The group said it is calling for “positive change” to alter a system in which it says black people are abandoned when they are most vulnerable.
The coalition – which includes the charity Black Minds Matter, the Center for Mental health and Mind as well as smaller local organizations – launched what it called the Black Mental Health Manifesto.
It asserts that poverty and inequality contribute to poorer mental health outcomes and that, due to historical and ongoing injustices, “these social determinants disproportionately affect Black communities.”
Issues such as housing insecurity, unemployment and school exclusions “contribute significantly to and are sometimes the cause of mental health problems”, the group said.
He said: “There must be acceptance that racism and discrimination are often at the heart of why black people face inequalities and calls are growing for racism to be seen as a structural and social determinant of health, including poor mental health. »
The coalition expressed disappointment that the Mental Health Bill was not included in last year’s King’s Speech and called on political parties to “include such legislation in future manifestos and plans” , including improved provisions for black and autistic people
those with learning disabilities.
Other recommendations include a call for a “comprehensive strategy to eradicate racism from society” and the appointment of a minister specifically tasked with overseeing such a strategy.
It adds: “The appointed minister must be responsible for ensuring that racism is tackled in all government, including health and social care, in all government departments, including the DHSC. »
The coalition also called on policymakers, academic institutions and funders to “actively invest and meaningfully engage in community-based research led by and for Black communities.”
-Nisa Chisipochinyi, on behalf of the coalition, said: “For too long, black people have been expected to take responsibility for higher rates of poor mental health within communities, ignoring the real driving forces of racism and inequality .
“And when a Black person has mental health issues, they often have no choice but to turn to mental health services that are unsuitable for their needs.
“Meanwhile, Black-led community organizations, which often have the solutions to improve mental health and prevent people from falling into crisis, are struggling to find funding and resources.
“There has been a lot of talk and promise, but the failure to take decisive action such as reforming the Mental Health Act indicates that black mental health is still not a priority.
“Without concrete steps to improve Black mental health and a clear plan to eradicate racism, successive generations of Black families will continue to be held back from realizing their full potential.
“Unlocking this potential is not only right, but it will also ease pressure on mental health services and boost the success of our society as a whole.”
“Positive change is not out of reach, and this Black-led manifesto, which centers the voices of grassroots organizations and the communities they serve, provides a clear map of the changes that are urgently needed.
A government spokesperson said: “Everyone should have access to the care they need, which is why we have increased spending on mental health by more than £4.7 billion in cash since 2018.
“We are committed to reforming the mental health law when parliamentary time allows to address racial disparities in mental health detentions, and we are also piloting advocacy services to help people better understand their rights in under the law.
