Mental health charity urges government to tackle ‘profound inequalities’ for black residents

A mental health charity has urged the government to tackle ‘profound inequalities’ that exist across mental health services for people from ethnic minorities.

Lambeth & Southwark Mind are calling on the government to do more to help communities, in particular Black African-Caribbean residents.

The charity will be submitting its response to the ‘Reforming the Mental Health Act’ public consultation which closes on April 21st, with Helen Hayes, MP for Dulwich & West Norwood, handing in the submission to the Department of Health on behalf of Lambeth & Southwark Mind.

Lambeth and Southwark are highly diverse boroughs with significant Black Asian and Minority Ethnic communities – particularly those of Black ethnicity (around 25 per cent).

Twice as many people of Black heritage are likely to have a mental illness compared with their white British counterparts.

Alastair Smith-Agbaje, CEO of Lambeth & Southwark Mind said: “The people Lambeth & Southwark Mind represent are disproportionately affected by mental health inequalities, and it is our duty to speak up for them at this time.

“Our submission covers a number of topics, including a push for culturally appropriate peer support groups, advocacy, and counselling in order to help tackle ethnic discrimination.

“In addition, the submission discusses detention thresholds, mental health vehicles, introducing nominated persons, advanced choice documents, advocacy and short-term detention in A&E.

“We look forward to working closely with Helen Hayes MP, and other key stakeholders in the community, so that we can continue to represent the interests of Lambeth and Southwark residents as changes to the Mental Health Act are brought before Parliament.”

Lambeth & Southwark Mind has spent the first part of 2021 discussing the key changes in the Mental Health Act consultation paper with various stakeholders including employees, trustees, volunteers, charity members, members of the public, community leaders and other key stakeholders, including MP for Dulwich & West Norwood, Helen Hayes and Lambeth Councillor, Dr Jacqui Dyer MBE.

Members, supporters, and others can register by clicking the link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-discussion-on-the-mental-health-act-reform-tickets-149906180421