October 10th 2004 is World Mental Health Day, which aims to raise awareness of and destigmatise mental illhealth and promote mental well-being.
This month the Messenger heard from Owen Smith, a mental health worker and Trustee of Sheffield African Caribbean Mental Health Association (SACMHA).
“Mental health services are crying out for black workers,” he told us.
Burngreave has the 9th highest level of depression in the city. In 2001 50% of us reported significant stress and nearly 30% were anxious or depressed. Despite this, we came 21st when it came to accessing support, this may be partly because 41% of Burngreave residents are from minority ethnic communities.
Claims of racial inequalities in mental health services are well established. Research has shown that black men are more likely to be detained against their will, restrained and heavily medicated. The recent inquiry into the death of David ‘Rocky’ Bennett in a Norfolk clinic, reported psychiatric patients from ethnic minorities face institutional racism.
Since 1988 SACMHA has been supporting African and Caribbean people living with mental health problems, and their carers. They provide supported accommodation and run a resource centre and lunch clubs, as well as advocacy for people in the community, hospitals and secure units. Their new manager, Ashton Wynter, explained they are going through a number of changes, focusing on the quality of their services. He hopes to develop more user participation, “We’ve got some very astute clients, we want them actively involved in our planning.”
Patrick Anyomi, SACMHA's acute advocacy worker, explained their community resources were open to anyone with mental health problems, “The impression is often that SACHMA is defined by colour, it’s not. It’s about descent and connections – we bring a cultural perspective that is often missing.”
To mark World Mental Health Day SACMHA are holding an event at the Seventh Day Adventist church on Andover Street, 10.30am to 7pm on October 9th 2004, buffet provided. They will be focusing on mental health and spirituality. To contact SACMHA phone 272 6393 or email admin@sacmha.org.uk.