The project offers a mix of one-to-one support and a variety of group projects and sessions (both digital and face-to-face). Within these spaces, we aim to create a positive atmosphere with a sense of belonging and security. You’ll be able to explore your identity and culture whilst partaking in sociable activities and learning new skills.

The aim of Project Zazi is to promote holistic wellbeing through the growth and development of young People of Colour, creating lasting change that impacts individuals for the better.

Therapies

1:1 Talking Therapies

Zazi 1:1 is a safe, supportive, non-judgemental, confidential space, to talk with a therapist of colour. We offer support with any issues impacting your mental health and wellbeing. Our primary focus is to give you a space where you feel seen, heard, respected and valued. Where you have the opportunity to freely express, explore, discover, and understand your experiences and any current difficulties you may be having. Our hope is you will gain a deeper understanding of yourself, feel empowered and supported on your journey of recovery and healing.

The Zazi therapy space is Informed by intersectionality (how our different social identities mix/overlap i.e race, gender,class, disability) We follow a “A black empathic approach” (Mavinga 2009) which recognises, values and sensitively responds to the complexities of racial and cultural experiences of young people who identify as Black, African, South Asian, Caribbean or a person of colour. 

We are pleased to reopen our sign-ups. Use the Sign-up button at the top of the page.

LI CBT

1-1 Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (LI CBT): CBT is a type of talking therapy that identifies and changes patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviours that are getting in the way of a young person feeling good. Zazi qualified and trainee wellbeing practitioners work with young Black people and young people of colour to take racism, belonging and intersecting identities into account when we apply the CBT model to low mood and worries. We offer 6-8 weekly sessions of various LI CBT interventions to give young black people and young people of colour the tools to better manage their mental health. 

Hall of Magnificence 

In 2021, we formally launched our “Hall of Magnificence” as a way of celebrating and honouring some of the young people who make our city such an incredible space to live in.

See the list here. 

Groups

Masculinity Groups

Our masculinity sessions look at what it means to be a “man” from multiple vantage points. We explore patriarchy, misogyny, mental health, relationships, culture and self expression within our sessions. Our aim is to help unpack the issues associated with masculinity, so that young men can become allies within their social spaces, and also advocate and cultivate authentic, unapologetic, meaningful masculine expression. We are currently delivering masculinity sessions in schools around Bristol. If you are interested in finding out more about our masculinity project, please message us directly at zazi@otrbristol.org.uk.

Our Resources

Black Bristol

Black Bristol is an interactive digital exhibition put together by project Zazi and the Black community of Bristol with the aim of creating a narrative that is owned and controlled by the people. It provides an introduction to Black history in the city and acknowledges and celebrates how it has been shaped by the Black community across time. You can view the Black Bristol website here.

The Zazi Library

The Zazi Library is a digital catalogue of all of Team Zazi’s favourite pieces of media! Inside there are books, interviews, poems, comics and graphic novels and also digital pieces such as podcasts, Instagram accounts and YouTube channels etc. It’s updated quarterly so do check regularly! Download it from the download section on this page. 

Amplify Podcast 

The Amplify podcast amplifies the voices of prominent black young people and people of colour in the city of Bristol and is well worth a listen. Listen here.

Questions? Email zazi@otrbristol.org.uk