CompletedObservational

Working to improve the cultural competency of supported living and residential care for adults with learning disabilities from minority ethnic communities

This study aims to make social care services better for adults with learning disabilities from minority ethnic communities in the UK. Often, people from these communities find that support staff don’t understand their cultural needs, like helping them attend religious services. This research will talk to 40 adults with learning disabilities about their lives and how their support could improve. We'll also work with care staff and councils to develop training, led by people with learning disabilities themselves, to help staff understand and respect different cultures better. The goal is to improve the quality of care and make it more suitable for everyone.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Manchester Metropolitan University

Enrolment target

155

Start

15 May 2025

Estimated completion

31 Jan 2026

The cultural competency of staff supporting adults with learning disabilities

What is this study about?

Imagine you need help with everyday life, but the person helping you doesn't understand your background, your beliefs, or what's really important to you. This can be a challenge for adults with learning disabilities from minority ethnic communities in the UK. Sometimes, care staff might not be aware of different cultural customs or how to support someone in a way that respects their traditions, like helping them go to a mosque or cultural centre. This study calls that a lack of 'cultural understanding'.

This research project wants to change that. We're going to talk to 40 adults with learning disabilities who are from different ethnic minority backgrounds (like South Asian, Black African, African Caribbean communities, or those with mixed heritage). We'll ask them about their daily lives and what would make their support better. These conversations will help us understand what they need and how services can truly make a positive difference.

Working together with people with learning disabilities, care staff, and local councils, we aim to create new training programmes. This training will teach care staff how to be more culturally aware and sensitive. What's really special is that people with learning disabilities will help lead this training and check if it’s working well. The main hope is to make sure everyone with a learning disability gets support that truly understands and respects who they are and where they come from.

Key takeaways

Aims to improve social care for adults with learning disabilities from minority ethnic communities.
Focuses on understanding cultural needs and respecting different backgrounds.
Conversations with 40 adults with learning disabilities will shape the research.
New training for care staff will be developed and led by people with learning disabilities.
Participants with learning disabilities will be compensated for their time.
The study runs from November 2024 to August 2027.

Who may be eligible?

This study has different parts, and people can join specific parts depending on who they are.

If you have a learning disability, are over 18, and are from an ethnic minority community in England, you might be able to help. This includes people who live in residential care, supported living, or use short-stay care. Some people with more complex needs can also take part.

We are also looking for people who work in social care. This includes staff who directly support adults with learning disabilities in care homes or supported living, managers who plan these services for local councils, and leaders in social care organisations who focus on making things fair and inclusive for everyone.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult (18 or over) with a learning disability?
Are you from an ethnic minority community?
Do you live in residential care, supported living, or use respite care in England?
Or do you work in social care for adults with learning disabilities?
Or do you help plan disability services for a local council?
Or do you lead on fairness and inclusion in a social care organisation?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is mainly about collecting people's experiences and thoughts, rather than giving out new treatments. If you take part, depending on the role, it might involve:

* **Quality Checks:** Some people with learning disabilities will have conversations with researchers about their lives and what matters to them. These conversations are designed to be about their quality of life. * **Workshops:** People with learning disabilities, care staff, and council planners will take part in group discussions. These workshops will explore ideas for improving care. * **Interviews:** Social care leaders will have one-on-one online chats with researchers to share their insights.

All meetings will be arranged to suit you, online where possible for interviews, and you'll know how long they'll take beforehand. This study plans to run from November 2024 until August 2027.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is helping to improve care for adults with learning disabilities from minority ethnic communities for the future. People with learning disabilities who take part in workshops or as 'Quality Checkers' will also be paid for their time and effort. There are a few small risks, such as needing to dedicate some time, and sometimes conversations might touch on sensitive topics like unfair treatment. The researchers are very experienced in handling these discussions gently, and you can take breaks or stop taking part at any time. Your safety and comfort are really important, and strict rules are in place to make sure everyone's rights are respected and protected during the study.

Locations (2)

Manchester Metropolitan University
Approximate
Manchester, England
Changing our Lives
City only
Sheffield, England

Common questions

What is 'cultural competency'?

It means care staff understanding and respecting the different cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and needs of the people they support.

Who is funding this study?

The National Institute for Health and Social Care Research (NIHR) in the UK is providing the funding.

Will I get paid for taking part?

People with learning disabilities who participate in workshops or act as 'Quality Checkers' will be compensated for their time.

What if I can't give my own consent?

If you are unable to give consent, a care provider may help identify someone who can consent for you, and we will still check you are comfortable taking part.

When does the study finish?

The study is expected to run until August 2027.

How to find out more

Chris Hatton

c.hatton@mmu.ac.uk +44 (0)7970894760 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.