A project that aims to improve mental health support for young black males in Brent has received a high commendation at the NHS Innovations London Awards 2009.
The project, developed by CNWL’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Brent, in partnership with the Male Development Service, provides young African-Caribbean men with culturally-sensitive support to enhance their emotional health and well-being. The project also works with families and carers to help avoid an admission into hospital.
Skilled black workers from the Male Development Service work with CAMHS teams to engage hard-to-reach families and promote a more culturally responsive service. It is the intensive, pro-active style of working that enables both parties to gain a broad understanding of mental health issues in the black community and in turn improve understanding of appropriate ways to work with young black men and their families.
Young people accessing the Aspire service also receive practical support with accessing education and training, promoting life skills and encouraging social interests, such as sports. The service creates a wider support system involving young people, families and mentors.
The Aspire Project has demonstrated a number of benefits. The project has shown that intensive work with young black males can reduce hospital admissions; the project has so far diverted at least two inpatient admissions. It has also shown that support from black male mentors and involvement in activities such as sports and education are important factors for improving engagement with mental health services and the community. The project is also helping to reduce some of the stigma surrounding mental illness for young people, which also helps to strengthen the profile of child and adolescent mental health services in the community.
The team behind the Aspire project was commended for their work at the NHS Innovations London Awards ceremony in December 2009.
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