Community Research Champions ICS REN II Project Shortlisted for Prestigious B.A.M.E Health & Care Award 2024

Our Ethnicity and Health Unit is proud to announce that its ICS REN initiative, 'Community Research Champions,' has been shortlisted as a Community Initiative of the Year finalist at the B.A.M.E Health & Care Awards 2024. This recognition highlights the unit's tireless efforts to increase ethnic diversity in health research and break down systemic barriers faced by underrepresented communities across Northwest London.

Celebrating Community-Led Impact

ICS REN II saw our initiative expand its reach across four boroughs—Brent, Ealing, Hillingdon, and Hounslow—working with local  Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises such as CVS Brent, Ealing and Hounslow CVS and H4ALL has helped us engage over 3490 community members through 38 health roadshows. These roadshows provided more than just health checks and support. They offered a space for dialogue around health challenges and research opportunities, particularly for communities that have traditionally been excluded from such conversations.

The initiative achieved notable successes, including conducting 1797 health checks and registering 192 attendees to participate in an NIHR CRN North West London research project. Feedback from participants revealed a growing willingness among community members to participate in health research, with 75% indicating their interest in being involved.

Building Trust, Building Connections

A significant part of the initiative's success has been recruiting and training Community Research Champions. These local volunteers understand the culture and needs of their communities, acting as vital bridges between residents and researchers. 

“We need to develop trust with the diverse communities we serve if research and improvement organisations are ever to be truly effective. As one young person told us, ‘If they had only explained, we might have trusted them,’ highlighting the importance of clear communication in building that trust.” - Ganesh Sathyamoorthy, Assistant Director at NIHR ARC NWL and Deputy Director of the Ethnicity & Health Unit at Imperial College London. 

Being shortlisted for the B.A.M.E Health & Care Award 2024 is a testament to the impact on Northwest London’s diverse communities. The Community Initiative of the Year category honours projects demonstrating significant positive change through grassroots engagement and leadership.

The recognition not only highlights the work accomplished so far but also underscores the continued importance of inclusive, community-led approaches to health research and care.

The award winners will be announced later this year, and the Ethnicity and Health Unit is honoured to be in the company of other inspiring initiatives working to improve health outcomes for B.A.M.E communities across the UK.