The Empathy, Narrative and Cultural Values (ENCV) project explores how narratives shape experiences of health, care, and communication within diverse communities. Our health strand focuses on understanding how stories, values, and cultural contexts influence the ways people access, interpret, and engage with healthcare.
This work is grounded in long-term community engagement, bringing together researchers, community members, and practitioners to explore lived experiences of care. Through a series of conversations held over an extended period, we have worked closely with individuals and community advocates to understand how health information is shared, how trust is built, and how support is navigated.
Our Approach
Our approach centres on dialogue, listening, and co-creation. We work collaboratively to create spaces where experiences can be shared and reflected upon. These conversations are guided but open-ended, allowing participants to draw on their own narratives, values, and perspectives.
A key aspect of this work has involved engaging with community advocates, including Cancer Champions, who play an important role in supporting individuals and families through healthcare journeys. Their insights have been central to understanding how information circulates and how culturally grounded support operates in practice.
Research and Outputs
The health strand combines qualitative methods, including recorded conversations and thematic analysis, to identify key patterns in how narratives shape health experiences. This work contributes to a growing understanding of the relationship between culture, communication, and care.
Findings from this strand are being developed into practical resources for community organisations and healthcare providers. These resources aim to support more culturally responsive approaches to communication, recognising the importance of empathy, trust, and narrative in health settings.