Tag Archives: Intellectual Disability

Research Opportunity: Calling Black Unpaid Carers Supporting Someone with a Learning Disability and Mental Health Needs

By Matthew McKenzie – Carers UK ambassador / Chair of National ethnic mental health carers forum

Are you a Black unpaid carer supporting a family member with a learning disability (sometimes referred to as an intellectual disability) who has experienced mental health difficulties?

Have you ever tried to access mental health support on their behalf? This could include contacting services such as Community Learning Disability Teams, CAMHS, Community Mental Health Teams, Talking Therapies or other mental health services.

If so, your experiences matter.

Lauren Heath, a second-year Trainee Clinical Psychologist at the University of Southampton, is conducting doctoral research exploring the experiences of Black carers who have accessed, or attempted to access, mental health support for a family member with a diagnosed learning disability.

We know that Black unpaid carers often face additional challenges when trying to navigate health and social care systems. Too often, their experiences are unheard or underrepresented in research. This study aims to better understand those experiences and help inform more culturally sensitive and inclusive services in the future.

You may be eligible to take part if you:

  • Identify as Black.
  • Have significant caring responsibilities for a family member with a diagnosed learning disability (or intellectual disability).
  • Have accessed, or attempted to access, mental health services on their behalf.

Taking part will involve:

  • A confidential interview lasting approximately 1.5 hours via Microsoft Teams.
  • Your responses will be anonymised once all interviews have been completed.
  • You will receive a voucher to thank you for your time and contribution.

Lauren previously worked within Community Learning Disability Teams across the UK and became interested in understanding why so few Black families appeared to be accessing these services. Her doctoral research hopes to amplify the voices of Black carers and contribute towards improving culturally sensitive support for families in the future.

If you think this research may apply to you, or someone you know, please consider taking part or sharing this opportunity within your networks.

To find out if you are eligible, you can complete the short questionnaire or contact Lauren directly at L.Heath@soton.ac.uk.

Your lived experience could help shape future services for Black families and carers.

Help Shape Research on the Experiences of South Asian Families Caring for a Loved One with Disabilities

The FOCUS Project, an international research study exploring the experiences of South Asian families who have a family member with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Researchers are seeking to hear from:

  • South Asian parents and family carers
  • Adult brothers and sisters of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
  • Professionals who work with South Asian families and children with disabilities
  • Families interested in sharing their experiences through surveys and discussion groups

The study aims to improve understanding of the challenges, strengths, and support needs of South Asian families, helping to inform future services and policies.

Ways to Get Involved

Work Package 1 – Family Survey
Take part in an anonymous online survey exploring family experiences. Each section takes approximately 10–15 minutes, and participants can complete one, two, or all three parts.

Work Package 2 – Professional Survey
Professionals working with children and young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities from South Asian backgrounds are invited to share their views on family-oriented partnership practices.

Work Package 3 – Online Discussion Groups
South Asian parents and adult siblings are invited to join a small online discussion group lasting around one hour to share their experiences in more depth.

Your Voice Matters

Every family’s experience is unique. By taking part, you can help researchers better understand the realities of caring for a loved one with intellectual and developmental disabilities and contribute to improving support for future generations.

For more information about the FOCUS Project, please visit the study website or contact the research team at focus.project@uea.ac.uk.

To hear more about the project, they will present at my National ethnic mental health carers forum for the 26th of June. Book via my forum page.