Supporting Black and Minority Ethnic Mental Health: Reflecting on CQC's 2023-2024 Report
At Nafsiyat, we’re deeply committed to providing accessible, culturally informed mental health services to Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities across North London. We see the daily impact that unequal access and systemic barriers have on our clients. The Care Quality Commission's (CQC) 2023-2024 State of Care Report has brought crucial issues regarding BME mental health to the fore, underscoring what so many of us have known: that mental health inequalities persist, particularly for racially marginalised communities, and urgent action is needed to address them.
The report reveals several concerning trends, which reinforce why Nafsiyat’s work is critical:
1. Unequal Access to Mental Health Services
The CQC report indicates that BME communities face significant obstacles when accessing mental health support, ranging from long wait times to a lack of culturally responsive care. Many clients report feeling alienated or misunderstood within mainstream mental health services, further deterring them from seeking the support they need. This is where Nafsiyat’s intercultural approach becomes essential, as we actively work to break down these barriers and build trust by offering therapy in over 20 languages, creating a supportive and accessible environment for all.
2. Higher Rates of Detention and Restraint
A major finding in the report is the disproportionate rate of detention and restraint for people from BME backgrounds. The data confirms that Black individuals, in particular, are more likely to be subjected to these measures, which often reflect broader systemic inequalities in mental health and social care systems. At Nafsiyat, we see this as a call to action to expand trauma-informed and preventative mental health services for BME communities, focusing on holistic, compassionate care that reduces the likelihood of crises leading to detention.
3. Impact of Socioeconomic Disparities
The CQC report also highlights that socio-economic disadvantages—such as poverty, housing instability, and employment challenges—are more likely to affect BME groups and increase the risk of mental health issues. In addition to one-on-one therapy, Nafsiyat’s Community Links & Social Justice team works directly with clients on these interconnected challenges, supporting them in securing welfare benefits, housing, and work support.
4. The Importance of Culturally Competent Care
Another critical takeaway from the report is the role of culturally competent care. Mainstream services often fail to address the unique mental health needs of BME clients, which are shaped by cultural, social, and historical factors. Nafsiyat’s intercultural model is designed to fill this gap, providing clients with therapists who understand the nuances of identity, migration, and cultural background. We believe that culturally sensitive care not only improves mental health outcomes but is essential to building a more equitable system.
A Call for Change
The CQC’s findings echo the need for greater commitment across the sector to ensure BME communities receive fair and appropriate mental health care. We hope that this report encourages policymakers, funders, and healthcare providers to prioritise inclusive, equitable mental health services. At Nafsiyat, we remain dedicated to advocating for and supporting BME mental health through intercultural therapy, with a vision to extend our reach and provide life-changing support to more individuals each year.
How You Can Help
The demand for culturally informed mental health services is growing, and we need support from allies, community members, and partners. Whether through direct donations, volunteering, or collaboration, every contribution helps us to advance mental health equity for marginalised communities. Together, we can build a mental health system that reflects and supports everyone.