This study appeared in full in the last issue of Research Ethics Review (2008; 4 (4): 160). DS is researching the experiences of black Caribbean and black African people who use mental health services. The mental healthcare organization serves a diverse catchment area and senior members of staff are keen to show that they are taking the views of black services users seriously. They have, therefore appointed DS to undertake a three-year research project about black people's experiences in the catchment (...) area. DS is planning to survey statutory and voluntary organizations to map the services they provide and then use focus groups to ascertain the views and experiences of users and carers. The aim is to identify what they find most helpful, what is not helpful and how services could be improved to become more culturally-competent. (shrink)