What is PCREF?
PCREF’ stands for Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework.
PCREF will change the way NHS mental health services are delivered and is essential to help us improve services for people from black, brown and other ethnic minority communities.
Why do we need PCREF?
Data tells us that PCREF is essential because it helps us address important health disparities, such as:
- ​Black individuals are more likely to be restrained in hospitals. We're committed to changing this.
- Black women experience significantly higher rates of mental distress during and after pregnancy. We are focusing on improving access to care and support for black mothers.
- Some communities, often struggle to access the health services they need. We're working to remove these barriers.
- Black, brown and other ethnic minority communities, have lower recovery rates for talking therapies. We're dedicated to improving these outcomes.
What does it mean in practice?
- Recognising and challenging racial inequalities within services
- Opportunity for open and honest conversations about race and health inequalities to create meaningful change
- Listening and understanding what works best for our black, brown and other ethnic minority communities
- Working together towards ensuring that services see positive improvements to meet the needs of our communities
- Adapting our services to meet the needs of the people we serve.
Who is involved?
The Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework means working in partnership with...
- Our black, brown and other ethnic minority communities
- Carers, service users and their families
- Voluntary organisations and other public service providers.
Working in partnership we can make fundamental improvements within our Trust.
We want to work together towards an anti-racist mental health service.
How can I get involved?
PCREF is not just another initiative, it is about fundamentally changing the way NHS mental health services work. It ensures that black, brown and other ethnic minority communities are not only heard but have real influence over how services are designed, delivered, and improved.
We want to encourage our patients, service users, carers, families, community and voluntary organisations, governors, staff and members of the public to get involved with working in partnership to develop the PCREF.
Everyone has a role to play in making PCREF work. We want to hear about your lived experience, past and present, to create better outcomes.
- If you are a service user or carer, your lived experience is vital in shaping improvements. Your voice matters, and we want to ensure it leads to action.
- If you work in mental health services, PCREF is about adapting the way you work, challenging biases, and ensuring care is equitable for all.
- If you are a community partner, voluntary organisation, or stakeholder, your collaboration is key in holding services accountable and driving change.
There are a number of opportunities to attend meetings and events linked to the PCREF and our approach to working in partnership with our communities.
For more information or to get involved, visit our website or contact the PCREF team at:
