Report Highlights Disparities in Mental Health act Detentions for Black Individuals
Berkshire – may 28, 2025 – A new report examines the disproportionate impact of the Mental Health Act on Black individuals. Commissioned by Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, the study investigates why Black people are detained under the Act more frequently than their white counterparts. The report highlights critical disparities and calls for action to address mental health inequalities, providing a basis to improve the experiences of Black communities in Berkshire.
Report Highlights Disparities in Mental Health Act Detentions for Black Individuals
Understanding the Issue
A new report sheds light on the disproportionate impact of the Mental Health act on black individuals. The study,conducted by the Berkshire branch of Mind,a leading mental health charity,examines the experiences of black people detained under the Act and their access to mental health care and support.
The impetus for the report stemmed from concerning data revealing meaningful racial disparities. Between 2021 and 2023, black individuals in Berkshire were over three times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act compared to their white counterparts. This alarming statistic prompted Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to commission mind to investigate the underlying factors contributing to this inequality.
Key Findings and Community Feedback
Mind’s research involved extensive engagement with black communities, mental health staff, and relevant groups to gain a thorough understanding of the issues at play. Feedback was gathered from over 180 individuals, revealing several key themes:
- Systemic Racial bias: Concerns were raised about the presence of systemic racial bias within mental health services.
- Poor Treatment and Outcomes: Participants reported experiences of inadequate treatment and unfavorable outcomes for black individuals accessing mental health care.
- Stigma: A significant stigma surrounding mental health within some black communities was identified as a barrier to seeking help.
- Cultural Awareness: The need for greater cultural awareness and portrayal within the mental health workforce was emphasized.
- Intergenerational Trauma: The impact of intergenerational trauma and a deep-seated mistrust in services were highlighted as contributing factors.
Statements from Leadership
Jess Willsher and Joel Rose, co-CEOs of Mind in Berkshire, emphasized the meaning of the report:
represents an critically important step in understanding the experiences and perspectives of black communities in Berkshire about mental health services.
Jess Willsher and Joel Rose, co-CEOs of Mind in Berkshire
They further stressed the importance of translating the findings into tangible action:
lead to constructive and collaborative change, across the system, so that disparities are reduced and experiences improve.
Jess Willsher and Joel Rose, co-CEOs of Mind in Berkshire
Dr. kathryn MacDermott, from Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the central role of lived experience in the project:
At the heart of this project are lived experience and community voices. We welcome the findings of the report and will continue to work with Mind in Berkshire, embedding learnings from the report within the ongoing work we are doing.
Dr. Kathryn MacDermott, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Moving Forward: Addressing Inequalities
The report serves as a crucial foundation for addressing inequalities within local mental health services. Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust commissioned the report as part of a broader program aimed at tackling these disparities. The findings will be used to inform ongoing efforts to improve access, treatment, and outcomes for black individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
