Severe mental illnesses, such as psychosis, profoundly impact individuals’ lives, causing distress and altering their perception of the world. Unfortunately, vulnerable groups, including those from minority ethnic backgrounds and socioeconomically disadvantaged situations, bear an unfair burden.
In the UK, Black individuals are disproportionately affected by psychosis, facing barriers to accessing mental health support. These challenges stem from racism, discrimination, mental health stigma, and limited awareness of the symptoms of mental health, also known as mental health literacy.
The community-based evaluation of Co-Stars sees the young people and University of Birmingham experts working with Catalyst 4 Change CIC, Forward Thinking, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Foundation Trust, and Black Country HealthCare NHS Trust.
Through four work packages, the project will deliver training directly to local underserved communities through Black youth facilitators, whilst providing an online training course specifically tailored to better support Black communities. Rigorous research trials will assess the impact of Co-STARS – measuring outcomes such as reduced mental health detentions, improved well-being, and societal benefits