Strengthening ties with underserved communities: Birmingham BRC at Green Lane Masjid

On Wednesday 14 May 2025, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) team participated in an engagement activity at Green Lane Masjid, a mosque in the Birmingham inner city ward of Small Heath. We attended the masjid’s Sister’s Coffee Morning, an initiative aimed at bringing Muslim women together with their children to connect and network with the community.

The purpose of the visit was to create awareness of our work, with a particular focus on our research on Women’s Metabolic Health, and of the importance of patient and public involvement to ensure our findings reflect and benefit everyone in our diverse population.

“We must make an increased effort in going out to communities, to ensure we can listen to the voices of those underrepresented in research and speak to those that experience health inequalities. By having these two-way conversations, we can take positive action and deliver better, more equitable health research.”

Freen Mehdi, Research Inclusion Manager

The team was represented by our Research Inclusion Manager Freen Mehdi, Senior Manager Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Claire Wickett and Assistant Professor in Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Dr Caroline Gillett.

Dr Caroline Gillett presented research insights on several women’s health conditions, including Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Intracranial Hypertension, Gestational Diabetes, and Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion (MACS). Following on from the presentation, attendees were encouraged to engage in one-to-one conversations with the team to learn more about the ongoing research and how they could get involved.

Attendees were also invited to upcoming women’s health events specifically designed for women from underserved communities, as well as upcoming engagement activities and webinars hosted by our Birmingham BRC.

Freen Mehdi, Research Inclusion Manager, said: “It is imperative for us to actively engage with underserved communities across Birmingham. We must make an increased effort in going out to communities, to ensure we can listen to the voices of those underrepresented in research and speak to those that experience health inequalities. By having these two-way conversations, we can take positive action and deliver better, more equitable health research.”  

Sidrah Awan, Head of Education Committee & Operational Manager for Welfare at the Masjid, said: “We were delighted to welcome the NIHR Birmingham BRC team to our Sister’s Coffee Morning. It is vital that Muslim women in our community have opportunities to engage with health research that reflects their needs and experiences. This visit was a positive step in building trust and raising awareness, and we fully support initiatives that prioritise inclusion and equity. We look forward to continuing this valuable partnership to help improve health outcomes in our community.”

Freen Mehdi added: “We are very grateful to the Green Lane Masjid for welcoming us, and we are looking forward to continuing to build trust and engagement in Small Heath. Strengthening our ties with local communities is key to improving research outcomes, ultimately enhancing the health of the region and beyond.”