Health and Care Research for All: Strengthening Eastern European Voices

Healthwatch West Northamptonshire was commissioned by Integrated Care Northamptonshire to undertake research about the hesitancy of local Eastern European communities in taking part in research opportunities about health.  They attended a number of events to gather feedback and engaged with over 400 people.

Key findings

It takes time to build connections within different cultural communities, particularly ones who experienced exclusion. It is essential to approach conversations with sensitivity and cultural understanding. While this project achieved significant progress within just four months—researching, developing an engagement strategy, and delivering meaningful interactions—it's clear that much more could be achieved with additional time and resources. Deepening connections with local communities and diverse cultures requires sustained, intentional investment. 

Investing in trusted members of the community with the same heritage as the community being targeted ensures authentic engagement and research and allows for valuable insight into cultures and best approaches. Healthwatch found that when engaging with Eastern European communities with the hired Community Connector, people were more receptive to conversations around research than if approached without the Connector present.

Physically going to communities where they are ensures you meet diverse communities where they feel safe and welcome. Bringing along mobile research hubs to engagements in communities enable inclusivity and reduced barriers. 

Having materials available in native languages delivers immediate impact and has positive effects on individuals’ ability to access and navigate both local services, as well as building knowledge around research and its benefits. 

Creating space for individuals to come together to celebrate their native cultures and traditions fosters positive relationships with communities and brings people together. Understanding the culture of common ethnic groups enables mutual cohesion around share experiences. 

Celebrate culture to strengthen connections- Embed opportunities for people to celebrate their identity and traditions alongside health-related conversations.

Utilising innovative resources like Healthwatch's AI video development tool helped to ensure we had more reach to diverse communities and could create more accessible informational materials.