On Friday, the 18th of October 2024, I had the privilege of facilitating a powerful and transformative event with the esteemed Mrs. Folaji Fasanya-Omoyeni at the African Wonder Women Organisation. Held at the Milton Keynes Blue Light Hub, a modern base for the city’s emergency services, the event brought together firefighters, police officers, and ambulance staff for a unique occasion that blended creativity with conversations around mental health. This event, part of a broader series marking Black History Month and Mental Health Week, was titled “Take Off the Mask,” and its aim was as profound as it was simple—to offer these brave emergency service professionals a safe space to express themselves, unwind, and focus on their mental well-being.
Why Creativity? Why Now?
Working in emergency services is an extraordinary commitment. These individuals confront the most challenging and often traumatic situations daily, always wearing a professional “mask” to keep going. However, behind that mask, the toll of their work can manifest in stress, burnout, and a need for emotional release. This event provided the opportunity to address those challenges through creative therapy—a powerful, non-verbal way to express feelings that are difficult to articulate.
Creativity is often the key to “speaking the unspeakable.” By engaging in a hands-on activity like making beaded jewellery, the participants could step away from their daily responsibilities and reconnect with themselves. Through this form of artistic expression, they were able to unlock emotions and ideas they may not have even realised they were carrying.
Crafting Jewels, Unveiling Emotions
The session invited participants to create beautiful pieces of beaded jewellery, not just as a decorative activity but as a way of connecting with their own emotions and those of their loved ones. As I guided them through the process, it was amazing to see how each piece reflected the personal stories, joys, and challenges of these remarkable men and women. Some created pieces for themselves, while others focused on making gifts for their loved ones—partners, children, parents—a tangible expression of their care and affection.
Taking Off the Mask
The theme, “Take Off the Mask,” resonated deeply throughout the session. Emergency service staff are often required to suppress their emotions to perform their jobs effectively. This mask of professionalism can become a burden, preventing them from addressing their own mental health needs. By allowing themselves to engage in creative therapy, they took off that mask for a while, revealing their authentic selves beneath.
The discussions that followed the creative activities were equally powerful. Many participants opened up about the difficulties they face in managing their mental health in such a high-pressure environment. The act of sharing their experiences within this supportive, informal setting helped to reduce stigma and promote a sense of solidarity. It was a reminder that even the strongest among us sometimes need to step back, express vulnerability, and care for our own wellbeing.
The Power of Creative Therapy in the Workplace
The results of the event were both inspiring and humbling. It was clear that creativity had unlocked something vital for the participants: a chance to step outside their daily roles, reflect, and take time for themselves. Creative therapy has long been recognised as an effective way to reduce stress, promote mental clarity, and foster emotional resilience. For those who work on the frontlines of society’s emergencies, these benefits are even more significant.
This event demonstrated that when we create space for creativity in the workplace—especially in high-stress fields like emergency services—we not only support mental health but also encourage a healthier, more open dialogue about it. The beaded jewellery that was crafted during the session now stands as a symbol of that dialogue, a reminder to the participants that they deserve moments of joy, rest, and self-care.
A Step Forward for Mental Health and Inclusion
As part of the Black History Month and Mental Health Week series, the event also underscored the importance of inclusion in conversations about mental health. These emergency service professionals, many of whom are from diverse backgrounds, reflected on the unique challenges they face. It was a moment of unity, a shared understanding that no matter our race or role in society, mental health matters equally to all.
The Milton Keynes Blue Light Hub provided the perfect setting for this event, offering a space where emergency services could come together, not just in their professional capacities, but as individuals with shared experiences and struggles.
Looking Ahead
The success of “Take Off the Mask” at Milton Keynes marks only the beginning. As we continue to support our emergency service workers, it’s vital that we create more spaces for creative expression, dialogue, and mental health support. Creativity, in all its forms, has the power to break down walls, open up new avenues of understanding, and offer healing in ways we may not initially expect.
I look forward to facilitating more events like this in the future, where we can continue to “speak the unspeakable” through creativity, and provide a much-needed outlet for those who spend their lives serving others. This event reminded us all that sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is take off the mask and allow ourselves the grace of self-care.
#MentalHealthMatters #BlackHistoryMonth #CreativeTherapy #TakeOffTheMask