Black and Minority Ethnic People and Mental Health in Britain: An Holistic Approach

Abstract

This paper challenges the medically dominated mental health orthodoxy in Britain. It advocates an integrated community development approach underpinned by anti‐racist, empowering practice. It offers successful practice examples of a holistic, self‐governed mental health system for Black people in Britain. The paper draws on the philosophy of social action and Ubuntu, the African model of collective support, and arguments for empowerment and participation. Together these influences form the basis of community development work in Britain and globally.