New community collaboration to build community research and improve the wellbeing of Black LGBT+ people

black battle healthThe new collaboration brings together University of Manchester sociologist Jaime García Iglesias and staff at Black Beetle Health, led by Harvey A Kennedy-Pitt, Health Education and Promotion Specialist.

The collaboration sees staff from Black Beetle Health joining Jaime and colleagues for a series of research secondments to allow the exchange of expertise between teams. The aim is to better understand the support services available to LGBT+ people of colour and to build capacity among community organisations for research activities.

 Jaime’s expertise is in online relationships, sexualities, sexual health and wellbeing. He is currently working on the Dating app connections project which explores how LGBT+ and heterosexual people used dating apps to start and maintain intimate relationships before, during and after COVID-19 restrictions.

Speaking about the collaboration, Jaime said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the specific needs of LGBTQ+ and people of colour, but also to establish long-term relationships with communities across Manchester that are integral for change.”  

Black Beetle Health is a Manchester-based digital public health charity, supporting the health and wellbeing of Black LGBTQ+ people.

This collaboration is funded by a University of Manchester School of Sciences Community Partnership and runs until summer 2023.

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