The Rise of The Mental Health Jedi and The Road Ahead

As I approach my 55th birthday this Sunday, I’ve been reflecting on the incredible journey that was 2024. It was a year full of challenges, lessons, and some moments so surreal they felt scripted by George Lucas himself. And let’s be real — who else but a self-proclaimed Mental Health Jedi would use the Force to advocate for culturally competent mental health services?

2024: A Year of Strides (Soul Strides, to be exact)

When I started sharing my mental health journey in 2021, I never dreamed I’d be speaking to global audiences, let alone advising the WHO Commission on Social Connection or delivering a keynote at the BACP AGM. But as Obi-Wan once said, “In my experience, there’s no such thing as luck.” Last year proved that courage (and a touch of Jedi humour) can turn even the most challenging experiences into meaningful change.

Here’s what Project Soul Stride accomplished in 2024:

• Led an independent review of suicidality in the UK’s Black community, engaging over 165 stakeholders.
• Published 20+ blogs/articles to advance critical conversations about mental health, the most poignant was for the Voice Newspaper — The Voice — ‘Reaching out for help is a strength not a weakness’ (Feature Article)
• Delivered a keynote at the BACP AGM, proving that lived experience is expertise.
• Joined Imroc as a Board Trustee (yes, I now attend meetings armed with both spreadsheets and Star Wars references).
• Collaborated with a fantastic range of organisations on new and innovative ways to even the scales of mental health and social change.

(see highlight reel)

And, of course, I discovered the amazing Google NotebookLM tool, which transformed my content into a podcast-style highlight reel. Listening back was like watching my life on Holotape — it’s surreal to hear the stories, themes, and sheer growth captured in one place.

But it wasn’t all good news, I faced some serious setbacks with weight gain, prolonged periods of chronic loneliness and social isolation. I also failed to make the first cut for the Churchill Fellowship 24’/25’ application process which did hurt to be honest.

2025: When the Rubber Hits the Road

Looking ahead, 2025 is the year Project Soul Stride moves from research to action — or, as I like to call it, when the Millennium Falcon jumps into hyperspace. But let’s get real: I’m just one person, and implementing systemic change isn’t something one Jedi can do alone. My role? To be the voice in the orchestra, amplifying the notes that others play. With that in mind, here are my realistic goals for the year:

1. Shift from Research to Influence
   My strength lies in being a connector and catalyst, not the entire mechanism. Through writing, speaking, and collaborating, I’ll continue pushing for culturally competent mental health services to become the norm — not the exception.
2. Foster Collective Action
   Like any great Jedi Council, collaboration is the key to real change. In 2025, I’ll focus on convening stakeholders, sharing actionable insights, and encouraging others to wield their lightsabers of expertise.
3. Expand the Reach of Project Soul Stride
   The “RIPPLE” framework which I’ve created will be my blueprint. It stands for ‘Raising Impactful Practices for Preventing Lives from Ending’, uniting voices to create a sustainable impact.
4. Speak More, Write Smarter
   While 2024 was my year of prolific writing, 2025 will see more podcasts, panels, and presentations. If you thought my blogs were fun, wait until you hear them live.
5. Realize My Own Potential
   Turning 55 feels like the perfect time to embrace the Force within me. This year, I’ll focus on measuring my value — not in accolades, but in the conversations sparked and actions taken.

A Galactic Mission

To everyone who has supported, shared, or engaged with my work last year, thank you. You’ve proven that when people come together with courage, collaboration, and a sense of humor, we can build a society where Black communities thrive. As Master Yoda wisely said, “Do or do not, there is no try.” In 2025, I choose to do.

Here’s to another year of Soul Strides, Jedi wisdom, and maybe even a few lightsaber battles with systemic inequality. May the Force of Change be with us all. 💙