South London inclusion leaders welcome research partnership

South London inclusion leaders have welcomed the forming of a new partnership group to engage people about the importance of health and care research.

The partnership, called the Southwest London Health Research Collaborative, is led by the Southwest London Integrated Care Board. It includes representatives from Southwest London’s academic institutions, NHS trusts, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) South London, the NIHR Clinical Research Network South London, the Health Innovation Network, the South London Partnership and the South West London Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise.

This pilot scheme aims to give more people a voice in the design and delivery of research across all boroughs in southwest London. People can come together at ‘research cafés’ to discuss and exchange research-related ideas in a relaxed and open atmosphere over tea and coffee. NHS England has provided £92,000 in funding. The pilot will run until April 2024.

Chifundo Stubbs, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead at the NIHR Clinical Research Network South London, who leads the Inclusivity Panel, said:

“I’m excited by the opportunities this partnership will bring as we work with our partners in southwest London on this important initiative.

“Research cafés will help to bring researchers and the wider community together. This space gives researchers the opportunity to hear from the public about their needs, and the insights gained could help shape the future of local healthcare.”

The Inclusivity Panel ensures research is representative of the south London region and is based at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Josephine Ocloo, Inclusivity Advisor at the NIHR Clinical Research Network South London, said:

“We want to address the systemic challenges facing research in addressing social exclusion and inequality. This project aims to provide more opportunities for those from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic communities to get involved in the design of vital health and care research to ensure these studies reflect the needs of all the people we proudly serve.”

You can learn more about the initiative on ARC South London’s website.