Unveiling Health Inequalities: A Deep Dive into South London's Urban Landscape

Jerryanne reflects on our project delving into health inequalities among residents in the London Borough’s of Southwark and Lambeth. 

At ClearView Research (CVR), we are driven by the belief that research can be a powerful tool to shed light on societal challenges and instigate positive change. In collaboration with Opinium, we embarked on a research project commissioned by Impact on Urban Health (IoUH) to delve into the experiences of residents, particularly those from underserved groups, and their intricate relationship with health. Our objective was not only to gain insights into the challenges faced by these communities but also to obtain data on social and health outcomes, enabling a comprehensive assessment of the impact of inequalities on health.

Our 11-month-long project, conducted in collaboration with Opinium, involved a dual approach. Opinium handled the quantitative side, conducting surveys whilst ClearView Research took charge of the qualitative side. We upskilled seven members of the Lambeth and Southwark community in research methods. These community members played a crucial role in shaping the project's direction, from identifying themes to designing questions for exploration labs.

Exploration Labs: Themes and Insights:

Our exploration labs, guided by community members, honed in on two crucial themes: 

1. Discrimination and lack of trust within healthcare. and

2. Poor-quality housing and its impact on health.

Discrimination and Lack of Trust in Healthcare:

Participants identified key causes of discrimination based on their lived experiences, including: 

1. Skin colour or ethnicity 

2. Language barriers

3. Disabilities or mental health issues

4. Patients' lack of influence. 

They also felt that the main reason behind their lack of trust of the healthcare sector were: 

1. Lack of confidence in doctors

2. Experiences of racism and discrimination 

3. Lack of understanding of the needs of Black people

4. Lack of confidence in healthcare systems, specifically appointments 

Poor-Quality Housing and Its Health Implications:

Housing emerged as a critical factor influencing health. Participants pointed out issues such as:

1. Lack of maintenance (mould/damp/leaks) 

2. Inadequate heating or hot water

3. Infestations 

4. Pollution (noise and emissions)

5. Mismanagement by local councils 

6. Anti-social behaviour.

These housing challenges were associated with a range of health conditions, including respiratory problems, mental health issues, worsening of existing health conditions, sleep deprivation, and unknown longer-term medical effects.

Co-Creation for Empowerment:

Co-creation is a fundamental part of what we do at CVR. Upskilling community members with  research not only empowered them but also enriched our understanding of the issues at hand. This collaborative approach ensured that our research was not only rigorous but also relatable and representative of the community we were serving.

This research project has been enlightening, revealing the nuanced challenges faced by urban communities, particularly in South London. As we prepare to unveil the full report in the coming months, we anticipate that the findings will contribute to informed discussions, policy changes, and, most importantly, positive transformations for these communities. 

Stay tuned for more insights into this impactful research project!