Hackney Council's Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission has launched a review into the mental health outcomes for Black women in the borough, prompted by concerns over existing disparities and poor mental health outcomes often linked to complex inequalities in education, housing, and environment.
The commission met on Thursday, July 9, 2026, to discuss the scope of this new review, which aims to address these inequalities.
Initial research suggests that ethnic minorities, including Black women, face higher risks of mental ill-health. The review will seek to confirm if the finding that African Caribbean groups are three times more likely to be hospitalized for schizophrenia
applies specifically to Black women. Furthermore, it will examine potential disparities in access to talking therapies versus medication, with initial findings suggesting that Black and ethnic minority patients are frequently medicated rather than referred to talking therapies.
Councillor Emmanuel Onapa, Chair of the Commission, highlighted the need to examine these complex factors, noting that systemic discrimination and Eurocentric recovery models may be contributing to poorer outcomes. The review aims to understand the impact of these models, which often ignore race equality and external factors,
on Black women's mental health.
Councillor Reiner Tegtmeyer raised questions about potential cultural reasons for differing mental health needs between Black Caribbean and African populations, suggesting potential reasons such as uptake of provisions or resistance to seeking help due to cultural factors.
Councillor Ben Lucas emphasised the importance of a holistic approach, considering drivers such as housing issues and the cost of living.
The commission also discussed the crucial role of community engagement in this review. There was a consensus that resident feedback would be vital in shaping the investigation, with Councillor Salih offering support and advice on how to do that engagement
and highlighting the importance of engaging with the right residents.
Healthwatch Hackney also expressed their willingness to help and support on that, how to do that engagement and offer our expertise.
The review is currently in its initial scoping phase. A draft Terms of Reference will be presented for discussion, with the formal Terms of Reference to be agreed at the September 22nd meeting. Evidence gathering will commence after this and continue until January, with a full timetable to follow. The commission's work programme for the upcoming year will prominently feature this review, alongside other ongoing scrutiny activities. The full agenda for the meeting can be found here: Agenda frontsheet Thursday 09-Jul-2026 19.00 Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission. The public reports pack is available here: Public reports pack Thursday 09-Jul-2026 19.00 Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission.
