BME Health Forum : Structural racism and cultural misunderstanding compound grief for Black British and Black Caribbean communities, study finds

Structural racism and cultural misunderstanding compound grief for Black British and Black Caribbean communities, study finds - ARC West

Inequities in how bereavement is experienced and supported among people of Black British and Black Caribbean heritage in England have been revealed in a new study led by the University of Bristol. The research, published in Death Studies, calls for widespread changes to improve bereavement experiences and access to support for Black British and Black Caribbean communities.

People from Black and other minoritised ethnic communities in the UK are known to face persistent health and social care inequities, including barriers to accessing bereavement support. Yet the specific grief experiences and support needs within these communities have remained poorly understood.

Drawing on community conversations and in-depth interviews with 35 participants, this qualitative research study demonstrates how structural racism in healthcare and employment, cultural misunderstanding of Black family structures and traditions, and a lack of tailored end-of-life and bereavement support intensify the pain of loss.