WINNER

The North London FT

Improving Equitable Access to Mental Health Services for Children and Young People in North London

The North London Foundation Trust’s children and young people’s mental health service (CYPMHS) launched the Community Engagement Team in November 2023, a pioneering initiative designed to improve equitable access to mental health support for children and young people across North London.

Acknowledging the significant ethnic disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, the team developed culturally tailored outreach strategies, forging strong partnerships with faith groups and underserved communities. Through extensive community engagement, mental health education, and awareness initiatives, this work led to the creation of Wellbeing Hubs – safe, trusted spaces within communities aimed at reducing stigma and increasing service accessibility.

Read a detailed case study about this project at HSJ Solutions.

Highly commended

NHS Race and Health Observatory: Tackling Racial Bias in Pulse Oximetry

Finalists

Central London Community Healthcare Trust: Addressing Skin Tone Bias in Wound Care in Community Practice

East Lancashire Hospitals Trust: Improving End-of-Life and Bereavement Support for Ethnic Minority Groups

Enfield Community Diabetes Team, North Middlesex University Hospital – Royal Free Group: Tackling Health Inequalities in People with Type 2 Diabetes in the  Deprived Communities of East Enfield

Harrow Mental Health Services, Central North West London FT: Finding Rhythms: A Musical Narrative Therapy Intervention to Address Disparities for Young Black Men

London North West University Healthcare Trust: Addressing Skin Tone Bias: Inclusive Skin Assessment Initiative

Phoenix PCN Luton: Diabetes Pilot Project – An Integrated and Collaborative Neighbourhood Working Initiative

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston FT and North Bristol Trust (Bristol NHS Group): Improving Access to Outpatient Services for Patients From the Global Majority and Areas of Deprivation in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire

 

Topics

HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2025: Winners revealed