ETHNIC MINORITY COMMUNITIES MOST AT RISK OF ISOLATION
(17 May 2004)

A new report launched today (17 May 2004) by leading mental health charity Mind reveals the staggering levels of isolation experienced by people with mental health problems, with people in Black and minority ethnic communities more isolated than any other group in society. The report 'Not Alone? Isolation and Mental Distress' reveals that while 84% of respondents overall said that they had experienced isolation in one way or another, this was up to 89% amongst Black and ethnic minority (BME) respondents. Discrimination on the grounds of their mental health problems had affected 80% of BME respondents, compared to 58% of the whole group. 61% said they'd also encountered other types of discrimination.

To mark its annual awareness drive Mind Week (15-22 May 2004), the charity commissioned two surveys to establish the extent of isolation in England and Wales. A specialist survey of mental health service users was carried out through Mind networks, and an NOP poll was used to gauge the general public's attitudes. The charity has also been working with the Chinese Mental Health Association to produce a range of mental health booklets specially targeted at the Chinese community.

BME respondents were more likely to feel alienated because of lack of money and lack of appropriate services than other respondents, and they also found it more difficult to access information than others. Relationship problems (74%) and a lack of close relationships (71%) were factors common to most respondents.

When asked about the impact of social services, almost twice as many Black and minority ethnic people as overall respondents (28% compared to 15%) said that contact with social services made their isolation worse, not better. Factors that helped relieve isolation for Black and minority ethnic people included support in going out and financial assistance for leisure activities.

Speaking today Marcel Vige, Diverse Minds, Head of Mind's Black and Ethnic Minority unit: "Many people with mental health problems are still condemned to a life of social segregation because of a vicious cycle of isolation worsened by stigma and prejudice - and this is even more true for Black and ethnic minority people. Mind has argued for years that traditional mental health services need a comprehensive re-modelling to respond to the different needs and pressures faced by other communities. Mind's local groups already offer tailored support to thousands of people across England and Wales.

"However, we all have a responsibility as members of society to stand against the tide of discrimination experienced by people with mental health problems, whatever their background."

In addition to launching the report, the charity will mark Mind week 2004 with awareness and fundraising events across England and Wales. The Mind Awards for Book of the Year and Journalist of the Year will also take place in London on Wednesday 19 May.

The recommendations of the report are that:

• Government must increase its commitment to anti-stigma activities, particularly among BME communities, to counteract discrimination faced by people with mental health problems and to promote social inclusion
• To make social inclusion a central element of health and social care packages
• To amend social care guidance to ensure that telephones, access to the internet and other low cost, high impact ways of minimising isolation are provided for people with mental health problems
• To promote and extend direct payment schemes for mental health problems as a way of extending social support to counter isolation
• To implement audits and initiatives by the range of public services including transport, housing, benefits, employment and leisure services to tackle discrimination and improve access by people with mental health problems

Click here to visit the Mind website www.mind.org.uk

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