Sobus recently published a research report looking into BAME Mental Health in Hammersmith & Fulham. This was a culmination of over 2 years work in partnership with Young Hammersmith & Fulham Foundation and BAME led organisations Nubian Life, People Arise Now and others. The research looked at data over a 3 year period from statutory service providers. In addition local survey of voluntary and community sector organisations was also carried out. Some of the findings make grim reading and highlight the urgent need to address these issues which include:
- The over-representation of BAME individuals under the care of mental health services
- Lack of appropriate support for BAME individuals facing mental health issues
- General lack of mental health service providers compared to most other boroughs in London.
- BAME communities not engaging with mental health services
- Lack of support for young people facing mental health issues
A BAME Mental Health group supported the research and is also working towards supporting recommendations made in the report. It is hope that this will help transform the service to a more responsive, preventative and community focused model. This does mean a more collaborative and partnership approach between statutory mental health services, local authority and the voluntary and community sector.
