Gul, a 46-year-old mother of four who works in the civil service, was left with both physical and mental health conditions because of a workplace injury.  

Born and raised in the UK with a Bangladeshi Muslim background, Gul has faced difficulties in accessing mental healthcare. Today, as an involvement representative, she is helping to bridge the gap between her community and mental health services.

Following her injury, Gul accessed support from Talking Therapies, which provided her with tools for managing pain, and sleep therapy. She wants to raise awareness of the support available and is trying to break down the stigma often associated with seeking help. She said: 

"Getting help is a path that some South Asian women struggle to navigate. I’ve heard from friends and family who are afraid of how they’d be labeled, if they reached out for support. They’re scared that people will talk or, even worse, that they might not be deemed fit to look after their children. There’s so much fear around accessing mental healthcare.”

Her involvement in the Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF) as someone who understands the cultural hesitations and barriers around accessing help, enables her to advocate for others:

"Accessing information in difference languages is vital. There are so many women who feel isolated just because they can’t speak English. When health information isn’t in their language, it’s like the support isn’t meant for them.”

PCREF aims to eliminate racial disparities in mental health access, experiences, and outcomes. Through this work, Gul is determined to help make mental health services accessible and welcoming for all South Asian women.

“I believe that there is always room for change and that can only be achieved by working together. Co-production is the way to make mental health services better for both staff and service users.  
  
“That’s why we are working with schools, mosques and local organisations to reach out to our community to talk about what support is available, and to make services easier to access. 
 
“This work is about changing mindsets and creating a safe space for future generations of South Asian women. I want women to know that there’s nothing wrong with needing support. We need to make it okay to talk about mental health, ensuring no woman feels alone.” 

To find out more about PCREF, click here Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF)