Health & Wellbeing Research
Since delivering Speaking for Ourselves in 2025, SMEF has continued to grow its community-led research work to make sure the voices of Surrey’s ethnic minority communities are heard and acted on. Through ACCESS, we explored the barriers to maternal and perinatal mental health support faced by women and birthing people from ethnic minority communities in Surrey, and made recommendations to improve equity of access. We are now leading the Surrey JSNA chapter on ethnic minority groups with Dr Ikram Berkani, bringing together lived experience, local data and stakeholder insight to highlight inequalities, identify gaps in support and help shape better services for our communities.
Why Research Matters
Ethnic minority communities in Surrey face significant health inequalities, with higher rates of chronic conditions, poorer mental health outcomes, and difficulties navigating primary care services. Barriers such as stigma, language, digital exclusion, and cultural misunderstanding contribute to the underuse of health services. Despite these disparities, these voices are often missing from service design and policy-making.
SMEF research projects strive to bridge the gap between communities and policymakers by uncovering underrepresented voices and amplifying the lived experiences of individuals and communities facing different forms of marginalisation.
Key Findings
Voices from Our Communities
“Decision-makers need to appreciate our value and consider us in decision-making as well as in research to improve our lived experiences.”
Stanley - Peer Researcher
“I didn't know about these services”
Focus group participant, ACCESS
“Most of the time people care about these issues, but they need gentle guiding to see how it applies to them. By leading with empathy, you can make people eager and passionate to take part.”
Mira - Peer Researcher
“They [professionals] just go through forms.”
Focus group participant, ACCESS
Read our Research Reports
Partner with SMEF on Future Research
We’re ready to build on the success of Speaking for Ourselves by expanding community-led research across Surrey. If you’re a researcher, funder, or policymaker interested in co-production, equity, or health inequalities, we’d love to hear from you.
SMEF works in partnership with the NHS, local authorities and VCSE organisations to improve access and outcomes. We follow strict safeguarding, confidentiality and GDPR procedures.
