Agenda item

10.1  The chair invited Philippa Garety,  Professor of Clinical Psychology , Clinical Director and Joint Leader of the Psychosis Clinical Academic Group and Zoe Reed, Executive Director Strategy and Business Development, South London and Maudsley NHS to present and then invited questions

10.2  Members queried the evidence that ethnic minority members are more at risk generally but this reverses when a BME community reaches a certain level of density at a very local level. The Professor of Clinical Psychology explained that this is true of many immigrant communities and the second generation is more at risk than the first generation, unless they come from a war torn country. Members commented that Southwark and Lambeth have high levels BME communities in some wards; however Southwark still has high rates of psychosis. Philippa Garety responded that these communities would be more resilient, but only if there was a high density at a very local level. A member commented about half of Brunswick Ward  is composed of BME communities and the Professor of Clinical Psychology said this is a good example; while members of BME communities might do better in Brunswick , they might do less well in College Ward. A member noted that Richmond has a low density of ethnic minorities but also low levels of psychosis. The Professor of Clinical Psychology explained that there are many interrelated factors such as levels of social exclusion, including employment levels.

10.3  A member commented that the causes seem to be related to societies problems and that people need support to maintain health, which could come though schools or through their neighbourhood communities; people need kindness and caring,  particularly if they get unwell. The chair commented that the discussion suggested that focussing on social factors and reducing social adversity might yield the most useful recommendations.

RESOLVED

Public Health and Adult Social Care will be asked to provide a briefing paper.

Members will be asked to comment on the scoping document.