British Sikh Report 2018
Download full report (PDF 1.8Mb)Almost 3 out of 4 Sikhs know someone with poor mental health, according to the British Sikh Report
77% of Sikhs find their lives stressful, and twice as many Sikh women have diagnosed mental health issues compared to Sikh men
London, UK – 25 April 2018:
The sixth annual British Sikh Report (BSR) is launched today. It is the only robust strategic document of its kind. Based on the results of a survey of over 2,000 Sikhs throughout the country, it aims to provide quantitative data about the British Sikh community at large.
One of the topics this year’s report has focussed on is mental health. The key findings are:
- 10% of Sikh women have been diagnosed with mental health issues compared to 5% of Sikh men
- 80% of Sikh women and 68% of Sikh men know someone who has experienced poor mental health in the past year
- 77% of Sikhs find their lives stressful
- 35% of Sikhs said their job was the major cause of stress, and a further 27% said it was due to family responsibilities
It is hoped that the report will help raise awareness of mental health issues within the Sikh community as well as lead to improved resources and services available specifically for British Sikhs.
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth, Minister for Faith and Integration, said that “I am glad to welcome the sixth British Sikh report, continuing a strong tradition of ensuring the diverse voices of Britain’s Sikh communities are widely heard. Poor mental health can impact people of all faiths and backgrounds and it is encouraging to see this report raising awareness of this issue among British Sikhs. Sikhs everywhere should be proud of this report in not shying away from difficult subjects and I encourage everyone to read these findings carefully and continue to support this excellent and challenging work.”
Jasvir Singh, chair of the British Sikh Report, commented, “Mental health has been a taboo subject for Sikhs for many years. This data helps us understand what the challenges are, and with three quarters of Sikhs knowing someone with poor mental health, it’s clear that this is something that affects all of us. Knowledge about the prevalence of poor mental health within the community is the first step towards changing things for the better.”
The document is to be launched at a Parliamentary event tonight (25th April 2018) hosted by the Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell MP where Peers and MPs from across the political spectrum as well as grassroots community activists and many others will discuss the findings within the British Sikh Report and the challenges regarding mental health awareness within the Sikh community.