Community Development with Black Mental Health Peer Support Groups

High levels of mental distress and coercive medical treatment have persisted among the UK's Black African and African Caribbean population for many years. There is no consensus on why this is so, but there is some evidence that peer support groups organised by and for Black people with mental health problems can generate hope and well-being among their members. This doctorate study used participatory action research methods to explore how community development practitioners can help such groups to develop and thrive. A qualitative case study approach was used, involving two Black peer support groups plus the community and mental health practitioners who worked alongside them. A range of other practitioners, carers and mental health service users were also interviewed. A 'liberation approach' was identified whereby practitioners could support groups to challenge oppressive practices, enabling group members to break free from the stigmatising label of 'mad, Black and dangerous'.

Patience Seebohm has worked in statutory, not-for-profit, community and academic organisations. Most of her work has focused on increasing the voice, employment and housing opportunities for people experiencing mental distress. Since 2008 much of this has involved participatory action research with different ethnic and social groups.