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Equality, Diversity, Inclusion

“Making Healthcare Fair, Inclusive and Representative of All“

All About EDI

Welcome to the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Project. Croydon BME forum in partnership with  Asian Resource Centre for Community, The National Institute for Health and Care Research and Clinical Research Network (CRN), in South London, to improve representation and equitable participation of under-represented communities in gaining access to healthcare services and health care research.

Project Aim 
The project aims to address the barriers and challenges experienced by black and other ethnic minorities when accessing healthcare services. The project also promotes clinical research and aims to encourage underrepresented communities in the Croydon Borough to partake in clinical trials. 

EDI Defined
Equality: Equality means making sure everyone has equal opportunities.​​
 
Equity​: It’s important to note the difference between equity and equality. Equity means people are given what they need to make things fair so we can achieve the same outcomes!​
 
Diversity​: This means recognising and valuing differences in people. In our communities we come from a wide range of backgrounds and mindsets, helping create an empowered multi-cultured society​.
 
Inclusion​: This involves a real sense of belonging, where people feel valued, irrespective of their identity, background or circumstances.
 
EDI is a key aspect of improving BME community health outcomes.
Project Phase 1
The key objectives of the first phase of this project was to identify challenges that affect the BME community when accessing healthcare and engaging in clinical research and to seek creative solutions/ recommendations. 
This research used a mixed method approach including surveys, interviews, workshops and focus groups. 
Project Phase 2
In this current phase of the project, we aim to uncover the reasons why these issues are occurring and how they can be addressed. This project aims to achieve this by holding consultation events between healthcare providers and our community.

Meet the EDI Team: 
A series of experienced healthcare and research professionals have been recruited to support the project aims and objectives. This consists of:

  • Kharisa the EDI Healthcare and Research Coordinator
  • Victoria the community health champion
  • A steering panel made up of experienced healthcare professionals

Join our mission to improve Croydon BME health outcomes: 

  • Attend Focus Groups
  • Come to Community Engagement Events
  • Complete our Surveys
  • Visit our Community Hub (Wellness Centre)

Community Outreach

In addition to facilitating consultation events, the project actively collaborates with healthcare organisations and academic researchers to support research focused on the challenges and barriers faced by ethnic minorities. This helps ensure that lived experiences are meaningfully captured and reflected in research outcomes. The support provided include coordinating and facilitating focus groups, workshops and 1-2-1 interviews enabling inclusive and culturally informed engagement. Most recently the forum has worked in partnership with the Race Equality Foundation, Croydon Health Services and Lancaster university.  

How to get involved:

If you are an organisation interested in partnering with us or a member of the community looking to get involved.

Please contact us at:

Kharisa@bmeforum.org | Info@bmeforum.org | 020 8684 3719

Opening Hours

Head Office 

Mon-Fri: 9am – 5pm

Wellness Centre

Mon-Fri: 10am – 5pm 

Health & Wellbeing Space

Mon-Sat: 10am – 4:45pm

Contact Info

Head Office 
56a Mitcham Road
Croydon CR0 3RG

Location
Opposite Kwik Fit and BP Petrol Station Corner of Albion Street

Travel information
Buses: 264 – 1 Min to Head Office
Nearest Train or Tram Stop: West Croydon

 info@bmeforum.org

TEL: 020 8684 3719 

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