Our vision is of a society where no one should experience discrimination on the grounds of their mental health.
Mental health problems are extremely common across society, with one in four of us experiencing them in any year. Despite being so common, people from all communities will still experience discriminatory attitudes and behaviours that can prevent people from speaking out, seeking support and playing full and active roles in our communities. The impact of mental health stigma and discrimination will vary between communities as mental health has a cultural context that affects the way communities talk about the subject and engage with people who have mental health problems. In some cultures depression, for example, doesn't exist and in others an experience of a mental health problem can be attached to a sense of shame.
For the African and Caribbean communities a key issue is the overrepresentation of young African and Caribbean men in mental health services. Misconceptions and stereotypes have led to a perception that this group is more likely to pose a risk of violent behaviour and, as a result, they are more likely to be treated as inpatients and sectioned when compared to other groups. It is well documented that this has led to a fear of talking about mental health issues more openly and a fear of using mental health services. Research by the Race Equality Foundation (2011) also highlighted fears that discrimination against Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) communities and migrant service users will increase in the austerity climate and whilst commissioning arrangements change.
Our Services
· Provide information, advice, advocacy
· Represent diversity communities in Health Care services, policies and strategies
· Organise training in health and social care in collaboration with local colleges
· Provide human resources ( including interpreters) who are suitable to the diversity communities especially to break language and cultural barriers
· Provides domiciliary care and support
· Provide services such specialised support for people with mental health needs, including people who suffer from short-term memory problems, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.
· Provide visits to elderly people and help them with outings and home services
· Participate in local authority and NHS consultations , research events and programmes to voice the needs of diversity communities.
· Increase access to services and rights for disadvantaged people and the most vulnerable of our society
· Help and support unemployed people to look for work, including training and job preparation
· Provide legal advice in a range of issues from on Immigration and Asylum , welfare benefits, housing, health, education, community care, and training, employment, etc.
· Provide advice and guidance, information and practical help so that our service users can access opportunities they are entitled to
· Organise training and other community learning opportunities that provide new skills, increase confidence and motivation
· Support our service users to overcome barriers to learning, employment and training
· Provide support for young people with their education, training, confidence building, employment and social needs.
