This Network was developed as there was a need for Black & Minority Ethinc (BME) service users across the South West to connect and link with each other.

Although the South West is in the vanguard for the quality of its service user groups – Speak Up Somerset is an excellent example – the BME service user population suffers from the problem of visibility and invisibility as defined in the study ‘Inside Outside’. The BME population in rural South West is demographically a small community. In some areas we are referring to individuals, not communities in the true sense of the word. Service Users are therefore highly visible. Yet in terms of services they are invisible. This means that there is little support or understanding of the issues and problems that BME service users experience. In addition, for services users joining a mainstream group, mainly white, can be a daunting prospect. BME service users may come up against prejudice and racism within the group, isolating them even further. The BME South West Service User Network was developed in order to address some of these issues.

The Network was set up in April 2005 and launched in the November in Gloucester. At this event, BME service users from across the South West attended. In April 2007, the network held its first conference where service users spoke of their experiences in mental health services. The Network has been able to give a voice to BME service users.

Meetings are held 4 times a year in different parts of the region. The host-group uses the meeting to focus on a programme of activity which would give the group an impetus to develop a more sustainable and active service user group.

The Network supports service users by paying for any travel expenses and invites them to actively engage with the meeting. ‘Coming-togethers’ are exciting affairs! Active participation by all is encouraged, with people feeling able to respond and engage with speakers. Generally keynote speakers have all had experience of using mental health services so can identify with the experiences of their audience. Service users themselves take part by reading their poetry, playing their music and singing or simply delivering an impassioned plea for greater justice with regards to their treatment. And we always ensure there is some good food!

To disseminate information about the network and in an attempt to reach more service users, a newsletter was developed in 2006. It was written and edited by two service users supported by the communication team at SWDC. The service users attended national and local meetings and conferences, as reporters, and used the newsletter as a vehicle to inform others of events and news on Delivering Race Equality. Click here to view or download archived copies of these Newsletters.

Projects

One of the major activities of the Network has been the BME service user project at Fromeside Forensic Unit in Bristol (AWP). Firstly, with the support of the User Involvement Workers in AWP, who identified the need for some programme of activity and supported BME service users to establish a steering group, events were held to celebrate Black History Month. One service user presented his personal history over the month, telling the story of his ancestry from Africa to the West Indies and his life in Bristol. Service users from the community were invited and family and friends also attended. Film nights and poetry reading evenings were some of the first activities held at Fromeside.

This year, using drama workshops as a tool for helping service users to increase their confidence, a play was developed from stories of their experiences in forensic services.