Project 811 | South Asian voices in Mental Health and Addiction- A Community Research Engagement Event

This proposal describes a community engagement event led by QMUL, in collaboration with local primary care and mental health practitioners, as well as South Asian communities in East London. This event focuses on pertinent mental health conditions- specifically eating and alcohol-related disorders – in South Asian communities, a population disproportionately affected by stigma, underdiagnosis, and cultural barriers to care. Given that primary care is often the first point of contact for care, the event will explore barriers and opportunities for improving early identification and treatment pathways.

The aims and objectives of this event are to:
– Raise awareness about pertinent mental challenges within South Asian communities in East London, particularly at the primary care level.- Engage local residents and families in meaningful dialogue about culturally sensitive mental health and addiction research.- Facilitate trust-building and improving relationships between local South Asian communities, researchers, and primary care and mental health services.- Promote diverse participation in QMUL-led primary care and mental health research.- Co-develop strategies for more inclusive, equitable, and community-informed research practices across QMUL and the SPCR.

We plan to meet these aims and objectives by adopting the following approach:
-Hosting a community engagement event targeting South Asian residents of East London, including those with lived experience of mental health (including eating disorders or alcohol problems).
-Local community and faith based organisations, NHS primary care and mental health staff, QMUL research and student bodies, and policymakers will also be invited.
-The event will be broadly structured into three sections, with each reflecting a key challenge within South Asian communities:
i) barriers to accessing primary care and mental health support broadly ii) alcohol-related challenges, and iii) body image and eating disorders. Each of the lead applicants holds expertise across these areas.
-The event will take the form of a ‘research café’ inspired workshop. This will involve researchers and collaborators initially sharing key findings and recommendations from recent research, followed by interactive group discussions focused on key issues to encourage open dialogue and empower community voices. The event will finish with a panel discussion and video presentation.
-A graphic note taker will summarise the overarching recommendations from the events. Additionally, co-produced videos developed with experts
-by experience and professionals from respective research projects will be showcased to raise awareness of the complexities of challenges faced by service users and primary care/mental health staff alike.