Shabir Banday Director REACH Community Health Project Men, Mental & Emotional Health/wellbeing

What is REACH? REACH is a national voluntary sector organization whose aim is to provide culturally sensitive and accessible preventative clinical health information and services to the Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) community living in Scotland. The project is also committed to influencing change within mainstream health services to better address the health needs of this particular community.

VISION AND MISSION Vision: A multi-cultural society in which all people have equal access to appropriate health services. Mission: To empower BME communities by ensuring that their health needs are fully met.

OBJECTIVES: 1. To provide culturally-sensitive preventative health services 2. To influence mainstream policy and undertake innovative research to identify and remove barriers to health for BME communities 3. To provide Cultural Diversity Training for mainstream, voluntary and private sector organisations working with BME communities

TRIANGULATED FORMULA Culturally Sensitive Service Delivery Policy and Research Equality Cultural Diversity Training

Background - Facts 2001 Census results cited in GARA Black Perspectives, March 2003

Overseas Nationals Entering Scotland : top twelve countries 2006/07 CountryNumber Poland14640 India2400 Australia1670 Slovak Rep1480 Lithuania1400 Rep Latvia1310 Rep of Ireland1290 China Peoples Rep1190 Czech Republic1160 Spain1100 South Africa1030 Pakistan930 Ref:Source: National Insurance Number Allocations to Overseas Nationals Entering the UK 2006/2007. Department for Work and Pensions. Available at:

Age by ethnic group Scotland Census 2001

Men’s Health: The Reality Did you know? In Scotland males can expect to live to as low as 69 A man dies every 4 hours in the UK of prostate cancer Sexually Transmitted Infections in men rise year upon year Men are 4 times more likely to commit suicide than women 62.8% of men are overweight Ref: Fife Men Online

Mental Health & Wellbeing in BME Challenges and Opportunities Understanding/misunderstanding of Mental Health and wellbeing Acceptance/non-acceptance of Mental Health as an Issue Positive and Negative approach to Mental Health

Mental Health & Wellbeing in BME Challenges and Opportunities Demographic Shift Cultural and Religious Beliefs/disbeliefs Accessing Mental Health Services Operational and Attitudinal Stigma, Racism

A Way Forward Bridging Gap – Service Users and Providers Inclusiveness – Policy and Operational Level Promoting a positive approach Holistic and Community Approach Partnership – Voluntary/Community groups & Statutory agencies

Conclusion Complex Challenging Achievable