ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the issues related to providing culturally competent, equitable mental health services for minority ethnic groups in the UK. It presents a review of relevant literature focusing upon ethnicity and mental health, and draws upon observations from an on-going participatory action-research project, 'Partnerships for Change', which seeks to provide culturally competent mental health services within Bedfordshire. The chapter provides a Principal Lecturer in Health Services Research and was involved in the action research project. It deals with a brief background that outlines how addressing the needs of minority ethnic groups has become more visible on the health policy agenda. A series of sessions for health staff, and one for social services staff, which will focus on the specific training needs of unqualified staff, and raise awareness of issues to consider when meeting the needs of minority ethnic communities.
