ORCID

Abstract

Introduction: Research shows cultural activities benefit older people's wellbeing, but little is known about why individuals from global majority (minority ethnic) groups engage less with the mainstream cultural sector, or how it could adapt to meet their needs and encourage engagement. The TOUS study (Tailoring cultural Offers with and for diverse older Users of Social prescribing) investigated the question: What tailoring is needed, how, when and for whom, to optimise cultural offers as part of social prescribing for older people (aged 60+) from global majority groups?. Methods: The TOUS study involved focused ethnographies with six cultural-sector organisations throughout the United Kingdom and 11 key informant interviews with cultural providers. A realist approach was adopted, resulting in the development of a programme theory. Results: The programme theory has three pillars: (1) broker, hook, and opportunity, which support entry into cultural spaces to provide immediate benefits; (2) safety and trust, power-sharing, and meaning, which sustain engagement; and (3) transformative outcomes, including lasting relationships, confidence, and exploring identities. Conclusions: With intentional engagement and relational practices, organisations can foster inclusive cultural participation and support well-being in later life. Patient or Public Contribution: The TOUS study was guided by a public involvement group of six contributors (aged 60+ from global majority/minority ethnic backgrounds) who shared experiences of creative practice, and advised on data collection, analysis, model development, and dissemination. The study also involved collaborative analysis of data at case sites.

Publication Date

2026-02-14

Publication Title

Health Expectations

Volume

29

Issue

1

ISSN

1369-6513

Acceptance Date

2025-12-15

Deposit Date

2026-02-18

Funding

Kerryn Husk is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration Southwest Peninsula. The TOUS study is funded by a grant from UK Research and Innovation (MR/Y010000/1). The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the funder or the authors' host institutions. Thank you to members of our public involvement group, advisory group, case study sites and others participating in the research and related knowlege exchange events for their support and assistance with this project.

Keywords

cultural sector, engagement, global majority, minority ethnic, older people, realist, social prescribing

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