UWE Bristol experts win funding for project looking at inequalities faced by black people living with after-effects of stroke
Researchers from UWE Bristol will be looking at how health inequalities faced by black people in the UK living with the after-effects of a stroke can be addressed.
The 12-month project, funded by the National Institute for Health and Social Care Research (NIHR), is due to start in October. It will see UWE Bristol researchers team up with academics from Kingston University.
The project, entitled Inclusivity in Stroke Self-Management Support (ISSMAS), will develop resources to help black people who have experienced a stroke manage their condition. It also aims to inform healthcare professionals about how they can best support, and communicate with, Black African and Caribbean stroke survivors as they navigate their rehabilitation journey.
Working on the project from UWE Bristol will be Dr Jo White and Dr Emily Dodd (Centre for Public Health and Wellbeing) along with Dr Mary Cramp (Centre for Health and Clinical Research).
Dr White, Project Co-Lead, said: “The UWE team has been collaborating with community members from Bristol living with stroke for a number of years. They have been instrumental in getting this project off the ground. We aim to deepen understanding of the experiences of black people who have experienced stroke and come up with resources and approaches which ensure they receive the advice and support they need. Projects such as this which promote community voices and experiences are crucial to reducing health inequalities and we are delighted to receive NIHR funding.”
Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability and death in the UK, with black people twice as likely to have a stroke, more likely to experience stroke younger, and at higher risk of multiple strokes. Those living with sickle cell disease are particularly vulnerable.
The project builds on previous research that revealed how black people often struggled to find resources to help them when they returned home from hospital following a stroke. It also found many healthcare professionals lacked cultural awareness and understanding, furthering health inequalities. The project will follow a co-design approach which will see black people living with the after-effects of stroke working closely with representatives of community organisations and health and social care professionals in advising the production of new resources.
Professor Tushna Vandrevala, of Kingston University, project Co-Lead, said: “Our ultimate aim is to come up with solutions that make sure black people living in the community following a stroke are supported and their needs are met. Even more importantly it is vital that we can make recommendations for an inclusive and culturally relevant approach – inclusivity is absolutely key.”
Recruitment is now under way for two research fellows – one from UWE Bristol and one from Kingston University – who will support the project. Candidates will ideally have a PhD in health service research or a social science background, either be from the black community or have experience working with ethnically diverse communities, and have experience of doing qualitative research. For further information about the UWE Bristol post please contact Jo.White@uwe.ac.uk.
Related news
04 December 2024
UWE Bristol to lead £1.3 million project to evaluate the use of phone app to help with back pain
UWE Bristol will lead a £1.3 million project to evaluate the effectiveness of using an NHS-recommended smart phone app to help people suffering with low back pain.
02 December 2024
Project led by UWE Bristol launches new resources to tackle racism and discrimination in healthcare education
A range of inclusive training and learning resources to tackle racism and discriminatory behaviour in healthcare have been launched by UWE Bristol.
29 November 2024
Bristol Clean Air Zone – two years on, what is the future of the CAZ?
Two years on, Professor Graham Parkhurst and Professor Jo Barnes comment on what the future of Bristol's Clean Air Zone looks like.
28 November 2024
Work of UWE Bristol academics features in Government report on air quality measurement
Two UWE Bristol academics have made contributions to an influential Government report on the measurement of air pollution.
27 November 2024
Traffic noise reduces the stress-relieving benefits of listening to nature, study finds
Road traffic noise reduces the wellbeing benefits associated with spending time listening to nature, researchers have discovered.
15 November 2024
Global body confidence education project supported by UWE Bristol reaches 20 year milestone
A global initiative supported by UWE Bristol to build body confidence and self-esteem for the next generation of young people has celebrated its 20th anniversary.
22 October 2024
‘Life changing’ prosthetic leg developed at UWE Bristol to be trialled at global competition
Researchers from UWE Bristol are preparing to showcase an advanced bio-inspired prosthetic leg they have developed to improve the quality of life for people with above-knee amputations.
15 October 2024
Researchers create 3D printed food for people with swallowing difficulties
Researchers have developed meals suitable for people with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) using 3D printing technology.
10 October 2024
UWE Bristol graduates release song for Bristol-based Talk Club on World Mental Health Day
Through a university-led scheme, UWE Bristol graduates have created a music single aimed at raising awareness of national mental health charity Talk Club.
08 October 2024
Robotic clothing to aid walking a step closer after £11m funding
A new hub will develop healthcare technologies to support the independence of older people with in-home, on-body physical assistance devices.
01 October 2024
Research study aims to improve dementia assessments for diverse communities in Bristol
UWE Bristol is launching a research project aimed at transforming the assessment and diagnosis of dementia for people from three minority ethnic communities in Bristol.
01 October 2024
New guidance launched to help local authorities promote health through Local Plans
New practical guidance to help local authorities in England create places that promote health has been co-authored by a UWE Bristol academic.
You may also be interested in
Media enquiries
Enquiries related to news releases and press and contacts for the media team.
Find an expert
Media contacts are invited to check out the vast range of subjects where UWE Bristol can offer up expert commentary.
Centre for Public Health and Wellbeing (CPHWB)
The Centre for Public Health and Wellbeing enables ethical and reflexive contributions to public health policy and practice.