At Several Seats, we recognize that mental health is not just a personal journey but a collective challenge, especially for ethnic minority women in the UK. Our mission is to create safe spaces where women from diverse backgrounds can be seen, heard, and supported. We are addressing the mental health disparities that disproportionately affect ethnic minority women, bridging the gap in both representation and care.

But why is this so important? Let’s dive into the facts, figures, and research that highlight the need for our work.

 

 

 

​​​Ethnic minority women face unique and heightened mental health challenges. Studies show that women from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are more likely to experience mental health conditions,

yet are less likely to seek help or receive culturally appropriate care.

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For example:

• Black and Minority Ethnic women are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and PTSD due to factors such as racial discrimination, socio-economic barriers, and lack of culturally sensitive care (NHS Digital, 2020).

• Black women are at a higher risk of developing PTSD, often linked to experiences of sexual assault, but are less likely to report or seek help for trauma (Mental Health Foundation, 2019).

• Pakistani and Bangladeshi women face higher risks of schizophrenia and psychotic disorders compared to the general population (Royal College of Psychiatrists).

• LGBT+ ethnic minority women are twice as likely to experience eating disorders and other mental health challenges compared to their white LGBT+ counterparts (Stonewall Report, 2018).

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The mental health crisis in the UK has a significant financial impact, and ethnic minority women are disproportionately affected by long waiting lists, under-resourced services, and poor representation in the mental health care system. Here’s a look at the scope of the problem:

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• NHS Spending on Mental Health: The NHS spends approximately £1,000 per person on mental health care annually, with over £12 billion allocated to mental health services overall. This includes therapy, medication, and hospital admissions (NHS England, 2022).

• Waiting Lists: Mental health waiting lists in the UK are at record highs. In 2022, nearly 1.6 million people were waiting for mental health treatment, with many waiting longer than 12 weeks for therapy appointments. Ethnic minority women, due to barriers in access, often face even longer wait times (The King's Fund, 2021).

• Antidepressant Prescriptions: Over 83 million antidepressant prescriptions were issued in 2021, costing the government approximately £338 million (NHS Digital, 2021). Antidepressants are often prescribed in place of therapy when immediate support isn’t available, which can delay addressing the root causes of mental health issues.

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​At Several Seats, we believe these numbers tell a story of unmet needs. Ethnic minority women are more likely to experience mental health challenges but are less likely to receive the care they need—due to systemic barriers, financial limitations, or the lack of culturally sensitive services.

 

This is where Several Seats steps in:

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• Creating Safe Spaces: We provide culturally aware, peer-led mental health support that speaks to the lived experiences of ethnic minority women. Traditional services may not always feel accessible, and we’re here to bridge that gap.

• Reducing Costs: By offering early intervention and community support, we aim to reduce the need for long-term medical treatment, hospitalizations, and medication, ultimately alleviating the financial burden on both individuals and the NHS.

• Addressing Waiting Lists: Our services help reduce the pressure on the NHS by offering timely mental health support outside of traditional healthcare settings, shortening waiting times and providing immediate care for those who need it most.

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Mental health services need to reflect the communities they serve, and that’s exactly what we do. We offer ethnic minority women the chance to reclaim their mental health through culturally sensitive programs, peer-to-peer support, and resources that truly understand their experiences.

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Our services not only benefit individuals but help to reduce the overall strain on the NHS. Early intervention and support through Several Seats reduce the need for more costly, long-term interventions. In doing so, we foster well-being while also helping to lower the wider economic impact of mental health issues in the UK

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Join us in taking a seat, where everyone’s story matters. Together, we can create a community that listens, supports, and heals—one woman at a time.​​​​​