Improving Health and Wellbeing for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Groups in Wirral: Research and Innovation Toolkit

This research explored health and wellbeing experiences among ethnic minority communities in Wirral. Over 80 residents from diverse ethnic backgrounds and 20 stakeholders were engaged through interviews, mini-groups, and discussions. The study examined integration, social networks, health challenges and access to services. Findings highlight fragmented experiences, language barriers, reliance on ethnic networks and varying levels of hopefulness and resilience. Opportunities include promoting social connection, effective support and personal progression whilst addressing stigma and discrimination concerns. Recommendations focus on collaboration, professional training and inclusive messaging to improve health outcomes and integration for residents from ethnic minority communities across Wirral.

Insights gathered: January 2015 - January 2017

• Mental health and wellbeing
• Migrant health
• Work and employment
• Experience of service provision
• Social inclusion/exclusion

Insights gathered by

Revealing Reality

Aim

This research aimed to understand health and wellbeing challenges faced by ethnic minority communities in Wirral, identify barriers to integration and service access, and explore opportunities for improvement. This research sought to uncover variations within ethnic minority community groups, assess social networks and examine attitudes toward health behaviours. Insights sought to inform strategies for inclusive support, reduce health inequalities and strengthen community resilience through practical recommendations for service providers and policymakers.

People engaged with

This research engaged with over 80 residents from diverse ethnic minority communities (e.g., Algerian, Caribbean, Chinese, Indian, Polish, Yemeni), aged 7 to 85, across all Wirral constituencies. This research also engaged with over 20 stakeholders from health, housing, education and community organisations. Participants included new migrants, long-term residents and people seeking asylum, reflecting varied integration levels and health needs.

Methods

Insights were gathered through a two‑year qualitative research approach in which researchers spoke with over 300 residents across the Wirral, including more than 80 participants from ethnic minority communities. Methods included in‑depth interviews and natural/mini‑group discussions, supported by engagement with stakeholders such as housing, schools, police, health providers and community organisations. Recruitment involved directly approaching residents within targeted neighbourhoods, particularly Birkenhead, and ensuring diversity by including people of varied ages, ethnicities, and lengths of time in the UK. This sampling aimed to represent both longstanding residents and new arrivals, allowing the research to capture a broad range of lived experiences.

Key insights

The research revealed that while ethnic minority communities on the Wirral experience some culturally specific health attitudes and inequalities, the majority of their wellbeing challenges closely mirror those faced by the wider population. Many residents across all backgrounds reported poor mental and physical health, often characterised by low mood, fatigue and a sense of limited opportunity. Despite the availability of local wellbeing support, people frequently struggled to engage with services due to barriers such as low confidence, limited awareness and difficulties navigating systems. These barriers were particularly heightened for newcomers, whose language challenges, lack of social networks and unfamiliarity with local structures made everyday life and service access significantly harder. Compounding this, some mainstream service providers lacked confidence when working with ethnic minority communities, sometimes assuming specialist organisations were better placed to support them, which inadvertently reinforced separation rather than integration.

The research identified four central themes for improving wellbeing outcomes for ethnic minority communities and the wider population. The first, Hopefulness, highlighted that long term residents often felt pessimistic about the future, particularly those facing unemployment, illness or social isolation. This sense of hopelessness had a profound effect on personal wellbeing and community morale. In contrast, many newly arrived migrants expressed positivity and viewed the Wirral as a place of opportunity where they could start anew. The research emphasised the importance of fostering this sense of optimism, ensuring it is protected, encouraged and extended to longer term residents who may feel stuck or disillusioned.

The second theme, Personal Progression, centred on the importance of helping individuals believe that change is possible. Many residents felt the gap between their current situation and their aspirations was too large to bridge, and some services unintentionally reinforced dependency by focusing on attendance rather than progress. Newer migrants tended to demonstrate greater resilience and optimism, but some also deprioritised their health due to more immediate pressures or held fatalistic beliefs about conditions common in their communities. The report underscores the need for approaches that reinforce small but meaningful steps forward, challenge stigma and fatalism, and promote health as a priority for everyone.

The third theme, Social Connection, revealed widespread loneliness and limited social networks across the population. Some individuals relied heavily on professionals for social contact and many, including longstanding residents, preferred to remain within homogenous cultural networks, limiting integration. For newcomers, language barriers and low social capital made social isolation particularly acute. The report stresses the importance of building confidence, creating inclusive community spaces, encouraging social mixing and prioritising language support so that people can form meaningful relationships within their neighbourhoods.

The fourth theme, Effective Support, showed that although support services exist, many residents perceived them as unappealing, inappropriate or judgemental. Some individuals from ethnic minority groups felt discriminated against within mainstream services, while others believed that services targeted towards ethnic minority communities reinforced difference rather than belonging. New arrivals often relied heavily on friends and family, which increased vulnerability. The research emphasised the need for person centred, respectful support that prioritises individuals’ goals, promotes independence and equips mainstream providers with the confidence and skills to work effectively with diverse communities.

Overall, the research identified a clear need for coordinated, system wide collaboration to drive meaningful and lasting change. Small, practical actions, such as improving communication, stronger community partnerships, inclusive spaces, better signposting, culturally informed training and holistic support for those with acute needs, were shown to have the potential to significantly improve wellbeing for all residents across the Wirral.

Quotes

“I would like to meet more people, but I don’t speak good English yet.”

 
“It doesn’t matter if you speak the language – if you don’t know the rules you are lost”

How have the insights been used/shared?

Findings have informed discussions with Wirral Council and stakeholders to shape strategies for improving health and wellbeing among ethnic minority communities. Recommendations are being considered for service design, professional training and community engagement initiatives. Insights have highlighted the need for integrated approaches, inclusive messaging and practical support to address language barriers and stigma.

Online links

https://www.wirralhealthwellbeingknowledgehub.co.uk/media/5tgbyma5/bame-toolkit-120417.pdf