Access to primary care mental health services for people from ethnic communities
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Healthwatch Walsall wanted to know what the experiences of people from ethnic minority communities in Walsall are who have, tried to or considering accessing Mental Health support/services via primary care services. They undertook a survey and two focus groups, reaching 172 people.
- People felt there is still a stigma and fear of judgement around poor mental health from own community, family or health professionals.
- Service users confirmed (109/73%) that they did seek mental health support via a GP/GP service.
- They said that getting a GP appointment and the waiting time for an appointment was a barrier. Also, long waiting times may prevent them seeking support in the future.
- They mentioned there is a sense of distrust in services (due to past experiences or system related issues).
- Service users (65/43%) felt that there is a lack of cultural identity and understanding from some professionals. They felt that they were not listened to and that professionals were working from a script.
- Service users (70/43%) mentioned that they had communication/language difficulties.
- A small minority (24/16%) mentioned that financial/travel costs were a barrier to accessing mental health support.
- A small minority further mentioned that they had a fear of or did not want to use technology to access services.