A number of reports have highlighted that although there is an over-representation of BME adults within the mental health services there is also an under-representation of BME young people accessing mental health services. Furthermore, BME people are less likely to be referred by a GP for support despite this leading to higher percentages than average later being admitted to hospital with chronic mental health problems.
As part of Diverse Cymru’s mission, we are striving to make positive differences in these statistics. We are using our position to raise awareness both within Wales’ BME communities and among health care professionals of the additional issues and barriers that face BME people around accessing mental health services.
We want people to feel confident and comfortable when accessing services, and for health care practitioners to feel more knowledgeable when facing the complexities of the issues that some BME people face in seeking help.