Black Mental Health UK given key Gov role

Matilda MacAttram, director of BMH UK, has long campaigned for the families of death in custody victims. She’s often done this with little or no money and at times even less recognition from any Government.

But recognising MacAtrram’s expertise and commitment to this issue, the Home Secretary Theresa May has announced that the BMH UK will play a key role in the Government Inquiry into Black deaths in police custody.

Matilda MacAttram said:

We welcome the fact that the invitation was extended to us. We did not ask - we were invited and we think that it is a sign that our campaigns are bearing fruit and that the issues are on the home secretary’s and the government’s agenda.”

She added:

The first concrete step she has taken is to order the HMIC to conduct an inquiry into the treatment of people in police custody - particularly vulnerable groups and people from our communities. She has also asked us to assist HMIC in the direction of the programme.”

Black people are also disproportionately affected by deaths in custody and, according to the charity, are also over-represented among those detained under the Mental Health Act, even though they do not suffer higher rates of mental illness than any other ethnic group.

Bishop Lewellyn Grayham a member BMH UK’s delegation at the Home Office meeting said:

The outcome we are looking for is that the issue of Black deaths in custody is taken seriously and the Home Secretary indicated that she is aware of this issue and will make changes going forward.”

Well done Matilda and well done Home Secretary for recognising a brilliant campaigner within our community.

Simon Woolley