For many migrants, the journey doesn’t end upon arrival; it’s just the beginning of an emotional and psychological struggle. In this powerful episode of Our Story, Your Voice, hosts Agatha Phiri, Ruth Mbera, and Judith Nyanjowa explore immigration psychosis, the deep and lasting mental health effects of displacement, uncertainty, and systemic neglect.

Joined by Dr. Suriya Nayak, an expert in social work and a dedicated activist, the discussion challenges Western psychiatric labels and highlights the human rights perspective of migration trauma. Dr. Nayak emphasises that while "psychosis" is often used to describe extreme distress, the reality for migrants, especially those facing forced displacement, racial discrimination, and immigration detention, is one of survival in the face of unimaginable stress.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

🔹 What is immigration psychosis? A breakdown of its meaning beyond the clinical definition.
🔹 The trauma of forced migration—how the body and mind react to loss, uncertainty, and systemic barriers.
🔹 Living in fear—how asylum seekers are forced to relive their trauma through repeated questioning, surveillance, and isolation.
🔹 Resilience and recovery—why grassroots support networks like SAWN (Support and Action for Women’s Network) play a crucial role in healing.
🔹 The power of language—how terms like "survivor" empower migrants rather than stigmatise them.
🔹 Breaking the silence—why sharing lived experiences is a form of healing and activism.

Through personal testimonies, expert insights, and raw emotions, this episode exposes the hidden mental health crisis among migrants and the urgent need for compassionate policies and community-driven support.

“Together we are stronger, and silence will not protect.” Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that challenges misconceptions and offers hope to those navigating the harsh realities of immigration.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation. Your story matters.

Experience the harsh realities of the UK's housing crisis through the lens of activist Kwajo Tweneboa as he shares a deeply personal story of resilience and advocacy. Kwado paints a vivid picture of his family's struggles with inadequate housing, compounded by his father's battle with cancer. This episode shines a light on systemic issues in the housing sector, exploring the urgent need for reform and support for those who endure similar conditions.

The conversation fearlessly tackles the uncomfortable truths of government racism and housing discrimination. We unpack the chilling silence forced upon asylum seekers by the ever-present fear of deportation. By contrasting the differing treatment of Ukrainian refugees with other asylum seekers, we expose the underlying racism and highlight the need for compassion and consistent immigration policies. Kwajo's insights serve as a powerful critique of current government practices, prompting a call for empathy and fairness.

Finally, we shift focus to the undeniable contributions of migrants and asylum seekers to the NHS and society at large. Through compelling stories, the episode challenges misconceptions and spotlights the financial and emotional burdens these communities bear. We advocate for recognising housing as a basic human right and underline the importance of reforming housing and immigration systems. The episode stands as a testament to the resilience of these communities and our collective responsibility to address systemic neglect and prioritise human needs.

Tune in to this powerful first episode of Our Story, Your Voice to understand, empathise, and join the call for meaningful change.

Episode 1: Welcome to Our Story, Your Voice

In this introductory episode, we invite you to join us on a journey of empowerment, connection, and discovery. Our Story, Your Voice is a podcast dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black African women in Oldham, celebrating their stories of strength, resilience, and triumph.

Hosted by Agatha Phiri, Ruth Mbera, Lillian Mbekeka, Judith Nyanjowa, this podcast is a safe space to share personal experiences, explore unique challenges, and promote a sense of community. From discussions on mental and physical health to stories of overcoming adversity, we aim to shed light on the incredible lives of women whose voices deserve to be heard.

Tune in as we set the stage for what's to come—thought-provoking conversations, inspiring guests, and a commitment to creating awareness, solidarity, and change. Whether you're here to share, learn, or stand in solidarity, Your Story, Our Voice is for you.

This is more than a podcast; it’s a community. Let’s get started!