Promoting the mental well-being of older people from black and minority ethnic communities in United Kingdom rural areas: Findings from an interview study

Drawing from 81 interviews with practitioners in social care and housing with care services in the United

Kingdom, this paper explores practice issues in rural areas when supporting the mental health and wellbeing

of older people from Black and minority ethnic groups. The paper begins with a review of the

literature which provides evidence that BME older people are likely to be increasingly part of the

populations of rural areas. Next it presents interview data revealing that while practitioners are aware of

such demographic changes in general terms; some feel that they lack training and skills in adapting their

professional practice to support all older people. Others express feelings of professional isolation in

seeking to support older people from minority groups and are concerned that older people from minority

groups may be at risk of isolation and loneliness. The paper concludes with a discussion of the study’s

implications for rural practice, policy and research.