The University of Greenwich is one of nine universities that have partnered with communities and community organisations to co-author a study on how to make health and social care more accessible.
Developing care activity in familiar places (like clubs, schools, day centres and other community settings) could remove current barriers around access
This is one of more than 20 recommendations made by people across the UK who researchers say are rarely consulted about the design of health and social care services.
A new report coins the term ‘seldom-listened-to’ to describe these people and communities. The researchers also coin the term ‘health labour’ to describe the effort needed by seldom-listened-to people to access health and care.
The report, titled Designing the future of care with seldom-listened-to people, encompassed ten projects across the UK, from Kent in southeast England to the Highlands and Islands in Scotland.
Dr Myrtle Emmanuel, Associate Professor of HR Management & Organisational Behaviour at the University of Greenwich, one of the authors of the study said:
“Working on this project has been one of the most moving and meaningful experiences of my career. It reminded me of the deep wisdom and resilience that exists within communities that are so often unheard. Co-creating space with people to share stories, songs and lived experiences was not only powerful, but it was also healing. It taught me that genuine collaboration does not just shape better policy, it transforms everyone involved. I am incredibly grateful to our partners, participants and co-investigators for their trust, creativity and courage.”
The research is part of a project funded by the UK Research and Innovation Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) – which supports arts and humanities research and study in the UK and used creative methods including film, music, poetry, comics and folk stories.
‘Re-igniting Windrush folk song and stories to improve African-Caribbean mental health disparities,’ was developed by the University of Greenwich and Everyone’s A Singer, alongside community partner, The Caribbean Social Forum and Mental Health Specialists - Partisan.
Tracy Durrant, Director at Everyone’s A Singer said:
“At Everyone’s A Singer, we see music as an essential driver of wellbeing and innovation in care. Working with the University of Greenwich and our partners, we co-created with younger and older adults, drawing on Caribbean folk songs while integrating singing, narrative therapy, and songwriting practice. Together, we produced a documentary and accompanying toolkit with research that demonstrate how creative, community-led approaches can directly shape more inclusive and effective models of health and social care.”
Our Project explored an alternative approach based on the ways cultural traditions and communities support mental health.
The initiative involved a series of creative workshops drawing on Caribbean Folk songs to foster connection, resilience, and cultural pride. Placing heritage at the heart of mental wellbeing, the project offers a community-driven model that complements clinical care. Through storytelling and folk song workshops, we created a toolkit to support positive mental health in community settings. The toolkit aims to support local organisations, practitioners, and residents in creating culturally grounded spaces for healing and belonging.
Dr David Hockham, the Associate Head of School for Student Success in the Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences and a co-investigator in the study said:
“It's our partners who make this work possible. I feel humbled to have helped facilitate a conversation and look forward to seeing what’s next.”
Partners in the project are:
- Dr Myrtle Emmanuel – Principal Investigator, Associate Professor in HRM & Organisational Behaviour; EDI Business Partner to the Vice Chancellor, University of Greenwich
- Dr David Hockham – Co-Investigator, Senior Lecturer Theatre and Scenography, Associate Head of School – Student Success, University of Greenwich
- Tracy Durrant, Co-Investigator, Director of Everyone’s A Singer
- Pamela Franklin –Community Partner, Founder & Chair, Caribbean Social Forum
- Dr Ron Dodzro – Clinical and Community Psychologist, Partisan,
- Asma’u Mustapha – Trainee Clinical Psychologist, Partisan
