This episode of the State of our Nation shines a light on the critical issue of health and social care inequalities faced by Black and other minority ethnic groups in the UK. Our guest this time is Charles Kwaku-Odoi, CEO of the Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN) who shares his experience to highlight the key issues. Namely, a lack of trust in healthcare systems, negative experiences with services, language barriers, and a lack of cultural and religious sensitivity in delivery that makes individuals feel that the services offered are not for them.

Kari, Anna and Charles discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic amplified these existing disparities and Anna draws a parallel between the lack of trust experienced by the Black and minority ethnic communities discussed by Charles, and the lack of trust that many disabled people have in the social care sector due to their own past negative experiences.

Charles describes all the ways CAHN is working to address these inequalities through community-led initiatives including the involvement of trusted community figures and healthcare professionals and other culturally relevant approaches to building trust. In combination these methods are all increase and improve access to equitable care.

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