The Black Health Clinic, hosted at the Black Cultural Centre during Go Africa Community Hub’s takeover, was established to provide a new dedicated space for culturally competent healthcare services and advice to local communities. The Go Africa Community Hub is a registered social enterprise, dedicated to empowering African and Caribbean communities through education, economic development, health initiatives, and the arts.
Over the 12-week summer residency, the Black Health Clinic offered full-day and evening sessions every Monday with trusted facilitators and health professionals. Colleagues from University College London Hospitals (UCLH) and Whittington represented the IBHO BioResource, sharing research information in a welcoming, non-clinical environment and answering questions about participation. The residency concluded on 4 August 2025.
Building trust through community presence
Katie Leigh-Ellis, Senior Research Nurse in the University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Alliance for Research (STAR) team, reflected on the residency:
"Attending the Islington Black Health Clinic was a great opportunity to bring research to the community outside of the formal health care setting.
"We were able to engage in conversations about the potential of research to improve health outcomes for Black communities, but more importantly, we heard what people had to say about their own health and experiences, what is important to them and what needs to be improved."
Kayleigh Gilbert, Research Operations Manager at Whittington Health NHS Trust, who also attended, commented on the experience:
"Our sessions at the hub provided valuable insights into community-based research outreach.
"The trust-building and information sharing with community members proved worthwhile.
"This approach demonstrated the importance of meeting people in comfortable spaces to discuss research opportunities."
By focusing on information sharing and education, the team reached numerous community members and sparked meaningful discussions about both the IBHO BioResource and health research more broadly. Many attendees expressed interest in learning more about participation and its potential to drive positive change.
Commitment to inclusive research
The IBHO BioResource recruits new volunteers via a network of more than 50 hospital and GP sites across England, as well as at local events and workshops, working together with local community organisations.
With more than 3,500 volunteers already signed up since launching in September 2024, the IBHO BioResource continues to grow as a valuable health research resource.
The residency at the Black Health Clinic highlights the importance of inclusive engagement by meeting people in trusted community spaces, ensuring conversations about health and research are accessible, culturally relevant, and rooted in trust.
How to Get Involved
If you are interested in learning more or signing up, visit the IBHO BioResource webpage.
Check out the IBHO BioResource YouTube playlist for more information on taking part and why it’s important.
Join the IBHO BioResource today
Complete our short online form to register your interest and check available locations to provide a sample
