Diverse Young
Somerset
Somerset’s first young ethnic community research group
Diverse Young Somerset (DYS) was set up by and for young people from ethnic minority communities in Somerset, with the goal of examining the relationship between mental health, education, and discrimination.
This is an important piece of research, since young people from ethnic minority groups in Somerset were never asked about their experiences of discrimination related to education and mental health.
The core group of young people created a survey to capture Somerset’s young ethnic communities’ voices.
The questionnaire is now closed and the results are in!
The dynamic young group asked 10 questions to their peers and the key findings were:
- Nearly 70% of respondents from ethnically diverse communities reported experiencing racial discrimination in school or college. Nearly 40% of these never spoke up about it or asked for help.
- More than 30% of respondents from ethnically diverse communities identified that their racial identity was a disadvantage in their education.
- 67% of respondents from ethnically diverse communities reported problems with school or daily life because of emotional problems, such as feeling depressed, sad, or anxious.
- 57% of respondents from ethnically diverse communities thought their racial/religious community’s views about mental health differed from those of other communities.
From these findings, we have a set of 5 key recommendation areas for local authorities, organizations, and institutions supporting young people from ethnic minority communities.
To request a copy of this report please contact: michal@somersetrcc.org.uk
Meet the Young Diverse Team
