About Us

BAYO (BY OH ) of Yoruba origin – meaning joy has found us.

Using creativity to support and promote mental health and well being

Creative Health

Every journey begins with a simple but powerful question: “What brings you joy?”

This question reflects our asset-based approach that focuses on the strengths, interests and aspirations of young people to shift power back to the individual and affirm their identity beyond their struggles.

Community Engagement

We collaborate with community groups, colleges, academia, healthcare, national organisations and the arts across England, Scotland and Wales to directly benefit the mental health and wellbeing of young Black people under the age of 35.

Some of the areas we engage with:

  • Grief & Loss
  • Suicide prevention & liveability
  • Embodiment and healing.
  • Partnership building
  • Networking
  • Campaigning and
  • Peer Research

We also maintain an online platform that connects young people with a wide range of support organisations.

Meet the People Behind BAYO

Dr. Yansie Rolston

Founder

Yansie has a depth of experience and expertise in health equity development internationally. She co-created and delivers culturally competent mental health first response training, and Disaster Preparedness Mental Health First Response Training and is tasked with updating health care resources with accessible, inclusive language and cultural contexts. She is the executive producer of Our Grief: Black Women Speak – a documentary on the intersections of grief, and facilitates immersive bereavement workshops on culturally specific values, practices and beliefs. She is the co-author of Black Grief and Healing: why we need to talk about inequalities, Trauma and Loss and co-created the Majonzi Navigating the Path to Grieving cards.

Renee Esdelle

Manager

Dedicated and compassionate professional with extensive experience in customer service and staff management, bringing a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for supporting others. Skilled at building trust, communicating sensitively, and engaging confidently with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Known for patience, empathy, and resilience in fast-paced environments, with the ability to remain calm and solution-focused under pressure. Equally effective in leading and motivating teams or working independently, always using initiative to deliver high-quality outcomes.

Brian Quavar

Facilitator

Brian Quavar is a dedicated professional recognised for unwavering commitment to advocacy, particularly as a patient advocate for men’s health with a special emphasis on prostate cancer. Passionate about continuous learning and innovation, Brian also champions vital mental health causes, raising awareness and supporting initiatives that improve the wellbeing of everyone in the Community. His proactive approach, adaptability, and drive to foster positive relationships make him a valued contributor and a powerful voice in the movement for improvement of men’s health. Brian is a Mental Health First Aider for both young people and adults as well as a volunteer in crisis and trauma support.

Kerryn Seale

Facilitator

Born and bred in the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago I reside in London. I am passionate about promoting positive wellbeing and in addition to my community advocacy work, I am a Chef, DJ and basketball coach. I work tirelessly towards reducing mental health stigma and as a mental health first aider, I hold space, listen actively, provide support and guide others. I bring an element of love, togetherness and a good feeling through the music that I play. My aim is to spread the message of joy.

Our team is united by one belief: every young person deserves to be seen, heard, valued, and given the opportunity to thrive.