BAME communities in Greater Manchester get extra mental health support through the pandemic
The new services - run by 6 support groups - are responding to the increased health risk the virus poses to those with BAME heritage.
Almost 6 months on since the start of lockdown extra mental health support's being offered to Greater Manchester's black and ethnic minority communities.
Six support groups are offering counselling services after Public Health England stats revealed those from a Bangladeshi background are twice as likely to die from COVID-19 and people with Asian or Black heritage are at a 10 to 50% higher risk.
This is often faced in addition existing mental health challenges from isolation, loneliness, trauma and even forced migration.
Commissioned by Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, the six new services will be run as pilots by local voluntary sector organisations over the next four months:
•Manchester BME Network CIC - support for south asian communities
•Yaran Northwest CIC - support for middle eastern communities
•Wai Yin Society - support for the Chinese community
•Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN) - support for the African and Caribbean communities
•Jewish Action Mental Health - support for the Jewish Community (leaflet)
•TS4SE- developing capacity building with a focus on refugee communities
The overall aim is to provide culturally sensitive support to people from BAME groups who are being disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Individuals can self-refer to the new services so no need to be referred by a GP or other health professional.
The pilots will be monitored and evaluated over the coming months to judge whether they will be extended further. Initial funding, a total of £120,000, will come from a new Government fund earmarked for additional local spending in response to COVID-19.
Dr Sandeep Ranote, Medical Executive Lead for Mental Health, Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, said:
“The deep impact COVID-19 has had and continues to have on BAME communities has left many with worries, anxieties and loss.
"That’s why these new services are so important as they are specifically targeted to address the mental health and wellbeing needs of our diverse communities - and early indications show that they are already proving effective."
Charles Kwaku-Odoi, Chief Officer, CAHN, said:
“The Caribbean and African Health Network is delighted to be part of a collaboration with other Greater Manchester BAME-led organisations responding to the impact of COVID-19.
"Our Emotional and Wellbeing Support Service has seen increased demand from people with mental health in our community.
"Our black counsellors are responding to anxiety, stress, and other forms of emotional issues.
"In addition to counselling therapy in English and French, we offer befriending, awareness-raising workshops, and practical support for members of our community.”