United for Health: Films launched about involving minoritised communities in research

South Asian community group Dhek Bhal and the University of Bristol have launched United for Health, a collection of films about involving minoritised communities in health research. The films were funded by the Brigstow Institute and supported by the NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).

It is important to include a wide range of people in health research. Diversity in research means that results are relevant to everyone and helps to reduce health inequities – the unfair differences where some groups have poorer health than others. People can be included in different ways. For example, by involving them in planning and designing studies as well as taking part as participants.

But minoritised ethnic groups in the UK aren’t included in research often enough. Bone and joint researchers at the University of Bristol and the Bristol BRC wanted to change this.

They have been working with members of Bristol-based Dhek Bhal over the last four years. Their ongoing collaboration aims to build trust. It means that members of Dhek Bhal can help shape and be part of research that is relevant to them.

The team behind United for Health includes members of Dhek Bhal and staff and students from the University of Bristol’s Medical School and Department of Film and TV. They worked in partnership to create films to highlight the importance of working together on health research.

The United for Health collection includes:

• A 25-minute documentary about the experiences of Dhek Bhal members of being part of research
• A behind the scenes film explaining why the researchers wanted to make these films and the process of making them
• Two short films aimed at researchers focused on participation and involvement in research for marginalised communities
• A short film on what Dhek Bhal means to its members

Zehra Haq, Dhek Bhal Chief Executive, said:

“We teamed up with the University of Bristol to create these powerful short films that shine a light on the importance of inclusion and accessibility in research. Together with members of our local community, we explored how to make research more engaging, relatable, and open to everyone.

“The films’ goal is simple — to ensure that people from all backgrounds feel represented and included in research. By improving diversity in clinical trials, we can help achieve fairer, more meaningful health outcomes for everyone.

“I’d like to express my sincere appreciation to Cat for her genuine support and unwavering encouragement. Cat consistently goes above and beyond to involve the community in an equitable and inclusive way. We also want to thank the film students who were fantastic and gelled really well with the group.”

Cat Jameson, Senior Research Associate in Community, Patient and Public Involvement at the University of Bristol and project lead said:

“We hope these films will help to show that the South Asian community is interested in health research that can improve the wellbeing of their community in the future.

“However, researchers must work in genuine collaboration with the community and in a thoughtful, ethical way. Building reciprocal, authentic, and lasting relationships is essential, rather than extractive practices where communities are simply used as sources of representation, answers or data.

“It’s good to share knowledge in different ways. Visual storytelling can break down barriers, build understanding, reflect diversity, and amplify a range of voices.”

“We’re also planning to publish guidance for researchers on making films in partnership with minoritised communities, to support ethical and inclusive approaches in the future.

“We’d like to thank the Brigstow Institute for encouraging us to work in an interdisciplinary way and to focus on the journey, not just the destination. This helped to open the project up to more creative, ‘outside the box’ thinking. We’d especially like to thank the members of Dhek Bhal for their trust and openness in sharing their views on film.”

Oscar Appleyard-Keeling, one of the students who played a key role in finishing the film project, said:

“This project started as a placement in my third year of university. Alongside my other film making team members, we embedded with the research team and Dhek Bhal to craft these films.

“Due to the complexity of this project, the original intention of finishing it by the time we all completed our third year of university wasn’t feasible. So I have shepherded this project for the year and a bit since then, ensuring the final edit, translation and delivery meet the standard that it demands.

“I want to thank all those at Dhek Bhal, my fellow film makers and Cat, whose dedication and constant enthusiasm have been an inspiration.”

Watch the films

The full playlist is available on YouTube or watch the main film here: