new Youth Club offer and the wider community at the Mentivity House on the Aylesbury Estate, Southwark.