Bradford and Airedale PCT ... Community Health Action Project - Mental Health

Summary:

Mental health is a taboo subject in most communities particularly Afro Caribbean and Asian communities. One of the main barriers to positive mental health is a lack of acknowledgement and dialogue concerning mental health issues at an individual, community and organisational level. Developing skills within the community can provide a standard support that will encourage people in the community to be more open and accepting of mental health matters.

"A substantial amount of research indicates that for people from black and Asian ethnic minority groups, access to, utilisation of and treatment prescribed by mental health services differ from those for white people" (Lloyd & Moodley: 1992 & Bhui 1997)


The Community Health Action Project in partnership with community volunteers, community organisations and the mental health facilitator within City tPCT carried out a community consultation around black and minority women's mental health and well being in the BD5 area. The aim was to determine the views and opinions of grass roots workers and members of the BD5 and surrounding area, in order to provide training and awareness around mental health issues for BME women. Volunteers were recruited from the community to undertake face to face interviews. Two community events were used as opportunities for consultation with women living in BD5. A total of 69 women were consulted.

  • Sixty women expressed interest in the issue of mental health
  • Fifty three women were interested in developing the skills and knowledge to promote women's emotional and mental well being.
  • Fifty eight women said they do not have any knowledge of support available in the BD5 area.
  • Forty one women said they know someone in their family who has been affected by problems connected to their emotional and well being.
  • Only 15 women knew where to get help.

  • Action:

  • Steering group set up inclusive of local community workers, organisations, voluntary sector and primary care staff.
  • Questionnaire developed as a tool to consult local women and identify their interest in mental health.
  • Local community volunteers recruited and supported to undertake face to face interviews.
  • Total of 69 women consulted; 31 at Bradford South Carnival and 38 at Trident Summer Celebration, Dixon City College, both July 2004.

Outcome:

  • o Increased knowledge, confidence and self- esteem
  • o Raised awareness and identified barriers to improve the individual and the community.
  • o Developed skills for community participation and cohesion
  • o Documented evidence of a way forward.

Additional:

All work carried out collectively in partnership with community health action, mental health facilitator, community activist, volunteers and steering groups. Next stage will be to explore funding to deliver training.

Contact:

Amina Galaria

104 Gaythorne Road, West Bowling

Bradford BD5 8YA

01274 227580 amina.galaria@bradford.nhs.uk