At Mind, we support everyone’s mental health – no matter who they are, or what they’ve been through.
But some groups are more likely to face poor mental health and struggle to get the support they need. That’s why our strategy includes a focus on people from racialised communities, young people, and those living in poverty.
You get judged all the time in mental health - it prevents people getting help or even speaking about it.
- Time to Change Wales focus group participant
As part of our research, over 500 people from different racialised communities took part in a survey.
We found that:
- 1-size fits all is a myth. Different groups have different needs. And those of us from racialised communities really want support that lasts - support that treats us as a true individual
- People look for support outside of the system. The language around mental health puts people off. And many people are tired of explaining what they’ve been through to professionals. It means many anticipate racism in the system that’s supposed to be helping them
- People know about Mind – but they’re unsure about us. Instead, social media tends to be where people go for information. There’s a lot of scepticism about how committed we really are to anti-racism too
- They want us to give power to communities. A lot of people told us they want Mind to work with organisations led by racialised groups. That means signposting and funding them
Mind wants to become a truly anti-racist organisation.
This means:
- We will always speak up for racial justice and better mental health
- Our support will work well for people from racialised communities
- We will build a team where everyone feels included, and where leaders come from many different backgrounds
Right now, we are:
- Working together with the Ubele Initiative and Black Thrive on the BAYO programme. BAYO is here to support the mental health and wellbeing of young Black people through services, collectives and different organisations
- Offering information on racism and mental health where you can find advice and support around the impact of racism
- Campaigning to end the racial disparity in the use of the Mental Health Act
- Campaigning for the introduction of Seni’s law to reduce the use of force specifically in mental health hospitals
- Working with our local Minds to offer tailored services to the diverse communities they serve
Doing more for young people
We want every young person to feel supported with their mental health.
That means doing more – and doing it better.
As part of our research, over 500 young people took part in a survey.
We found that:
- Young people still don’t understand mental health well. They’ve told us that it causes them to talk down mental health problems that they might have. Because of this, a lot of them also said they prefer anonymous services
- School or college is where they’d like to go for help first. And when they do, young people want clear information on the help they get. But at the same time, many told us that they usually hold back on what they’re going through at first. That’s because they don’t want to scare people or have their independence taken away
- Services need to be quicker, and treat them as people first. That means support that treats them has a whole person, and understands the trauma they may have experienced. This is really important – our research also found that if 1 young person has a bad experience, it can stop others seeking help
Creating safe and welcoming spaces
We’re making sure every young person who works with us or uses our services feels welcome. And we’re helping our staff feel confident working with young people too.
Becoming a trusted voice
We’re speaking out about the things that affect young people’s mental health. And we’re working hard to make sure our services are there for young people whenever they’re needed.
Putting young people at the heart of our work
We’re spending £15 million on projects to improve young people’s mental health. At least 30% of the people using our funded services will be under 24. We’re also helping shape better community services, so young people get support that works for them.
Listening and learning
Everything we’re doing is based on research and ideas from young people. This is just the beginning — and we’re excited about what we can achieve together.
Working harder for people facing poverty
There's no single way to describe poverty. It's different in every situation, but it means struggling to make ends meet and how that impacts on daily life.
We know people dealing with poverty are more likely to have a mental health problem - and people with a mental health problem are more likely to face poverty.
As part of this research, over 500 people experiencing living in poverty took part in a survey.
We found that:
- There’s still a lot of shame about money and mental health. There’s a lot of worry about privacy for people facing poverty and worry that they don’t deserve support. Many feel mental health is a white, middle-class conversation they can’t tap into
- Choice and control in support services is important. A barrier to reaching out for help was the worry of losing choice and control. And the risk of getting ‘sucked into the system’
- Services aren’t practical or respectful. Having the money to get to the support needed is a big barrier. And the people running those services often talk down to people and don’t take mental health problems seriously
- People facing poverty go outside the system for help. That means friends or family instead, or services that focus purely on mental health. Talking about feelings works better for people facing poverty
Talking about poverty and mental health
We want everyone at Mind to think about how poverty affects people.
To make real change, we must remember that poverty can touch every part of someone’s life.
Creating support that works
We will make sure our services work well for people living in poverty.
That means they need to be easy to use and feel safe and welcoming.
We’ll also speak up to people in power – asking them to bring mental health and money support together.
Sharing real stories
We’ll talk about poverty in a way that feels true for people who are living it.
Our words will be shaped by their real experiences – and reflect what they’re going through.
Tackling stigma in mental health
People with mental health problems have told us that ending stigma is really important. In a 2019 survey, it was their second biggest priority – just after getting good quality support.
We’ve already made progress. Time to Change, the campaign we ran with Rethink Mental Illness, helped change attitudes. Between 2008 and 2021, over 5 million adults in England became more open and understanding about mental health.
But we still have work to do. Some mental health problems, like depression and anxiety, are more accepted now. Others are still misunderstood, and people who live with them can face more judgement and shame.
At Mind, we believe everyone with a mental health problem deserves support and respect. That won’t happen until all mental health problems are better understood.
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