This project is a collaboration between the arts and health sectors, working alongside community organisations to create opportunities for everyone, no matter their background, to feel included and supported with their mental health.

The project sets out to address the unequitable differences in mental health care for different ethnic groups. It supports an abundance mindset, recognising the many skills, abilities and resources that already exist in these marginalised communities.

Economically Disadvantaged Areas

Black, minority ethnic and refugee communities in economically disadvantaged areas of Southwest London are at most risk of poor mental health. They are also the least likely to use cultural and green community spaces that can improve mental health and wellbeing.

The multidisciplinary research team is using a community-led approach. They are working with 5 Community Research Hubs and ‘lived experience experts’ from these communities to make sure that the project reflects participants' real-life experience.

The project is part of the UKRI’s Mobilising Community Assets to Tackle Health Inequalities programme, which aims to tackle deep-rooted and longstanding health differences in Britain's poorest communities. This includes exploring how the UK’s community assets, such as museums and parks, can be integrated into healthcare systems with the aim of reducing health inequalities.

Click **HERE** to view the short reel of the engagement event at Kingston University.

Alongside Asian Resource Centre of Croydon following are the other Community Research Hubs

Supports local voluntary and community groups to develop their skills, build resources and amplify their voice.

Website: www.kva.org.uk
Tel: 020 8255 3335
Address: Siddeley House, 50 Canbury Park Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT2 6LX
For over 30 years we’ve welcomed people seeking sanctuary in Kingston and across South West London to find homes, work, and a future here. Because no matter where we come from, we all want the same thing: to become active and recognised participants in society.

Website: www.refugeeactionkingston.org.uk
Tel: 020 8547 0115
We are committed to ‘learning in the open’—sharing our insights openly and honestly, while actively inviting engagement and further exploration to drive collective progress towards a brighter future for all babies, children and young people.

Website: www.reachfoundation.uk
Address: The Reach Foundation, Floor 5, Axiom House, The Centre, Feltham, Middlesex, TW13 4AU
Empowering North Koreans to heal and grow through frontline services, educational support, and scholarships.

Website: www.connectnorthkorea.org
Address: 120B Malden Road, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 6DD

Each of the research hub employs Community Voice Champions (CVC) who will help the project researchers understand what matters to local communities and what helps them to feel well and happy. The role involves building relationships with community members and supporting those community members to tell their stories and help build a collective voice so we can create solutions that work for communities.

ARCC is collaborating with The Abundance Project, a UKRI-funded initiative by Kingston University and Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges of Arts.