Oladayo awarded for promoting Muslim access to healthcare

A LJMU clinical academic is being celebrated after winning an award for his contribution to culturally responsive mental health provision.

Dr Oladayo Bifarin, Associate Professor in Mental Health Nursing, Systems and Policy, and Research Effectiveness Lead at Mersey Care NHS Trust, has masterminded a project which is increasing the engagement of Muslims in community health services.

His work was recognised with the award from the Caribbean & African Health Network at its Black History Month Recognition Evening 2026, who praised Oladayo’s “dedication, commitment and positive impact”. 

He said he was truly honoured, adding: “This award highlights the importance of bridging academic research, NHS practice, and community knowledge to create opportunities that are genuinely meaningful and responsive to the diverse needs of our population.”

Health inequalities

Muslims are less likely to seek treatment for mental health issues, a disparity linked to stigma, discrimination, cultural beliefs and financial constraints.

Oladayo leads a partnership of the School of Nursing, Public and Allied Health, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust and community organisations to tackle the issue bringing researchers, practitioners, mosques and charities together to explore how faith, culture, racism, trust and service design influence ‘help-seeking’. Much of the research output and learning from it informs nursing education at LJMU and elsewhere.

Furthermore, his work is an example of translating academic evidence into NHS infrastructure. The ‘Count Me In’ initiative has reached over 500,000 people, engaged more than 1,500 individuals, developed 70 research champions and contributed to research objectives being incorporated into approximately 11,000 staff appraisals across Mersey Care.

Added Oladayo: “The resulting evidence has strengthened the basis for culturally responsive mental health provision and created relationships between researchers, NHS teams and community organisations.”