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Abstract
This paper examines the views and experiences of using and providing mental health services from the perspectives of black African and black African Caribbean mental health service users, their carers, voluntary services and a range of statutory mental health professionals and commissioners in Birmingham, UK. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through telephone interviews (n = 15), individual face-to-face (n = 20) and focus group interviews (n = 12), and analysed using Krueger's framework and Rabiee's guidelines. Findings showed differences in the experiences of mental health services amongst African Caribbean and their African counterparts, the impact of social inequality on mental health and the needs of asylum seekers and refugees. It highlighted the important role of voluntary organizations in provision of care and support, insufficient provision of psychological therapies and concerns about high dosage of medication. The implications for practice are discussed, particularly the role of health beliefs in help-seeking behaviour and barriers to accessibility of mental health services.
Acknowledgements
Our deepest gratitude to all participants of this project for giving us an open account of accessing mental health services in Birmingham, and to the members of the Steering Group and project administrator for their valuable contributions at different stages of this research. Special thanks to Kate Thomson for her constructive feedback and Paula McGee for her input throughout this research project, proofreading and editing this paper.
Notes
1. Recreational drug used in African community, particularly Somalia.