Towards inclusive healthcare: rethinking mental health services for Black African and Caribbean communities in Southwark

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Summary of report content

This is a report by Healthwatch Southwark. The project looks at mental health services for Black African and Caribbean communities.

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 (Department of Health and 
Social Care 2018).

The research involved two phases: a survey and focus groups capturing general perspectives on mental health services, followed by additional focus groups and interviews focusing on Black men’s views on non-clinical mental health support. A total of 79 individuals participated. 

Key findings

  • Community-Based Services - more locally embedded options needed
  • Representation and Shared Experience - in the design of services
  • Integrated Activities - so that what is offered overlaps and is appropriate for needs
  • Governing Framework - so services have proper oversight in how they are delivered
  • Training - for staff on working with people from this community
  • Accessible Locations - so they can be accessed

There are recommendations in this report:

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.

There are follow up actions in this report. They include wider sharing in the local area, as well as a shorter version of the report to be produced. There will be a request for a formal response from statutory service providers.

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General details

Local Healthwatch
Healthwatch Southwark
Publication date
Key themes
Access to services
Accessibility and reasonable adjustments
Communication with patients; treatment explanation; verbal advice
Quality of treatment
Service organisation, delivery, change and closure
Staffing - levels and training
Triage and admissions
Waiting for appointments or treatment; waiting lists for treatment
Written information, guidance and publicity

Methodology and approach

Primary research method used
Focus group
Interviews
Survey

Details of health and care services included in the report

Details of health and care services included in the report
Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) and specialist MH services
Counselling/Psychotherapy/ Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)

Details of people who shared their views

Number of people who shared their views
79
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