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Background: Research suggests that there are differences in the problems that are referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) by White British and Asian families as well as differences in how these services are accessed. There is a need for more information about how different ethnic communities perceive and access CAMH services. Method: White British or Pakistani mothers of children between 0-20 years at an urban health centre were invited to complete a study-specific questionnaire written in English (with verbal translation provided when needed). Data were collected on awareness and experience of, and willingness to use CAMH services; severity of problems before referral is considered and additional factors that influence service use. Results: In comparison to White British mothers, Pakistani mothers were found to be less likely to consider a referral for problems judged as mild or moderate. There was no difference for severe problems. Qualitative factors that would enhance the use of CAMH services by Pakistani mothers include the availability of culture and gender matched therapists, and better access to translation facilities. Conclusions: The study highlights service needs and expectations of mothers of Pakistani origin, and emphasises the need for relevant, inclusive and culturally sensitive services.

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This article reports on the setting up and running of two social skills groups within the Bedfordshire and Luton Community NHS Trust. Groups were established in response to an increase in referrals of 'socially disorganized' children to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), and a lack of local services to meet these children's needs. As a pilot project, outcome measures were used preand immediately post-group in an attempt to assess the short-term impact of the intervention and parents response to the initiative. Results were encouraging with children and parents expressing support for the experience, and positive changes in behaviour were reported. Some of the difficulties involved in running such groups in a busy clinical service are discussed.

Research findings to date highlight the underutilization of mental health services by minority ethnic families. However, research in this area has been adult focused and concentrated on the views of parents. This study therefore seeks to redress that imbalance within the research arena by making children the focus of consultation on mental health issues. The article presents results from an exploratory study, commissioned by the Association for Professionals in Services for Adolescents, to explore the views of young South Asians in Luton and Bedford toward mental health and mental health services. Overall, only one in five of the respondents was aware of clinics available to support children, adolescents, or families who are experiencing emotional or behavioral difficulties. The role of schools emerged to be potentially very influential in the study. Schools were seen as a focal point from which young people could gain information regarding support services, and were also perceived as a good venue from which to offer clinics. In this study, 65% of the young respondents who stated they would not access a support clinic to assist them with their difficulties were of South Asian origin. Similarly, 66% of the respondents who stated that their friends or family were unlikely to use the clinic for support were of South Asian origin. Notably, however, the level of awareness of services was the same across all ethnic groups. Therefore, the difference in the This study was funded by the Association for Professionals in Services for Adolescents.