The NHS Trust, Berkshire Healthcare, is partnering with Mind in Berkshire to better understand why Black people are more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act, to help improve mental health support and care for Black people.
Data shows that nationally, Black individuals are five times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act (sometimes called ‘being sectioned’) than White individuals. This engagement seeks to improve understanding about why this is, and what needs to change to make things fairer and better suited to meeting the needs of Black people.
Mind in Berkshire is currently looking for Black people in Berkshire who have been detained under the Mental Health Act in the last five years, and the family members and friends who support them, to share their lived experiences as part of this project.
Participation will be completely anonymous, and those taking part will have the opportunity to talk about how their lives, and those of their loved ones, were impacted by being sectioned. They will have their voices heard and be able to influence positive change in how mental health services are delivered.
The findings will help inform how Berkshire Healthcare can improve the support it provides and help address inequality. Learnings will also be shared with other NHS Mental Health Trusts and other organisations who may find it helpful.
The findings will be subject to an independent review by the NHS Race and Health Observatory and an action plan based on the recommendations from this report will be fed into the next phase of the project and help inform future mental health interventions.
If you want to find out more or would like to take part contact Mind in Berkshire at getinvolved@mindinberkshire.org.uk