CRH Cross Report Summary: Key findings in brief

[BVSCResearchAdmin]

Overview
The Community Research Hub compiled six community-led studies (December 2023–March 2026), drawing on over 210 interviews, into one cross-report summary for Birmingham City Council. The clear message: communities know what works.

The six reports

1. Vaping (Mar 2026) - focus on young people 16-19: vaping is normalised through peers and easy retail access, used as a coping mechanism and education is generic.
2. Worklessness (Jan 2025) - Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Caribbean & Nigerian adults: systemic, intersecting barriers (visa status, demand for “UK experience,” childcare, discrimination) trap people out of work.
3. Blood-Borne Viruses & TB (Aug 2025) - focus on at-risk groups (HIV, Hep B/C, TB): stigma, logistical and systemic barriers deter testing; knowledge gaps and mistrust of the NHS are widespread.
4. BCIAHP (Dec 2023) - focus on pakistani community, headache & migraine: participants feel dismissed by clinicians; calls for culturally intelligent, holistic care and workforce diversity.
5. YP EET (Sept 2025) - focus on young people 16–25: an “experience trap” blocks entry to work; mental health and neurodiversity support falls short of need.
6. Smoking Habits (Mar 2026) - focus on smokers across five wards: stress is the dominant trigger for smoking and main barrier to quitting; relational, non-judgemental support works best.

7 cross-cutting themes
Stigma & shame delaying help-seeking; institutional distrust; peer influence normalising risk; structural barriers (visa, childcare, language, digital literacy, transport); stress & mental health as both driver and consequence; trusted community spaces (mosques, community centres, pharmacies, youth spaces) outperforming clinical settings; and validation that the CRH peer-led research model builds trust and reaches under-heard groups.

8 shared recommendations
Deliver support in trusted community settings; build trust through peer-led/lived-experience voices; offer relational, non-judgemental support; increase cultural competence & diversity in the workforce; tackle structural barriers; improve awareness & visibility in everyday/social spaces; prioritise prevention & early intervention; and invest in what works (e.g. expanding Smokefree 2030 and Fast-Track Cities+ commitments).

Bottom line
Complex challenges need community-led, culturally intelligent, consistent support — when services listen and work with people, real change happens, working toward “a healthier, fairer Birmingham.”

Author: BVSC Research

Other Posters:

Worklessness: Key findings in brief

The project explored the barriers to employment and the lived experience of Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Caribbean and Nigerian communities in Birmingham. The poster below demonstrates the key findings from the research. [Work] Author: BVSC Research Other Posters: Tags

Blood-Bourne Viruses and Tuberculosis Key Findings in Brief

30 interviews were conducted across communities to explore the experiences, knowledge and beliefs that influence decisions to test for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and TB. The research was peer-led with community researchers from within the communities. The poster below demonstrates the key findings from the research. [BBD] Author: BVSC Research Other Posters: Tags

Young People's Experiences of Education, Employment and Training in Birmingham: Key findings in brief

42 interviews were conducted with young people across Birmingham exploring the experiences of young people aged 16-25 in education, employment and training, and the impact on their health and wellbeing. The poster below demonstrates the key findings from the research. [EET] Author: BVSC Research Other Posters: Tags

BCIAHP Headache and Migraine Study: Key findings in brief

This research explores the experiences, causes and barriers to treatment of headaches and migraines within the Pakistani community in Birmingham. It will help co-develop culturally intelligent resources for individuals and healthcare providers and empower community influencers to raise awareness and support better health outcomes. The poster below demonstrates the key findings from the research. [Headaches] Author: BVSC Research Other posters: Tags

Birmingham Smoking Habits Report: Key findings in brief

119 survey respondents and 34 interviews conducted in March 2026 looking at smoking in 5 wards of Birmingham. The poster below demonstrates the key findings from the research. [Smoking] Author: BVSC Research Other Posters: Tags

Young People's Experiences and Attitudes Towards Vaping:Key findings in brief

The community research explores the experiences, attitudes and behaviours of young people aged 16-19 in Birmingham in relation to vaping. The findings provide insight to help shape effective education, prevention and support. The poster below demonstrates the key findings from the research. [Vaping] Author: BVSC Research Other Posters: Tags

Tags

community research, vaping, smoking, employment education, headaches, blood bourne viruses