New £50k Grant Boosts Efforts to Tackle Systemic Barriers in UK Health Research
The Ethnicity and Health Unit (EHU) has secured a £50k grant to further its work addressing systemic barriers to ethnic equality in health research. This funding, awarded by NHS England's Integrated Care Systems Research Engagement Network (ICS REN) project, will allow the EHU to continue its efforts to engage underrepresented communities in Northwest London (NWL), with a particular focus on increasing participation in health research among its ethnically diverse communities and children and young people (CYP).
Tackling Inequalities in Health Research
The origins of the EHU's work stem from a landmark analysis of racism in UK health research, which highlighted the pervasive systemic barriers faced by ethnic minorities. These barriers prevent meaningful participation in health research, thereby limiting opportunities for equitable healthcare outcomes. In response, the EHU sought funding from NHS England's ICS REN project and, over the past three years, has secured £470k to run programmes aimed at increasing ethnic diversity in health research across NWL.
Key to this work has been the development of health roadshows and community-led workshops, which have connected local communities with healthcare professionals, provided free health checks, and opened conversations around health issues that affect ethnically diverse communities. Through these efforts, the EHU has built a research network reflective of NWL's diverse population, particularly focusing on groups often underrepresented in health research.
Children and Young People at the Centre
Another critical aspect of the EHU’s work is addressing the underrepresentation of children and young people (CYP) in health research. Despite CYP making up over 20% of the UK population and accounting for more than 10% of healthcare spending, only 5% of health research funding is directed towards this group. National and local policies targeting CYP require a solid evidence base that includes their voices and experiences, but systemic barriers often prevent their meaningful participation in research.
To tackle this, the EHU has been working to empower CYP as active participants and collaborators in health research. By providing training for researchers, running tailored workshops, and working with community groups, the EHU aims to ensure that health research better reflects the needs and experiences of young people, particularly in addressing mental health and health inequalities.
Prostate Cancer and Beyond
The new £50k grant will allow the EHU to expand its work into specific health issues, including prostate cancer among African-Caribbean and Somali men in NWL. While prostate cancer is a significant focus of the new funding, the broader mission remains to dismantle the barriers that prevent ethnically diverse communities and CYP from accessing and participating in health research.
The project will continue to recruit Community Research Champions (CRCs) to strengthen its grassroots approach, ensuring that upcoming health roadshows and workshops provide healthcare information and opportunities for community members to contribute to vital health research.
Looking Ahead
The EHU’s ongoing work highlights the importance of inclusive health research that reflects the diversity of NWL’s population. By addressing systemic racism, empowering children and young people, and focusing on health challenges that disproportionately affect ethnically diverse communities, the EHU is laying the groundwork for a more equitable future in healthcare research.
As the EHU continues to engage NWL’s communities in this vital work, the new funding from ICS REN will ensure that the voices of those historically excluded from health research are heard, understood, and represented in the development of policies and interventions that shape their health outcomes.
