Healthwatch LGBT+ Mental Health Report

Report - 30 November 2016

Research indicates that members of the LGBT+ community have higher instances of mental health problems than the rest of the population. We heard from the local LGBT+ community about their experiences and mental health.

Professionals "not believing”, “not being taken seriously”, “lack of empathy”, “judged".

What we did

A Stonewall survey had highlighted that half of lesbian and bisexual women and a third of gay and bisexual men reported a negative experience of accessing healthcare.

According to a The National Institute for Mental Health in England report, LGBT+ people are:

At higher risk of suicidal behaviour than non-LGBT+ people
50% are more likely to develop depression and anxiety than the rest of the population.

Healthwatch Wandsworth launched a survey in 2016 which was compiled to understand the challenges and needs of the LGBT+ community with mental health problems in Wandsworth.

The Survey was advertised on social media and websites and taken to various outreach events.

Key Findings:

There is not enough access to the appropriate support systems and unmet needs for the LGBT community.
Where services are available, members of the LGBT community feel that professionals in these services lack the understanding and experience and experience misunderstanding and judgement when they use them.
There is inadequate access to appropriate support systems and unmet needs for the LGBT community not only in Wandsworth but also in London more generally.
There are limited services available and these are difficult to access and require more funding to address issues raised.
The wider community, including schools, could do more to increase awareness, offer support and signposting.
The perceived stigma and discrimination attached to mental ill health and the LGBT community creates a fear of accessing services.
Respondents emphasise that poor access to information on LGBT+ mental health is isolating and results in the LGBT+ community being reluctant to access support through fear of discrimination.

Recommendations:

Respondents stressed that better communication and awareness-raising campaigns are crucial to combating discrimination and isolation and to bring an end to the stigma.
People from the LGBT community need to be able to have confidence that services are appropriate to their particular needs, including understanding and discretion when needed.
Respondents called for an increase in understanding of LGBT issues, within the wider community and most importantly training for health professionals.
Development of services and funding is needed, particularly for young people.
The majority of responses to our survey highlighted the need for talking therapies to address LGBT mental health.
It is important that the services are available when needed before potential problems escalate.
In addition to the above, a significant number of responses stressed that safe spaces for the young LGBT community (18 and below) are most important, including a need for a specific support service for young people, while others suggested that schools and youth groups should also address LGBT+ mental health.