Race and ethnicity
We are dedicated to fighting against race inequality for our patients, carers, members, staff and in wider society.
Black, Asian, and minority ethnic people experience inequalities in the UK, which often lead to inequalities in health. In the past year the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on people from ethnic minority groups and the appalling death of George Floyd in the US have highlighted the injustice and inequity that exist in our society.
The independent review of the Mental Health Act 1983, led by former RCPsych President Professor Sir Simon Wessely, published in 2018, found that profound inequalities exist for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people in access to treatment, experiences of care and outcomes.
In addition, the review heard that Black adults are more likely than adults in other ethnic groups to have been detained under the Mental Health Act.
Our Equality Action Plan, which promotes equality and equitable outcomes for people within the College and across mental health services regardless of their characteristics and background, contains 29 key actions, which will be rolled out between now and the end of 2023.
Our best practice for improving equalities page contains information relating COVID-19 risk mitigation for Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff in mental healthcare settings as well as other resources relating to racism and discrimination.
For more information please email equality@rcpsych.ac.uk.
Blog posts relating to race and ethnicity
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South Asian History Month: Dr Mina Husain
In our second blog post to celebrate South Asian History Month, we hear from Dr Mina Husain who discusses her experiences growing up in four different countries and her work ...
Dr Mina Husain -
South Asian History Month: Serendipity, stigma and beyond
To mark the start of South Asian History Month, Dr Trudi Seneviratne (the College's Registrar) reflects on her early upbringing in Sri Lanka, remembers the work of Dr Anula Nikapota ...
Dr Trudi Seneviratne -
Interview with Samara Linton for Black History Month
Samara Linton is a junior doctor, award-winning writer and content creator. She is the co-author of Diane Abbott: The Authorised Biography and co-editor of The Colour of Madness: Exploring BAME ...
Dr Samara Linton -
Celutions talks on Black History Month
"Black mental health has always been important, but if there’s a time to pay it some attention – the time is now."
Celine Erorh -
Reflecting on Black Lives Matter and celebrating the new Association of Black Psychiatrists
Dr Mosun Fapohunda speaks of the momentous events of this year and how they have affected black people and Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities in general.
Dr Mosun Fapohunda -
South Asian History Month: Professor Dinesh Bhugra
Former RCPsych President Professor Dinesh Bhugra reflects as our inaugural South Asian History Month draws to a close.
Professor Dinesh Bhugra -
South Asian History Month: Dr Raghunandan Gaind
Dr Raghunandan Gaind, Past-President and current Vice-President of the Indian Medical Association GB, and Patron of the Amritsar Doctors and Dentists Association, writes for South Asian History Month.
RCPsych Digital Team -
South Asian History Month: Dr Ananta Dave
Dr Ananta Dave, Medical Director and Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist at the Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust writes on the theme of dualism and of expressing yourself in the ...
RCPsych Digital Team