Dr Martin Partridge is a Senior Lecturer and researcher in the School of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Wolverhampton. His academic work centres on the experiences of diasporic communities, with particular interests in disability, identity, culture, and social policy. He has developed specialist expertise in the study of Chinese communities both within the UK and internationally, examining how migration, policy structures, and cultural contexts shape belonging, access, and lived experience.   He has been running a series of Arts Council England funded creative writing workshops at the Birmingham Chinese Community Centre.  The research is leading to an Arts Council England funded play about migration experiences from the Chinese community in Birmingham.   "The key themes" said Dr Martin "of my research are migration and work, cultural identity and belonging, generational differences, health and community, experiences of discrimination and evolving community and identity".     Dr Martin Partridge was invited by the Birmingham Chinatown Business Association to a VIP reception at Birmingham Council House to celebrate the 76th Anniversary of the Chinese Republic.  He was able to meet some of the creative team behind the Arts Council England funded project to create a play based on the lived experiences of people of Chinese heritage migrating to Birmingham in the period after World War Two.   "The focus group at the Birmingham Chinese Community Centre" explained Dr Martin "revealed rich, in-depth narratives about migration, identity and generational change within Birmingham`s Chinese community.  Participants spoke openly about their journeys to the UK, their sense of belonging and the everyday realities of life as Chinese men in Britain".     For many "home" was less about geography and more about familarity and comfort - a feeling created through work, family and community life in Birmingham.   "The golden line running through these narratives is sacrifice" said Dr Martin "a term that encapsulates both loss and enduring love, shaping identities, mental health and intergenerational bonds.  This insight offers a foundation for storyrtelling that is both authentic and deeply human, capturing lived realities behind statistics and historical accounts".   Dr Martin`s research provides a rare window into a community that has shaped the cultural and social fabric of Birmingham for decades yet often remains under-represented in mainstream narratives.     "The Vietnamese women`s stories highlight resilience and survival through migration, prolonged uncertainty at sea and obstacles in Hong Kong" said Dr Martin Patridge.  "Family and community provide crucial support while coping strategies such as staying busy, volunteering and engaging in ssocial or religious activities help manage stress and anxiety.  Their experiences in the UK reflect adaptation, integration and the rebuilding of life after trauuma."   To listen: Dr Martin Partridge will be on The Ian Henery Show Black Country Xtra Sunday 30th November 4pm Monday 1st December 6pm