The Abundance Project: Enhancing Cultural & Green Inclusion in Social Prescribing in Southwest London to Address Ethnic Inequalities in Mental Health
Lead Research Organisation:
University of the Arts London
Department Name: Chelsea College of Art and Design
Abstract
Context:
In the United Kingdom Black, minority ethnic, and refugee communities have far poorer mental health (MH) outcomes[1] and greater barriers to professional help compared to the general population[2,3]. Over 95% of Black, minority and refugee communities reside in unhealthy urban environments[4] where city stressors such as air pollution, overcrowding, and limited access to green spaces[5] increase common mental disorders[6] and contribute to severe mental illnesses[1]. These inequalities are increased by the uneven impact of Covid-19[7,8] and increased costs of living which are 1.6 times higher than white households (New Economics Foundation data).
Research shows that when people actively engage with cultural and green community assets (CGCA), such as art galleries[9,10], museums, natural spaces[11,12], and community groups, this benefits their MH and wellbeing[13,14]. Social prescribing (SP) may help to direct underserved groups to CGCAs, which could reduce MH disparities[15,16].
Challenge:
Black, ethnic minority and refugee communities, who live in poorer South West London boroughs (and other cities across the UK) are at greatest risk of poor MH but they are the least likely groups to engage with CCGAs or SP systems[4,17,18]. Research is needed to find ways to engage CGCAs in health systems[19] and to create more opportunities for Black, minority ethnic and refugee communities to benefit from engaging with them.
In the United Kingdom Black, minority ethnic, and refugee communities have far poorer mental health (MH) outcomes[1] and greater barriers to professional help compared to the general population[2,3]. Over 95% of Black, minority and refugee communities reside in unhealthy urban environments[4] where city stressors such as air pollution, overcrowding, and limited access to green spaces[5] increase common mental disorders[6] and contribute to severe mental illnesses[1]. These inequalities are increased by the uneven impact of Covid-19[7,8] and increased costs of living which are 1.6 times higher than white households (New Economics Foundation data).
Research shows that when people actively engage with cultural and green community assets (CGCA), such as art galleries[9,10], museums, natural spaces[11,12], and community groups, this benefits their MH and wellbeing[13,14]. Social prescribing (SP) may help to direct underserved groups to CGCAs, which could reduce MH disparities[15,16].
Challenge:
Black, ethnic minority and refugee communities, who live in poorer South West London boroughs (and other cities across the UK) are at greatest risk of poor MH but they are the least likely groups to engage with CCGAs or SP systems[4,17,18]. Research is needed to find ways to engage CGCAs in health systems[19] and to create more opportunities for Black, minority ethnic and refugee communities to benefit from engaging with them.
| Description | Presentation of the Abundance project at SouthWest London EDI and Health Inequalities Delivery Group |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | Abundance Project Co-P/I Prof. Tushna Vandrevala presented the project to the SW London EDI and Health Inequalities Delivery Group (SW London ICB) upon invitation by Dr Catherine Heffernan, Director of Health Improvement leading on health inequalities. The Delivery Group brings together key leaders from SouthWest London with the purpose of reducing health inequalities in the region. The purpose of the presentation was to introduce the project to relevant stakeholders in order to raise awareness and prepare the ground for further engagement and partnerships into future work packages, which require stakeholder input and intervention co-design. The project was well-received. Connections with social prescribers and other key stakeholders were formed as a result of this presentation. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |