An innovative research methodology aimed at strengthening engagement with ethnic minority communities was presented at a dissemination event this week, following a national celebration of creativity and wellbeing.
Developed by the Centre for Ethnic Health Research, this new approach draws on culturally informed creative arts methods to support community engagement and data collection, helping to create more meaningful participation in health and care research among ethnic minority groups.
Following Creativity and Wellbeing Week 2026 (18–24 May) and International Day of Action for Women’s Health (28 May), the methodology was presented at a ‘Creative Conversations’ research event in Leicester, where its co-development with ethnic minority communities and focus on women’s health were highlighted.
Dr Riya Patel, Chartered Psychologist, Behavioural Scientist and Research Fellow in Health Inequalities at the University of Leicester, led the Culturally Creative Methods of Engagement with ethnic minority communities (CC-ME) project as Principal Investigator. It explored women’s health themes, with menopause identified as a key focus area within culturally informed arts-based engagement.
The project places emphasis on early, ongoing community involvement, allowing participants to help shape both the research focus and the creative approaches used to support discussion and expression. Instead of applying fixed research tools, community members were invited to co-design arts-based approaches that were culturally meaningful and reflected their preferred ways of communicating, lived experiences and cultural practices.
Dr Patel said: “The CC-ME project has been a truly rewarding experience for everyone involved. Our team has thoroughly enjoyed working alongside communities and facilitating culturally informed creative approaches that empower participants to share their experiences in meaningful ways, including on sensitive women’s health topics such as menopause.
“The outputs are a powerful reminder of how creative arts can help communicate feelings and experiences beyond words.”
The new research methodology was first unveiled at a vibrant event held at Hansom Hall in Leicester on Thursday, May 28, showcasing how arts-based methods can spark new conversations, generate creative insights and build stronger connections between researchers and communities. The event demonstrated how community-led, art-based approaches can help bring research to life in more engaging and accessible ways.
Creativity and Wellbeing Week is a UK-wide, annual festival celebrating the role of arts, culture and creative expression in supporting physical and mental health.
The International Day of Action for Women’s Health is a global awareness day that advocates for sexual and reproductive health and rights. It campaigns for universal healthcare access and bodily autonomy for women.
The CC-ME project dissemination was held on the International Day of Action for Women’s Health because the application and acceptability of this methodology was explored among ethnic minority women experiencing or seeking to understand menopause.
Menopause is an important women’s health issue that is often overlooked and stigmatised. Through culturally creative methods, the study empowered women to share their experiences of menopause, learn from each other and feel less isolated knowing they were not alone in their experiences.
The Centre for Ethnic Health Research works to address inequalities, associated with ethnicity, in health care access and health outcomes. It does this by supporting individuals and organisations to involve and understand the needs of ethnic minority and underserved communities when planning and undertaking research and healthcare delivery.
For further information about the Centre for Ethnic Health Research, click here.
