How can multidisciplinary mental health teams meet the needs of racially and culturally diverse populations? What do health care workers need to know about issues of racism, marginalization, social exclusion and other forms of oppression to deliver appropriate service? This workshop marks “International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination” by exploring these issues.

To facilitate exploration, information is provided and exercises undertaken to examine the ways racial and cultural “difference” are socially constructed and explore the implications mental health services. Dangers that can lead to inadvertent cultural insensitivity, social exclusion, racism and other isms can are identified. Ways to ensure that mental health services are socially inclusive and anti-racist/anti-oppressive are discussed.