First year with the Caribbean Deep Engagement Partner

The Caribbean Deep Engagement Partner (DEP) have completed the first year of their 3-year programme.

Focus group 1 topic: women's health

Objectives

• Understand interest in creating a Black women's network
• Understand experiences with other networks and design preferences
• Explore the added benefit of collective effort over individual action
• Consider the governance and structure of the network
• Create a provisional list of priorities for the network

Findings

• Strong interest and support for a Black women's network
• Participants had mixed experiences with previous networks, valuing empowerment and support, but frustrated by a lack of impact and direction
• Many felt their voices were not heard in existing health and policy reports
• Collective action was seen as more powerful and sustainable than individual efforts
• Participants highlighted the need for a network that is inclusive, proactive, and community-driven
• Suggested features included face-to-face and online meetings, peer support, skill sharing, and flexible membership
• A 6-month wish list was developed, covering health inequalities, economic empowerment, representation, inclusivity, collaboration, cultural wisdom, and youth engagement

Recommendations

• Share the focus group report with stakeholders
• Create a digital platform for the network
• Organise a social event to build momentum and community
• Review and prioritise 3 to 4 key issues from the wish list
• Identify training and development needs
• Develop branding for the network

Focus group 2 topic: older adults and mobility

Objectives

• Understand community awareness of the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH) and its services
• Understand referral patterns to the ROH
• Explore awareness of the right to request a referral to the ROH
• Identify steps to increase engagement with ROH services

Findings

• Half of the participants knew aboutthe ROH, but only one had used its services
• Most participants did not know they could request a referral to the ROH
• GP (General Practitioner, usually your family doctor) referrals were assumed to be based on existing relationships and convenience
• Participants felt that they could not challenge GP decisions or request alternative referrals
• Relationships with GPs varied — some said they felt dismissed, and there were delays and poor communication
• Decision-making for treatment location was influenced by proximity, parking costs, word of mouth, past experiences, and staff attitudes
• Some participants preferred alternative treatments, such as natural remedies, private care, and self-research
• Participants felt the referral process was complex and inaccessible
• There was a lack of confidence in exercising patient rights without fear of negative consequences

Recommendations

• Investigate how GPs choose referrals and explore ways to diversify referrals to the ROH
• Raise awareness within Black communities about their right to request referrals without fear of delay or stigma
• Explore ways to deliver ROH services directly in communities to reduce reliance on GP referrals
• Facilitate collaboration between the ROH and deep engagement partners from Caribbean, African, and Somali communities
• Consider expanding engagement to reflect broader Black community experiences

Focus group 3 topic: men's health

Objectives

• Raise awareness of the Birmingham Men's Health Needs report and the national Men's Health Strategy
• Gather lived experience evidence to inform both local and national policy
• Identify ways to improve support for healthier behaviours, health outcomes, and access to services for Black men

Findings

• Black men face inconsistent quality of care, limited GP access, and a lack of culturally competent services
• Community spaces and men's groups are necessary for emotional support and health engagement
• Natural remedies and self-research are commonly used, but can lead to misinformation
• Distrust in the NHS and systemic racism make it hard to use health services
• Costs and geographic disparities limit access to healthy food, fitness, and care
• Black men are underrepresented in NHS leadership and the workforce
• Peer support, emotional expression, and culturally relevant services are valued but under-supported

Recommendations

• Co-design health campaigns with community input
• Create culturally relevant dietary and mental health resources
• Expand GP training on cultural competency and natural remedies
• Fund and support men's groups and community health hubs
• Promote continuity of care and flexible GP consultation times
• Make healthy living affordable
• Simplify referral systems and increase direct access to services
• Recognise and invest in community-led health solutions
• Strengthen relationships between the NHS and Black communities
• Encourage household conversations about health and wellbeing

Focus group 4 topic: school exclusions and reengaging young people

Objectives

• Record the systemic nature and long-term impact of school exclusions
• Explore risk factors that lead to exclusions among Black Caribbean young people
• Identify ways to reduce exclusions and strengthen protective factors
• Create options for collaborative working between schools and communities

Findings

• Black Caribbean boys are disproportionately excluded, usually because of trauma and misunderstood behaviour
• School responses focus on discipline rather than root causes
• Exclusion leads to stigma, poor self-esteem, and increased risk of criminality and unemployment
• Root causes include the absence of male role models, poor parenting support, peer pressure, and social media influence
• Mentors with lived experience are effective, but not used enough
• Parents and community groups face barriers to engagement and lack resources
• Collaboration between schools and community groups improves outcomes, but is limited

Recommendations

• Embed restorative practices and mentorship from key stage 3
• Strengthen school-community partnerships and support for mentors
• Provide parents with clear guidance and information on their rights
• Create a national resource of case studies and good practices
• Create regular forums for dialogue between schools, parents, and community stakeholders
• Co-design interventions with young people and mentors for relevance and impact
• Develop programmes for students on conflict management, critical thinking, and accountability
• Create supported re-entry pathways for excluded students
• Further research into the causes of exclusion and understanding the effectiveness of interventions
• Train school staff in trauma-informed, culturally responsive approaches
• Improve school staff diversity to reflect communities served

Page last updated: 10 February 2026