Mind responds to Structural Racism Review by the Institute of Health Equality
The Institute of Health Equality has today released a report into the impact of structural racism on people living in London.
The report highlights key inequalities in a range of areas, including:
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Mental health, including access to services
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Unemployment
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Children growing up in poverty
The review concluded that people facing structural racism experience worse mental and physical health as a result.
Reacting to the report, Vanessa Joseph, Head of Mental Health Equity at Mind, said:
“People from racialised communities are being failed. Structural racism is a major barrier to people being able to live happily and healthily in the UK, and the impacts on people’s mental health can be severe, particularly for young people.
“This research shows people from these communities are less likely to access mental health services through fear of discrimination and lack of cultural awareness. They are also far more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act.
“Action is urgently needed, including through reforms to the outdated Mental Health Act. We need to focus on the needs of the most marginalised in our society. The government must be ambitious with its reforms if it is to truly address the shocking racial injustices the act creates. We call on the government to rise to the challenge and enact real, substantial change in our society to end structural racism in all its forms.”
