BLACK PEOPLE suffering from mental health conditions are ​​over four times more likely to be sectioned than their white counterparts, according to research.

Findings published by NHS England, revealed that between 2020-21, up to 53, 239 people have been detained under the Mental Health Act.

However, those who identified as black or black British experienced 343.5 detentions per 100,000 population compared to white people at 74.7 per 100,000 population. 

Ministers have previously vowed to tackle the disproportionate rates of detainments among black people across England and Wales, saying that they believed patients should be treated “as individuals, with rights, preferences, and expertise.”

Landmark reforms were announced to the Mental Health Act in January this year – as current laws date back to 1983 – in an effort to better meet the needs of the black, Asian minority ethnic people that deal with mental illness.

The Mental Health Act white paper builds upon recommendations from a 2018 independent review led by Sir Simon Wessely.

The news was readily welcomed by healthcare professionals and mental health patients themselves.

Tackling the over-use of community treatment orders (CTOs) on black or black British people that were found to be over 10 ten times in comparison to white people is an ongoing priority. 

The proposed changes will also prevent those who have autism or learning difficulties from being detained under the act.

Under the reforms, people from these groups will only be detained if a mental health condition is identified.

The proposed changes have already outlined plans for community-based mental health support, which is backed by a £2.3bn annual investment as part of the NHS Long Term Plan and a £62m Community Discharge Grant.

Claire Murdoch, Mental Health Director for NHS England, welcomed the proposed reforms as needed steps towards ensuring the best care for people with mental health needs.

She said: “The NHS is delivering a package of important measures set out in our NHS Long Term Plan to transform mental health, learning disability and autism services, which will ensure everyone can access the right treatment for their needs, when they need it most, which will improve lives and help to implement the Mental Health Act reforms effectively.”