A statement in response to the Black Lives Matter campaign

Recent events in the US have shone a light on the layered impact of years of inequality and disadvantage for black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups on both a global and local level.

Research demonstrates that people from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups living in the UK are more likely to be diagnosed with mental health problems; admitted to hospital; experience a poor outcome from treatment and disengage from mainstream mental health services. All of these lead to social exclusion and a deterioration in mental health (Mental Health Foundation, 2019).

We believe that more systematic action is needed to tackle the underlying causes of this health inequality and to help dismantle systems of racial oppression.

We want to acknowledge that, at this moment in time, our BAME community may be feeling anxious, vulnerable and angry. We also want to reassure our entire community that Restore will not tolerate any discriminatory practice and will continue to address any systemic and cultural racism within our services. We actively celebrate and respect differences between one another and we aim to help reduce any stigma attached to marginalized groups.

Below are links to useful information. Please share these widely – thank you.

Mental Health Foundation on BAME communities –

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/…/black-asian-and-minority-…

The Black, African and Asian therapy network –

https://www.baatn.org.uk/

Black Thrive – an organisation aiming to end the stigma associated with mental health and address mental health inequalities experienced by Black communities –

https://www.blackthrive.org.uk/mental-health-act/

Stop Hate UK – working to challenge all forms of hate crime and discrimination –

https://www.stophateuk.org/