Towards inclusive healthcare: rethinking mental health services for Black African and Caribbean communities in Southwark
Download (PDF 1.02 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Southwark looked at mental health services for Black African and Caribbean communities. They undertook a survey, interviews and focus groups, reaching 79 people.
This project explores how Black African and Caribbean communities in Southwark perceive and experience mental health services. It is prompted by evidence of persistent inequalities in access, experiences of care, and treatment outcomes for these communities.
Findings reveal significant barriers to accessing mental health support, including stigma, distrust of public services, and limited awareness of available resources, particularly for early intervention and preventive care. Many participants associated mental health services with negative experiences, including being medicated or detained, leading to fear and avoidance. These challenges disproportionately affect Black men.
Isolation was identified as the most significant contributor to poor mental health among Black men. Most male participants described that they currently rely on informal coping strategies like socialising and exercising, rather than using mental health services. Participants, including men and women, expressed interest in non-clinical support, such as peer groups, exercise, and creative activities, but noted a lack of information about how to access such services.
Community-based services were seen as vital for providing accessible, culturally appropriate care. Participants highlighted the role of voluntary and community sector (VCS) groups, community leaders, and faith leaders in addressing stigma and building trust. Suggestions for improvement included long-term funding, integrated activities, accessible locations, and collaboration with mainstream services to ensure appropriate care
The report includes eight recommendations:
1. Establish long-term funding for community-based mental health services.
2. Utilise the current Creative Health programme hosted by South East London Integrated Care Board to implement targeted projects for Black Men.
3. Provide training and support for VCS groups and community leaders.
4. Facilitate cross-sector collaboration.
5. Embed the Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF) across all mental health services.
6. Commission a ‘Taster Day’ event for community-based mental health services and use learnings to support the implementation of Recommendation 2.
7. Consultation with non-clinical and community-based mental health services to identify needs and establish good practice models.
8. Implement a targeted mental health awareness campaign for Black men.