3.1 Promoting help-seeking behaviour

Butcher, Awan and Gray (2021) explored why Black Open University learners are less likely to declare mental health needs and how this could be facilitated. They recommend reassuring Black, and other minority ethnic learners, that there is no need to be anxious or embarrassed about discussing their needs. Good practice recommendations include inviting Black and other minority ethnic learners to consider their emotional responses at critical points during their study and providing good access to mental health resources. Alongside cultural competence training, these actions can promote help-seeking behaviour for those with undeclared mental health conditions.