In January 2021, One Vision consulted with Watford’s ethnic and minority communities to better understand the barriers, stigmas and cultural sensitivities associated with mental health.
One Vision found that people from ethnic and minority backgrounds experience significant barriers to free mental health services. Obstacles include:
- Language barriers
- Cultural barriers where mental health issues are perceived as “taboo"
- Stereotyping, especially when it comes to media portrayals of people of colour
- Community stigmas that stop people from seeking help
- Lack of mental health awareness
- Racially insensitive or culturally insensitive professionals
- High levels of racial trauma and cultural PTSD
- Conscious or unconscious biases
- Social and economic inequalities
- Other intersectional factors (disability, race, sexuality, gender, and age issues)
One Vision believes that mental health awareness programmes need to be culturally sensitive to succeed. By adopting a multi-faceted approach to raising awareness about mental health, One Vision is committed to:
- Raising awareness of mental health support and wellness activities area.
- Providing public and community-led information about mental health.
- Creating pathways for individuals to access services and support
One Directory
One Directory is a mental health platform for better living.
There is a significant need for diverse communities to access free mental health services and well-being activities.
A Mind survey of 14,000 individuals has revealed that structural inequalities significantly impact the mental well-being of individuals from ethnic and minority backgrounds. These inequalities have been further amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. [Source: Mind]
One Vision is committed to working with other changemakers to create a more compassionate community. The mental health directory – One Directory – aims to do just that.
The One Directory serves as a mental health one-stop-shop. By mapping local and national services, the One Directory bridges the gap between the individual and healthcare systems. This helps individuals understand what help is available to them.
The One Directory enables users to filter their search by Faith, Language, Ethnicity or Culture. These parameters empower them to find partner organizations, charities and individuals that benefit their mental well-being.