Question reference: S5W-35530
- Asked by: Alison Johnstone, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Green Party
- Date lodged: 25 February 2021
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Current status: Answered by Clare Haughey on 5 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in response to reports that the mental health of BAME men has been the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answer
We know that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on many people’s mental health. However, we recognise that the pandemic has had a more adverse impact on the mental health of some groups of the population, including BAME communities.
That is why our Transition and Recovery Plan commits to considering and addressing the impacts on the mental health of minority ethnic groups. Actions include establishing an Equality Stakeholder Forum to provide advice on the implementation of the Transition and Recovery Plan and wider equalities work within mental health policy.
The first meeting of the Equality and Human Rights Forum was held on 26 February and we are now engaging with organisations to better understand and respond to the minority ethnic-related mental health inequalities that have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 outbreak.