CORE
Community Organised Research for Equity
What is CORE?
We supported quantitative research projects, or mixed-methods projects with a quantitative element, that analysed secondary data, such as survey or service data, and addressed areas of health inequalities.
Our objective was to fund health-related projects that communities had identified as crucial priorities. These included areas such as environmental health, mental health, maternal health, and chronic illness.
Additionally, we aimed to assist projects in identifying and addressing inequalities in access to healthcare and social services and to explore new ways to promote health equity. We were particularly interested in projects that took an intersectional approach and considered social determinants of health such as housing, employment, education, and income, regardless of their specific research focus. In addition to funding, we offered resources and opportunities to support the dissemination of research findings. We are always dedicated to supporting successful applicants throughout their projects.
Funded projects are aligned with the objectives of the HSE Collective’s guiding principles, integrating attention to addressing inequities across the three priorities of the Collective:
e.g., engaging local community members in decision-making processes and advocating for their needs
e.g., providing training opportunities and building up the skills and knowledge of community members
e.g., conducting research to better understand health inequalities and develop evidence-based solutions
Our goal was to fund innovative research initiatives that improved health equity and addressed the underlying causes of health inequalities in communities. We believed that by engaging with communities and generating evidence-based recommendations we could influence policy and produce practical solutions that led to lasting positive change.
Successful applicants received personalised support throughout their project, including assistance with data access, handling, and analysis, as well as advice on GDPR compliance.
We also hosted workshops for applicants to share and discuss their project progression and research findings with other applicants and members of the HSE Collective. Finally, at the end of the project, we hosted an event to showcase findings and to network with project teams, community members, and other stakeholders.
Funded projects were awarded to Star Support LGBTIQ+ CIC, Paradigm Project, South East London Mind and Equality 4 Black Nurses
Star Support is a by-and-for* LGBTIQ+ domestic abuse refuge and community support service for LGBTIQ+ people who have experienced domestic abuse. They provide a range of community-centered services, including a safe accommodation scheme, weekly community support and some advice and advocacy. They work in partnership with community groups and organisations to improve service provisions to better meet the needs of LGBTIQ+ survivors of domestic violence.
Their funded project aimed to assess specialised community interventions for LGBTIQ+ domestic violence survivors. The project aimed to track survivors’ journeys through support services and to identify service gaps and barriers to mainstream services. By seeking consultation from survivors and local specialist LGBT+ community organisations, the project aimed to amplify the voices and needs of LGBT+ domestic violence survivors.
This research was critical to improving the quality of support services available to LGBTIQ+ domestic violence survivors. Funding from CORE supported all aspects of the research, from design to dissemination, and ensured the inclusion of participant rewards for their time.
*Star Support is a by-and-for service. This means that their services are founded and delivered by LGBTIQ+ people with lived experience of domestic violence and homelessness.
You can read the final project report here: Reclaiming Domestic Abuse Recovery
Paradigm Project is an inclusive youth-empowerment charity with a strong focus on empowering disadvantaged young children. Their work centres around unlocking the potential of young people with preventative methods against the impact of adversity and social inequality. Within Paradigm’s core team are youth-empowerment specialists who offer one-to-one and group mentoring, professional training, as well as support and advice to vulnerable groups with emerging difficulties and needs.
Their funded project aimed to investigate the role of cultural humility in education with an intersectional focus, by exploring its impact on Black and Black Mixed-Race female students’ wellbeing. Collaborative and participatory work was undertaken with those working in education settings, including students, teachers, parents, and local community groups. Funding from the HSE Collective supported community engagement, creative data collection, and dissemination activities. Contributors, primarily of Black heritage, provided authentic insights into the issue, reflecting a commitment to creating inclusive and empowering learning environments for marginalised communities.
You can read the final report here: From Intention to Impact – Paradigm Project 2025
Queer Minds is a peer support group established by South-East London Mind (SEL Mind) for LGBTQIA+ individuals residing, working, or socialising in Lambeth and Southwark.
The funded project, titled Queer Finds, investigated the mental health service experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community in Southwark and Lambeth, with a focus on stigma and barriers to accessing care. The aims of the project included strengthening trust between the LGBTQIA+ community and healthcare providers to help foster earlier help-seeking behaviours for mental health support. Using a combination of surveys, peer-led interviews, focus groups, and community workshops, the Queer Minds project developed actionable recommendations for early intervention within local NHS mental health services and produced key recommendations for NHS staff. These recommendations were validated and co-produced with the community to ensure authenticity and relevance.
In line with the scope of the HSE Collective, the project directly addressed health inequalities by focusing on the unique mental health challenges and barriers to accessing mental health care experienced by the LGBTQIA+ community. Through a co-production approach, Queer Minds aimed to amplify LGBTQIA+ voices to influence change in mental health service delivery. Funding from CORE supported the delivery of the project and contributed to the success of this initiative.
You can read the final project report here:
Equality 4 Black Nurses (E4BN) is a community-led organisation dedicated to challenging racism in healthcare, promoting accountability, and empowering nurses to stand up against discrimination. Our newly funded project focuses on how racial trauma affects Black nurses in Lambeth and Southwark, exploring how these experiences contribute to broader health inequalities across our communities.
Why This Matters
Real Stories, Real Impact: Black nurses often report discrimination, microaggressions, disproportionate disciplinary actions, patronising performance plans, and biased NMC referrals. These experiences harm their mental health, job satisfaction, and professional progression.
Systemic Barriers: Such challenges underscore deeper structural inequities that not only affect nurse retention but also compromise the quality of patient care.
Driving Change Together: The project aimed to develop evidence-based solutions, including mental health resources and policy recommendations, that fostered safer and more inclusive workplaces for all nurses.
Our Approach
Listening to Nurses
The team conducted in-depth interviews and focus groups to ensure that frontline insights shaped the project’s strategies and solutions.
Community Collaboration
By partnering with local healthcare institutions and community organisations, the project translated research findings into tangible and lasting change that benefited both healthcare providers and the wider community.
Improving Patient Care
The project recognised that when nurses’ wellbeing was prioritised, patient outcomes improved. Its goal was to help create an environment in which every nurse was supported, valued, and empowered to deliver the highest standard of care.
Who was Involved
Individuals who had experienced or witnessed racism in a healthcare setting were invited to share their stories or learn more about the project. By raising voices collectively, the project sought to contribute to a stronger and fairer future for all in Lambeth and Southwark.
