At Time to Change Wales, we are raising awareness of the problem of discrimination and inequality experienced by black and minority ethnic people, leading to racial disparities in mental health access, support and recovery. Our aim at TtCW is to end mental health stigma in Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities and those living in areas of poverty and deprivation in Wales.
Black and minority ethnic communities are less likely to access mental health support in primary care (i.e., through their GP) and are more likely to end up in crisis care. (Racial disparities in mental health: Literature and evidence review, Race Equality Foundation 2020). Furthermore, it has been proven that black and minority ethnic people are less likely to be referred to talking therapies and more likely to be medicated for ill mental health (Race Equality Foundation 2020).
In this video, we feature a selection of quotes taken from focus groups conducted in 2021 with individuals from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.