Health inequality study in Birmingham and Lewisham

A unique collaboration between Birmingham and Lewisham councils will look at how to address the depth of health inequalities in the black African and Caribbean communities in both areas.

The two local authorities began working together as national Childhood Obesity Trailblazers, resulting in a partnership sharing knowledge and resources through a collaborative review process. It has now been revealed that they will use their expertise to focus on the Black African and Black Caribbean communities, enabling a more detailed and culturally sensitive approach to the review.

This in-depth approach, which will be carried out over 18 months, will then be used by both councils in different partnerships to explore other diverse communities moving forward in 2021/22.

Birmingham is home to eight per cent of the overall African and Caribbean population of England. In Lewisham, black Africans and those of Caribbean descent represent the largest population groups, amongst those of BAME heritage.

Research has highlighted significant health inequalities affecting black African and Caribbean communities, which are perpetuated by inequalities in the wider determinants of health such as housing, employment and education. These have been exacerbated by coronavirus and undoubtedly underpin some of the excess deaths in these populations.

Paulette Hamilton, cabinet member for health and social care at Birmingham City Council, said: “Both Birmingham and Lewisham have high levels of deprivation and poor health that disproportionately affect certain communities. It is really important that our public health experts pool their knowledge to address these issues and by working in partnership they should get a broader insight into each community and an opportunity to compare and contrast experiences in two local authority areas.”

Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham, said: “Learning lessons needs to start now. This is not just about the impact Coronavirus is having on BAME communities, but prompted by this current pandemic, we must seize the opportunity to drive an evidence-led approach on addressing health inequalities.

“For some time now, we have been gathering insights into the health inequalities facing Black African and Caribbean communities in Lewisham to drive our public health plans. News of the coronavirus-related deaths of frontline workers from these communities is heart breaking and a stark reminder that we need to urgently address these health inequalities.”