Exploring barriers to accessing mental health services within minoritised communities in Nottingham City, UK - a creative participatory approach to service improvement

Abstract

ObjectivesWe use an art-based approach to engage and involve members of African, African Caribbean and Muslim communities’ in exploring barriers to accessing and using mental health services in the co creation and co-production of mental health communication material. Study designA creative practice approach underpinned by the principles of participatory action research was used. MethodsSeven community-based interactive workshops were held between February and June 2022 at three community centres in Nottingham, UK Attendees were invited to take part in open discussions around the conceptualisations of mental health, well-being and emotional health and to draw or describe their experiences of accessing mental health services. ResultsAttendance was higher than anticipated, with 72 individuals from African, African Caribbean and Pakistan communities taking part in the workshops. What emerged was the low level of understanding of the services available in addressing mental health. In addition, it was felt that health professionals in the National Health Service (NHS) do not sufficiently acknowledge or consider the ethnic, social, cultural and economic factors influencing the mental health and emotional well-being of minoritised communities. Attendees critiqued and provided feedback on service providers’ posters and leaflets. They commented on the lack of key information provided, the inclusion of what was viewed as irrelevant content and the use of unfamiliar terminology. Some attendees created mock-ups of what they believed a good poster should look like. ConclusionA creative practice approach that follows the principles of participatory action research can play an important role in engaging members of minoritised communities in the co-production and co-design of services. This approach highlighted the need to establish trust and shared ownership among marginalized communities affected by inequities of mental health service provision.