Hala Abuateya and Ghazala Mir discuss a recent initiative to raise awareness and skills among health and social care practitioners that promises to make training easily accessible and to create productive links between voluntary and statutory sector services

Ethnic minorities represent a significant part of the British population; the most recent census showed that minority ethnic communities form nine per cent of the general population of England and up to 48 per cent in some areas of the country (Office of National Statistics 2004). There is abundant evidence that people from ethnic minorities experience inequalities and face discrimination and disadvantage in accessing health and social services (Acheson 1998, Modood 1994, 1997, Nazroo 1997). The causes include a poor knowledge of available services, poor standards of communication, delays in diagnosis and treatment, isolation, discrimination in access to services and benefits, high levels of stress among carers and significant unmet needs. People with disabilities in these communities face even greater barriers in accessing services (Chamba et al 1999, Mir et al 2000).