EXPERIENCING RACISM increases a person’s chances of having poor mental health, according to a new report.

The research from the Centre of for Mental Health also found that experiencing racism can makes it harder for people to get the right support – which impedes with the recovery of patients.

The report, Pursuing racial justice in mental health, shows that racism, in its many manifestations, can cause psychological trauma, anxiety and depression and also stops people from getting help when they need it.

Andy Bell, chief executive at Centre for Mental Health, said:“Racism is endemic in our society and is toxic to people’s mental health.”

He added: “We urge system leaders in other parts of the country to make a similar commitment, to work in partnership with their communities to challenge racism and racial injustice in and around their mental health services.”

The report is based on research in Bradford District and Craven, on the ways in which voluntary and community organisations locally support people with their mental health.

Some of the obstacles to support highlighted in the report, for racialised communities include service information not being offered in community languages, or interpreters are not provided.

It also found that the mental health impacts of racism are compounded by poverty and poor housing, with some people struggling to pay for public transport to get to mental health appointments.

Stigma

Stigma can deter some people from racialised communities from accessing support before they reach crisis point.

Participants explained that visiting a GP surgery enabled them to access mental health support without facing the stigma attached to mental health services.

Commissioned by Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, the report says that the voluntary sector – with established links to communities most in need but least likely to get support – has a significant role to play.

Sasha Bhat, Priority Director for Healthy Minds for Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, said: “Across our West Yorkshire integrated care system, and locally here in Bradford District and Craven, we have made a strong and demonstrable commitment to being actively anti-racist in all that we do.

“This is demonstrated through our West Yorkshire-wide’s award winning Root Out Racism movement. The findings from this report have helped shape a new ethnically and culturally appropriate service for people from our diverse communities and will be shared with wider partners to continue to challenge any kinds of racism.”

The report shows that health and care services across the country can build stronger partnerships with community organisations to design and deliver mental health support that overcomes the harms and barriers caused by racism.