Engaging Ethnic Minority Communities and Tenants – Indoor Air Quality Case Study
As part of Race Equality Week, we are sharing positive case studies on how to be Anti-Racist and how every action counts.
This blog is about the Cardiff University Indoor Air Quality good practice research (in collaboration with Cardiff Council and EYST Wales) led by the Architecture Department – written by Selima Bahadur – Programme Manager, All Wales Black Asian Minority Ethnic Engagement Team
Purpose of work:
The project aim was to disseminate research findings to help housing associations better understand how the way ethnic minority householders live impacts the indoor home environment. From previous research, it was established that cultural behaviour impacts indoor air quality, which has an impact on health and well-being with problems including condensation, high energy use and poor thermal comfort. This impact project co-designed with the housing associations and household reps aimed to bring together recommendations (toolkits) for housing associations and ethnic minority residents to guide behaviour to minimise impact on the indoor environment whilst still being able to participate in cultural activities.
Listening to the minority ethnic participants:
While the impacts were on health and wellbeing, social welfare, the environment and understanding, learning and participation, this piece of research highlighted how research can be inclusive and anti-racist. To aid inclusivity, the language used in the communications with households was kept simple. The time given by participants was appreciated and those taking part in the full study were offered a £100 shopping voucher.
The voices of minority ethnic participants were heard and valued and an example of how the Cardiff University Researchers showed this was by having a Guide at the end of the project using the contributions of participants – they did not come in and take over or direct the participants in a particular direction, rather they really listened. It was refreshing to see minority ethnic voices being heard, the people being given the power and the value that was taken from the experiences and words of minority ethnic people.
As part of the research there was a session to feedback to the participants, showing how their contributions had shaped the piece of work and a genuine appreciation was shown from the research team.
EYST Wales reflections:
From an EYST perspective, we had a number of meetings with Dr Satish BK and Simon Lannon from Cardiff University’s Architecture Department and Cardiff Council in preparation for the study. Again, what we discussed and the ideas we gave were taken on board and shaped the work. It was only during the latter stage of the study and on reflection afterwards, we realised the way this study was conducted resonated strongly with our EYST vision of a Wales where minority ethnic people can contribute, participate and feel they are valued members of Society.
Even though the impact of the research was in relation wellbeing and the environment, there’s ultimately a lot to be learnt from this piece of work in relation to anti-racist practices and inclusion!