The Vassall Centre was proud to host an important event celebrating the achievements of the EMPATHY Project, an innovative research programme working to improve dementia diagnosis and support for underserved communities across Bristol.
Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and led by the Chinese Community Wellbeing Society, the project brings together an inspiring partnership including Bristol Black Carers, Dhek Bhal, the University of the West of England (UWE) and Black South West Network (BSWN).
The project focuses on understanding and addressing the barriers that people from Caribbean, Chinese and South Asian communities can face when seeking a dementia diagnosis and accessing support. By placing lived experience at the heart of the research, the partnership has developed practical, culturally sensitive approaches that make it easier for individuals and families to communicate concerns and seek help earlier.
One of the project’s most significant achievements has been the co-production of the EMPATHY Letter – a personalised tool developed alongside people living with dementia, their families and community researchers. The project has also explored faith-based approaches to supporting early identification, recognising the important role that trusted community networks can play in improving health outcomes.
The event highlighted the power of co-production, demonstrating how researchers, community organisations and local people can work together to design solutions that are rooted in real experiences and responsive to the needs of diverse communities.
At Bristol Charities, we believe that thriving communities are built through collaboration, inclusion and listening to those with lived experience. As a community hub, the Vassall Centre is proud to provide a space where organisations can come together to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and develop innovative approaches to tackling some of society’s most complex challenges.
The EMPATHY Project is a wonderful example of how cross-sector collaboration can create lasting change, helping to ensure that dementia services become more equitable, culturally responsive and accessible for everyone.
We congratulate everyone involved in the project and are delighted that the Vassall Centre could play a small part in supporting this important work. Together, we are helping to build a healthier, more inclusive Bristol where every community has the opportunity to be heard, understood and supported.
Get Involved
Projects like EMPATHY demonstrate the power of bringing together researchers, community organisations and people with lived experience to create meaningful change.
If your organisation is looking for an accessible, welcoming space to host meetings, workshops, conferences or community events, we’d love to welcome you to the Vassall Centre. By choosing the Vassall Centre, you’re not only hiring a venue, you’ll be joining a thriving community of charities and organisations working together to create a fairer, healthier and more inclusive Bristol.
📍 Find out more or book your next event:
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📞 0117 965 9630
www.vassallcentre.org.uk Visit our website for more information and updates
Together, we can continue creating the spaces where collaboration flourishes and communities thrive. 💜
(Photo credit: Chinese Community Wellbeing Society).
https://chinesecws.org.uk/
https://www.dhekbhal.org.uk/
https://www.bristolblackcarers.org.uk/
https://www.blacksouthwestnetwork.org/
https://www.uwe.ac.uk/
https://www.nihr.ac.uk/
