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Race on the Agenda

Health Inequalities and Public Services

Health Inequalities

Healthcare is a significant social policy issues for Black Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups. For example: BAME communities tend to have higher rates of limiting long term illness (Bangladeshis 11.8%, Irish 10.6%, 'other' Black 12%), Diabetes is higher for all BAME groups than White British and hospital admissions under the Mental Health Act are over three times higher for some BAME groups than average. Asides from this, there are clear connections between health, especially mental health, issues and criminal justice concerns, as well as education. Given the cross-cutting impact of health inequalities ROTA is engaged directly with health policy developments, as well as linking health issues into recommendations that they make in other areas. ROTA has worked with the London Health Commission, the Greater London Authority, NHS Trusts and third sector partners to help meet this aim.

Previously, we have:

  • Participated in the Mayor's consultation on his Health Inequality Strategy,
    Downlaod report    ;
  • Produced oral and written evidence to the Joint Commission on Human Rights on the health inequalities of BAME elders;
  • Provided oral evidence at the Department for Health Consultation on Alcohol Misuse - 'Safe, Sensible, Sound';
  • Fed into the Healthcare Commission's Strategic Cultural Competence Framework - 'Race for Health';
  • Made recommendations to the Department for Health and local agencies in relation to the mental health, sexual health and their relevance to serious youth violence. See, responded to the department's Framework for Violence and Abuse Prevention.

 

Education and Employment

BAME communities continue to face difficulties and discrimination from primary through to higher education. Asides from the negative impact that this may have on their schooling experience and employment opportunities, such discrimination also impacts other social policy areas such as health, criminal justice and social exclusion. The impact of school exclusions on Black pupils, low attainment rates for Irish Traveller, Gypsy Roma and Black students, as well as disproportionality in further education and problems with the National Curriculum are all concerns for ROTA and those we serve.

Recent work in criminal justice has identified links betweens exclusion and youth offending, and many recommendations that have been produced from the Building Bridges Project and Restoring Relationships Project have been directed at the Department for Children, Schools and Families and their local agencies. ROTA continues to monitor developments in education policy via the ROTA e-newsletters and attending meetings; especially in relation to changes to exclusion policy, attainment levels and the REACH role model programme.

Previously, ROTA has produced:

  • Policy Briefings on supplementary schooling, student fees, school bullying and exclusions;
  • A book on 'Inclusive Schools, Inclusive Society'.
  • An evidence based report on employment and training service provision for offenders, ex-offenders and those at risk;
  • Inclusive Schools, Inclusive Society: Race and Identity on the Agenda (1999);
  • Inclusivity, Integration, Integrity: Promoting Race Equality and Social Justice in Schools (1999);
  • Best Value for Black Communities: Involving Black & Ethnic Minority Organisations in Community Care Contracting (2000);
  • Narrowing the Gap: Removing the Barriers and Delivering Health Equality for All.