Pilot workshop brings community leaders together to solve health inequalities in research
- 11 November 2024
- 1 min read
Nine voluntary and community sector leaders from across East Sussex have taken part in a pilot workshop aiming to make them ‘research ready’.
The workshop, which took place in September, was delivered in partnership between:
- NIHR South East Regional Research Delivery Network (previously NIHR Clinical Research Network Kent, Surrey and Sussex)
- East Sussex County Council
- Brighton and Sussex Health Research Partnership
- University of Brighton
The initiative was based on a broader NIHR programme called Research Ready Communities, which aims to build relationships with local organisations to reach groups underrepresented in research.
Attendees explored how they might harness research for the benefit of their local communities. The ultimate goal being to reduce health inequalities.
The session gave the leaders a space to reflect on what research is and what it means to them. They shared their own experiences and resources, explored real-world examples of community engagement, and discussed barriers to becoming research active.
A key highlight was exploring platforms that offer easy access to research, such as Be Part of Research and Join Dementia Research.
Rosie Crichton, a senior public health researcher at East Sussex County Council, said: "It was a fantastic day. I think both the facilitators and the attendees came away having learned something new and with a reignited passion for research. We plan to build on this work and support this cohort through the next stages of the research cycle."
All participants said that their knowledge of research had grown as a result of the workshop. They left with specific plans on what to do next and would like the opportunity to come back together. One participant said they "...feel inspired to find and pursue new opportunities for my organisation."
The outcomes of this pilot will support the NIHR’s longer-term plans for community engagement.
Find out more about the NIHR's community engagement work: Ways for the public to get involved in research
