Pakistani young people’s views on barriers to accessing mental health services

There is extensive literature acknowledging inequalities in health, particularly mental health services for adults, children and young people from Black and minority ethnic communities in the UK. However, there is little existing evidence on UK Pakistani young people’s views of mental health and mental health services. Four focus-group discussions were carried out (n = 33 participants) at local schools, madrasas and a youth group; and data analysed using a framework approach. The findings from this study highlighted a number of barriers to accessing mental health services. Participants had a poor awareness of mental health services and treatment options. Most respondents referred to GPs as their first point of contact for mental health concerns. Knowledge of treatment options for mental illness focused mainly on counselling. There was little awareness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or family-based CBT as a therapeutic regime. Based on the findings of this study it is clear that young people have a poor awareness of mental health services, specifically child and adolescent mental health services services and treatment options for mental illness. Participants suggested a culturally appropriate mental health awareness intervention for young people. It was proposed that this took the form of community-based ambassadors facilitating knowledge exchange and discussion at community level