A new counselling service is aiming to improve mental health support by breaking down cultural barriers.

As the sun set over Croydon’s vibrant streets, a palpable sense of hope filled the air. Inside a modest community center, a group of individuals representing Black Caribbean, African, Asian, and mixed-heritage backgrounds gathered, not just for a session, but for a lifeline. This scene, repeated across the borough, is emblematic of a transformative initiative launched by Croydon Council’s public health team: a culturally sensitive counselling service set to redefine mental health support in the local community.

Redefining Access to Mental Health Support

For many from ethnic minority backgrounds in Croydon, accessing traditional mental health services often felt daunting, or downright impossible. Dr. Andrew Brown, director at the Croydon BME Forum, explained: “It’s about more than just offering help; it’s about dismantling the stigma attached to mental health within our communities. This service aims to build trust and connection.”

The tailored counselling initiative not only addresses the void in available resources but also recognises the intricate web of cultural, ethnic, and faith-based factors that can hinder access to mental health services.

Understanding Unique Barriers

• Cultural Sensitivity: Many residents may find it difficult to relate to counsellors who lack cultural understanding.
• Stigma: Mental health remains a taboo subject in various cultures, discouraging many from seeking help.
• Communication Gaps: Language and socio-economic status can further complicate access to traditional services.

With the new service, residents can connect with trained counsellors who possess cultural awareness, ensuring that the support provided resonates deeply with their backgrounds and experiences.

A Collaborative Effort

The initiative is a collaboration among several community organisations, including the Croydon BME Forum, Asian Resource Centre Croydon, Cassandra Centre, One Vision, and Care To Listen. Each entity plays a vital role in delivering both one-to-one and group counselling sessions tailored to the unique needs of individuals.

Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, voiced his commitment to the initiative, stating, “We all need someone we can trust, who understands us, so we can discuss the issues we are dealing with in our lives. These new culturally sensitive counselling sessions will help even more people in Croydon to talk openly, without judgment, which supports good mental health.”

Increased Demand for Support

The necessity for such services has never been clearer. According to recent studies, approximately 43% of minority ethnic individuals reported experiencing mental health issues without receiving support, largely due to cultural and systemic barriers. Findings from the “Understanding Mental Health Within Ethnic Minorities” report emphasize that tailored approaches can significantly improve engagement and outcomes in therapy.

Dr. Brown elaborates on the importance of resonating with clients: “Cultural nuances play a significant role in mental well-being. For example, the way we express sadness or happiness is often influenced by cultural factors. Having a counsellor who understands these subtleties makes all the difference in creating a safe environment for healing.”

Promoting Wellbeing in the Community

The Croydon Council’s initiative isn’t an isolated effort; it is part of a broader commitment to enhance long-term health and wellbeing among residents. Complementing the counselling service are recommendations of the ‘five ways to wellbeing,’ which encourage residents to:

• Stay connected with others
• Be physically active
• Continue learning
• Stay present and mindful
• Give time to help others

These simple yet powerful strategies aim to foster a sense of community and belonging, vital components in the quest for mental health resilience.

Looking Ahead

As this new counselling service takes root in Croydon, local leaders remain optimistic about its impact. Dr. Brown notes, “We are witnessing a paradigm shift in how mental health is perceived in our communities. People are becoming more willing to seek help, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that help is accessible and culturally appropriate.”

For residents keen to access these services, information is readily available through Croydon Council’s website, making it easier than ever to reach out for support. The future looks encouraging as Croydon continues to embrace a more inclusive approach to mental health, one conversation at a time.

Source: uk.news.yahoo.com