Bridging inequities in palliative and end-of-life care: the role and experiences of community connectors

Background: The Community Connectors programme is a UK pilot initiative designed to bridge gaps between cancer, palliative, and end-of-life care services and diverse ethnic and faith communities. Community Connectors are local individuals with strong cultural insight who enhance two-way communication, increase awareness of care services, and address the unique needs of seldom-heard groups, including South Asian, Black African-Caribbean, and Eastern European communities. By engaging trusted community members, the programme aims to foster relationships, empower communities, and improve understanding of cancer and palliative care pathways among underserved populations. Objective: To explore the experiences and perspectives of Community Connectors implementing this model, with a focus on feasibility, acceptability, and perceived impact within target communities. Methods: A qualitative longitudinal design was employed using linked interviews and reflective diaries. A qualitative descriptive approach was used to explore evolving perceptions of the role, community engagement, and barriers to care access. Semi-structured interviews (N = 3) were conducted between July 2023 and April 2024, focusing on emerging themes and changes in perceptions. In addition, Community Connectors (N = 4) kept diaries and activity logs to document their community interactions, challenges, and key observations throughout their involvement in the project. Results: Community Connectors reported success in building trust and relationships within the community, emphasising that trust, integrity, and passion for the role were more important than financial reward. Initially, there was confusion about the role, with expectations of marketing work evolving into a focus on research and engagement. They faced several challenges, including time constraints linked to the part-time nature of the role, as well as cultural sensitivities, language barriers, and stigma around cancer. Despite difficulties in measuring impact, Connectors reported personal growth, strong community relationships, and a sense of reward from their involvement. Conclusion: The Community Connector model is a feasible and culturally responsive approach to improving access to cancer and palliative care in underserved communities. Future programmes should provide clearer role definitions, sustained funding, and training in emotional resilience and cultural competence. Further research is needed to assess the long-term impact of this model on health outcomes and its integration into mainstream health services.