Breaking down barriers to accessing mental health support services - a qualitative study among young South Asian and African-Caribbean communities in Luton

Recent research has suggested that there is limited information about mental health help-seeking among young African—Caribbean and South Asian communities. This study explores the mental health support needs and perceptions of the Samaritans among young African—Caribbean and South Asian people living in Luton. Five single-sex focus groups were conducted among the three main South Asian groups and African—Caribbeans in Luton. This paper describes the challenges faced by service providers and potential users from minority ethnic groups in respectively providing and accessing mental health services. Finally, the paper makes some recommendations for developing culturally competent and more visible service provision.