Impacting on diversity in practice in an outer London borough

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore models of community outreach to BME and faith communities in the London Borough of Harrow.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explores community outreach with a specific emphasis on the delivery of community mental health services through partnership working with BME faith groups.FindingsThe paper considers models of community outreach to BME and faith communities and explores the impacts of service cuts and the emerging Big Society agenda on BME and faith groups.Practical implicationsHaving identified some of the challenges that exist, solutions are proposed that can help to enhance the likelihood of achieving funding through delivering flexible innovative models of working which play to pre‐existing strengths.Originality/valueAt a time of service cutbacks when people are increasingly reliant on locally based BME communities to provide essential services, the role of information provision and basic training is critical in delivering culturally accessible and tailored services.