Research Catalyst Fund

Produce a Guidance Toolkit for health and care researchers, to facilitate the inclusion of people with language needs in Sussex in their research projects

Applicant: Vikki Gimson of Sussex Interpreting Services

Co-applicant: Kaye Duerdoth, Trust for Developing Communities

Amount rewarded: £6,950.00

The NHS Health Research Authority is clear that including diversity in health and care research is a key driver for ensuring people get the best healthcare for them and so reduce health inequalities.  Evidence shows that people with language needs suffer significant health inequalities;  report greater barriers to accessing health and care, have a poorer patient experience, and are more likely to be in poor health.  Exclusion from health and care research exacerbates and amplifies health inequalities because the specific experience and needs of people with language needs aren’t considered when developing ways of preventing, diagnosing, and treating health conditions. 

2021 Census data from Brighton and Hove shows that, for 9% of residents English is not their first language, of which 13% cannot speak English well.  There is a similar picture in other parts of Sussex particularly Crawley, Hastings and coastal West Sussex.  In 2023-24, SIS delivered 19502 interpreting sessions to 5633 people in 47 languages (across Sussex) demonstrating the depth of need and numbers of people requiring language support.  

Objectives of the Study

This aim of this project is to break down health inclusion barriers, promote diversity and participation in health and social care research, improve health equity and outcomes and reduce discrimination and stigma.  

The project will take a collaborative, co-design approach by involving a wide variety of interested stakeholders, including academics, clinicians, community researchers, local authorities and industry networks.  This will ensure cultural competence, wide applicability, shared ownership and comprehensive distribution. 

There will be initial consultation in workshops to gain full understanding of the needs of different stakeholders.  This will be followed by co-design and production of the guidance toolkit, and then distribution and dissemination of the toolkit.

The study will increase the understanding of the experience of people with language needs for health and care researchers.  It will also provide more opportunities for people with language needs to engage in health and care research.  This will in turn increase the diversity of people involved in health and care research, and increase the confidence of people with language needs to engage in research. 

Understanding barriers to mental health support and coping mechanisms among ethnic minorities in the UK: A community engagement and co-production qualitative study

Applicants: Anjum Memon, Brighton and Sussex Medical School

Co-applicant: Wajeeha Aziz, Brighton and Sussex Medical School

Co-applicant: Patrick Nyikavaranda, Brighton and Sussex Medical School 

Co-applicant: Juliet Ssekitoleko, Black and Minority Ethnic Community Partnership

Co-applicant: Kate Gilchrist, Public Health Intelligence, Brighton & Hove City Council

Co-applicant: Darrell Gale, Public Health, East Sussex County Council

Amount Rewarded: £7,800.00

This study aims to explore and understand the mental health issues and experiences of ethnic minority communities in the UK, focusing on their perceptions, challenges, and coping mechanisms and strategies.  

Despite growing awareness of mental health disparities, ethnic minorities remain disproportionately affected by barriers such as cultural stigma, systemic inequalities, and inadequate access to culturally sensitive healthcare. This qualitative research aims to address these gaps by exploring how ethnic minority individuals perceive mental health, navigate challenges, and maintain their wellbeing. 

Objectives of the Study

• To understand how ethnic minority individuals perceive mental health and mental illness within their cultural and community contexts. 

• To identify cultural, social, and systemic barriers that prevent ethnic minority individuals from accessing mental health services. 

• To explore the coping strategies and mechanisms that ethnic minority individuals use to maintain optimal mental health and wellbeing. 

• To gather insights and recommendations for improving the inclusivity and cultural relevance of mental health services thereby reducing health inequalities. 

Interviews will explore perceptions of mental health, experiences with accessing support, and influence of culture, community, and family in shaping their coping strategies. Themes such as faith/religion, traditional/cultural practices, social networks, and systemic barriers will be examined to provide a holistic/comprehensive understanding of participants' lived experiences. 

The study will generate three separate outputs/thematic analyses – i.e. one for each ethnic group.  

The projects will conclude at the end of September 2025, and report to the HCRP Conference in October 2025.