Inclusion health research in the East of England

Researchers under the inclusion health research theme undertake research and consultancy, and develop policy- and practice-based interventions which support the health, wellbeing and social inclusion of underserved and marginalised populations, including people who are homeless and roofless; Gypsies, Traveller, Roma, Showmen and Boater populations; refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.

The UK's multicultural and diverse population experiences severe health inequalities, with the likelihood of experiencing poor health outcomes closely linked to race, socio-economic status, gender, migration status, disability and, increasingly, geographical residence. Members of ‘inclusion health’ groups face the most severe outcomes.

NHS England defines inclusion health as activities addressing the health needs of socially excluded individuals, who often face multiple overlapping risk factors including: membership of particular ethnic populations; refugee or asylum-seeking status; being LGBT+; experiencing homelessness; leaving care or prison; adverse childhood experiences; sex working; and ongoing impacts of poverty, violence, and trauma. Poor access to health services and negative experiences of contact with health professionals are common for inclusion health groups due to systemic barriers.

Our team works closely at the intersection of research (utilising a range of methodologies, including mixed methods, creative practices; policy reviews and statistical analysis); evaluation and design of policy interventions; and development of educational resources in an attempt to reduce such inequities and enhance social justice.

We work closely with a range of public bodies including central and local government agencies; ICS and specialist civil society organisations. Principles of co-production are embedded into all of our activities.

Our people

• Prof Sanjiv Ahluwahlia (Director of PCRC and Head of School of Medicine)
• Kristina Church – (Research and Innovation Administrator)
• Sophie Coker (Research Assistant)
• Prof Margaret Greenfields (Professor of Social Policy)
• Catherine Kennelly (Research Assistant)

Key partnerships and collaborations

• Cambridge and Peterborough Integrated Care System (ICS)
• GYROS
• East of England Local Government Association
• Cambridge Refugee Resettlement Campaign
• OneVoice4Travellers
• Sanctus (Chelmsford Homeless Support Charity)
• The Faculty of Homeless and Inclusion Health Health/Pathway
• Queens Nursing Institute
• National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration East of England (NIHR ARC EoE) (early prevention theme)

Key projects

• An exploration of inclusion health in the medical curricula
• Co-creating asset and place based approaches to tackling refugee and migrant health exclusion (MigRefHealth)
• In Fair Health? A pilot study of the health and wellbeing status of travelling showpeople in two locales
• Guidance for Research Ethics Committees (RECs) on reviewing research involving underserved or vulnerable inclusion health populations