Language and cultural barriers can prevent people from black and ethnic minority (BME) communities recognising mental health needs and seeking help. This is despite people from BME groups being three times more likely to be admitted to mental health services.

Time to Talk is a 30 minute DVD available in 12 different languages from the Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. With case histories from a range of communities the DVD offers understanding, support and information to get people talking about their mental health and accessing help.

Moira Port, a modern matron at the Lister Hospital mental health unit in Stevenage, said,

"The DVD was produced by a number of service users and staff and was about improving understanding of what mental health issues are in the BME, and how they felt that their own community view mental health issues, such as being weak or fear of stigma.

"They said that they were frightened to come out but the ones who managed to access mental health services have found it quite useful.

"They then feel empowered to go and talk to the community and say if you have problems, or if you feel low or weepy and upset.

"The DVD tells you how to access the services and how you would be helped."

Read more > http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8297506.stm

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