An independent review of the UK’s Mental Health Act in 2018, that cited ‘profound inequalities’ in the system, found that Black British people were four times more likely to be sectioned than White people, and more likely to be given psychoactive medication instead of a talking therapy. Studies have also shown that misinterpretation of a Black client’s experience by a White therapist can lead to dangerous misdiagnosis. The need for action is clear We cannot continue to live in a society where your race predetermines your mental health outcomes. As a leading social enterprise dedicated to improving the mental health of the nation, we want to create an unshakeable belief that we can all talk freely about mental health, seek support when we need it, and have faith in that support, regardless of the colour of our skin or ethnic background. Our work to tackle racism in our own organisation and beyond is fundamental to this vision. Our commitment to being an anti-racist organisation goes hand in hand with our social purpose.
And yet, while the lived experiences of People of Colour and Black people create a clear need for effective mental health services to support them, there are significant racial disparities in accessing help, and in the outcomes of that help. Racial disparities in mental health service access and mental h alth o tcomes Compared to White people, Black people are:
3 TIMES MORE LIKELY to be the subject of ‘restrictive
interventions’ such as being restrained or held in isolation while in hospital (Mind, 2020)
8 TIMES MORE LIKELY to be given a Community Treatment Order (Mind, 2020)
Mental Health Act
4 TIMES MORE LIKELY to be sectioned under the Mental Health Act (Gov.uk, 2021)
7
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker