Informal support networks and their role in community safety and mental well-being among racially and ethnically minoritised groups in London: a qualitative study

BackgroundCommunity safety is a key determinant of mental well-being, yet racially and ethnically minoritised communities in the UK often face higher exposure to violence alongside barriers to formal protection and support. In these contexts, informal support networks may play a critical role in shaping how safety is experienced and how distress is managed. Although such networks are widely recognised as protective for mental well-being, there is limited qualitative research examining how they operate in relation to community safety in settings shaped by structural inequality. This study explores how informal support networks influence experiences of community safety and mental well-being among racially and ethnically minoritised groups in South East London. MethodsThis qualitative study draws on semi-structured interviews (n = 31) with racially and ethnically minoritised participants aged 16+ living or working in Lambeth and Southwark [South East London]. Using a co-produced qualitative design, community consultations informed the development of interview topics. Interviews explored informal support networks, experiences of community safety and their intersections with mental well-being. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. ResultsFour themes were identified: (1) experiences of community safety and their mental health impacts; (2) gendered experiences of safety and responsibility; (3) formal support and its barriers; and (4) community and peer-led initiatives as a response to institutional distrust. ConclusionInformal support networks are central to everyday safety and emotional well-being, yet they cannot substitute for adequately resourced, culturally informed public provisions. Strengthening public infrastructure must involve meaningful collaboration with trusted community networks and address the intersectional needs of racially and ethnically minoritised groups.