Cultural resources

• The family will need to be closely involved in generating the list of available resources, and may have clear ideas and knowledge about what resources they are prepared to use, and what they are not. However, workers need to bear in mind that families new to the area (particularly refugees with poor language skills) may be unaware of resources.
• Examples of the kind of resources available are:
o Church/temple/synagogue/mosque, and associated ministers/priests/rabbi/imam;
o Youth groups attached to the same.
o Cultural organizations (eg; Somali group, Pakistani Welfare Association etc..)
o Many localities have specific Users' Forums, for instance a Black Users' Forum, in adult Mental Health settings. Whilst it may or may not be appropriate for a YP to attend these groups, the groups themselves may have access to further local resources, or be able to offer advice and support to parents/carers etc.
o In addition to mental health services, clients may also be using alternative healers (eg acupuncturists, herbalists, spiritual healers)

Language resources

• Interpreting resources: the Team is likely to use a specific agency, and efforts should be made to provide access to the same interpreter if possible.
• The family may prefer to use a relative for interpreting (bear in mind the issues of confidentiality discussed above). If this is the case, discuss with them the pros and cons of such a strategy, (the need for regular access - can the relative get time off to attend the meetings? What if sensitive issues are discussed that might divide the loyalties of the family member providing interpreting?)