“The community has had no breather”: how the cost of living crisis is affecting minority ethnic communities in Bristol

Bristol Somali Youth Voice and Bristol Somali Forum have conducted research about the impact of the increasing cost of living on minority ethnic communities in Bristol.

The resulting report, which has been reviewed by researchers at the University of Bristol,  looks at the multi-dimensional effects of the cost-of-living crisis on the target population, including the uncertainty and insecurity generated, and explores how people are coping with the challenges triggered by this crisis.

The report was launched at an event at Easton Community Centre on 8 March, which Bristol Health Partners attended.

Two thirds (67%) of the participants in the study said that the cost-of-living crisis was having a detrimental effect on their mental health and wellbeing. Participants said they were worried and anxious about their ability to meet costs.

The study indicates that the cost-of-living crisis was affecting family relationships and making people more isolated, due to cutting back on socialising and other activities which supported their wellbeing.

Read the report: ‘The impact of increasing cost of living on minority ethnic community in Bristol’

Bristol Somali Youth Voice (BSYV) is an organisation that advocates and empowers disadvantaged young people in Bristol predominantly from minority ethnic communities including Somalis. Mohamed A Sayaqle, Chair of Bristol Somali Youth Voice, who led the research, said:

“We have supported the inner-city community during the pandemic, and are familiar with how the challenges of COVID-19 have impacted disadvantaged community groups, include ethnic minority communities. After COVID-19 started to diminish, the cost-of-living crisis arrived:  the community has had no breather.

“Our research target minority ethnic communities who were disproportionally affected by challenges of poverty, deprivations and inequalities. Unfortunately, again, the increasing cost of living also hit hard on them. Both the current crisis and COVID-19 have had effects on disadvantaged community groups, and there is an urgent need to develop culturally responsive services to support the community during this difficult time.”

He added:

“The research provides better understanding about the depth of the crisis and its impact on disadvantaged communities specially minority ethnic communities. It also gives recommendations that would help policy makers, service providers and communities to develop appropriate solutions and effective coping strategies.”

Bristol Somali Forum is an umbrella organisation representing 19 Somali-led organisations in the city of Bristol. Abdul Ahmed, Chair of Bristol Somali Forum, who supported the development of this report, said:

“We want this study to help the city leaders to understand the depth of the challenges that the crisis has had on disadvantaged community groups, and we hope they reflect its recommendations.”