Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities are facing disproportionate risks in mental health services that require urgent action, intent, shared vision and collaboration.
The context is stark. Ethnic inequalities in mental health care are longstanding and exceptionally large, disadvantaging BAME people in access, care, treatment and outcomes. BAME people have a higher risk of experiencing ‘symptoms’ of psychoses, an even higher risk for a diagnosis of a psychotic condition, are more likely to experience adverse pathways to and through care, are subject to coercion and restrictive care, compulsory admissions and treatments, and poorer outcomes and follow-up. Undeniably, the cost of coercive care is great, financially, but also in terms of trust and confidence
in mental health and social care systems. The Black Lives Matter movement, and the worldwide protests in response to the killing of George
Floyd, have resulted in renewed calls to address institutional racism. This makes it even more urgent to achieve a fair and equitable mental health
system. This is why it is now time for action.
We believe it is unacceptable that despite 30 years of research, inquiries and reviews into this issue, a staggering 80% of recommendations made to
address this problem have not been implemented fully. It is unacceptable that despite longstanding and pervasive ethnic inequalities, there are no plans for meaningful and sustainable change. This ‘Statement of Intent’ is a call for commitment from CEOs and medical and nursing directors of NHS mental health trusts, commissioners and public bodies.
Please read full statement here from Synergi Collaborative Centre