Users' perceptions of an African and Caribbean mental health resource centre

It has been suggested that well-documented differences in African and African-Caribbean people's contact with mental health services may stem from a spiral of disaffection, reluctance to seek help and re-admission to hospital in times of crisis. In 1997, an African and Caribbean mental health resource centre was established in the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea with the aim of ensuring that the needs of this group were better met. As part of an evaluation of the study, interviews were carried out with 26 clients of the resource centre. This article presents their perceptions of the service provided and its impact on their lives. The clients' accounts indicate that the resource centre was providing a valued service that was successful in reducing their sense of social isolation, enabling them to address issues of identity and self-worth associated with racism and working with other service providers to better meet their needs.