Mental health services for Black and Minority Ethnic groups in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland: A documentary analysis

Abstract

It is well documented that people from Black and minority ethnic communities experience severe inequalities in our mental health services. Leicester is one of England’s most culturally diverse cities with approximately 50% of its population from Black and Minority Ethnic groups, particularly those of South Asian origins. Our aim was to map the experiences of people from Black and Minority Ethnic Communities using the Mental Health Services in Leicester and Leicestershire. Focusing on five key documents on mental health and ethnicity and associated literature this documentary analysis addressed the following questions: 1. To what extent do we understand the MH needs of BME communities in Leicester and what do we need to know to improve this understanding? 2. To what extent do services meet the needs of BME individuals and how could this be improved?