1. Are we Equally Connected? Michelle Lloyd Alawiyyah Abdulrahman

2. Equally Connected Action research Edinburgh and the Lothians 2 years Health Scotland and NHS Lothian funding Community development methods Partnership approach

3. Aims Learn from BME communities about their understanding of, and attitudes towards, mental health and wellbeing –BME Carers in rural area –Gypsy/Travellers –International students –Muslim women in semi- rural area –BME men in Edinburgh –Arabic speaking women

4. Test the assumptions underpinning the Integrated Care Pathway –people attend their GP; –can articulate their fears, concerns and symptoms, –the GP listens, understands and agrees with the patient an appropriate response To help ensure services are designed to meet diverse needs

5. Barriers Philosophical Differing constructs of illness Evidence based healthcare and MH tools

6. Emerging themes Impact of racism Isolation/exclusion –Self confidence –Effects on social integration Access to services/support -the gap

7. Therapy and Recovery Non pharmacological interventions – lack of awareness, suitability assumptions and therapeutic relationship Acknowledging and learning about other routes to recovery

8. Community Development Approach Listening and responding Overcoming barriers Participatory

9. What Next ? Ways to engage Research tools Change in focus – using evidence to recommend changes in services and revised ICP

10. For further information: Michelle@health-in-mind.org.uk Alawiyyah@health-in-mind.org.uk Tel: 0131 243 0113