REN - The creation of a Research Engagement Network

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Mid and South Essex ICB, all our main hospitals and members of the community assembly are working on a project to set up a Research Engagement Network.

Once created this network will help researchers provide a better service for underserved groups.


Characteristics which are common to several of these groups include:

  • Lower inclusion in research than expected.
  • Higher healthcare burden unmatched by research designed for such groups.
  • Differences in how they engage with healthcare interventions compared to other groups.

Groups that we are keen to work with are -

  • Age extremes – under 25’s or over 65
  • Women of childbearing age
  • Ethnically diverse groups including, Faith groups, Gypsy, Roma travellers
  • LGBTQ+
  • Groups of people who suffer from health inequalities including, those with learning disabilities or a serious mental illness.
  • Those people who are Neuro divergent


This project aims to work with partner organisations in order to develop their local research activities with underrepresented communities. It involves increasing diversity in research and supporting the diverse local communities to get involved in research.


Research Ready Communities: an innovative approach to inclusion in research

Our plan

Make sure health and social care research better reflects the needs and interests of all areas, groups and communities across the country. As a result, we will be better able to address health inequalities.

Programme aims:

  • Build trusting, mutually beneficial relationships with the community.
  • Listen to and understand the community better.
  • Work in partnership with community members and organisations to make research more inclusive and representative.

How we will achieve our goals

  1. Partner with local organisations
  2. Work with partner organisations to find and train community members as Community Champions
  3. Support Community Champions to listen to people in the community about their knowledge and views of health and social care research.
  4. Co-design local activities that respond to what people have said, and that will help improve local inclusion in health and social care research.
  5. Implement co-designed local activities together.
  6. Continue long-term partnership to build inclusive research for the community.

Follow this page if you want to keep in touch about health and care research and the REN project

Mid and South Essex ICB, all our main hospitals and members of the community assembly are working on a project to set up a Research Engagement Network.

Once created this network will help researchers provide a better service for underserved groups.


Characteristics which are common to several of these groups include:

  • Lower inclusion in research than expected.
  • Higher healthcare burden unmatched by research designed for such groups.
  • Differences in how they engage with healthcare interventions compared to other groups.

Groups that we are keen to work with are -

  • Age extremes – under 25’s or over 65
  • Women of childbearing age
  • Ethnically diverse groups including, Faith groups, Gypsy, Roma travellers
  • LGBTQ+
  • Groups of people who suffer from health inequalities including, those with learning disabilities or a serious mental illness.
  • Those people who are Neuro divergent


This project aims to work with partner organisations in order to develop their local research activities with underrepresented communities. It involves increasing diversity in research and supporting the diverse local communities to get involved in research.


Research Ready Communities: an innovative approach to inclusion in research

Our plan

Make sure health and social care research better reflects the needs and interests of all areas, groups and communities across the country. As a result, we will be better able to address health inequalities.

Programme aims:

  • Build trusting, mutually beneficial relationships with the community.
  • Listen to and understand the community better.
  • Work in partnership with community members and organisations to make research more inclusive and representative.

How we will achieve our goals

  1. Partner with local organisations
  2. Work with partner organisations to find and train community members as Community Champions
  3. Support Community Champions to listen to people in the community about their knowledge and views of health and social care research.
  4. Co-design local activities that respond to what people have said, and that will help improve local inclusion in health and social care research.
  5. Implement co-designed local activities together.
  6. Continue long-term partnership to build inclusive research for the community.

Follow this page if you want to keep in touch about health and care research and the REN project

  • REN Project Learning Event

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    The REN learning event is meant to show the significant strides the REN project is making in terms of enhancing research uptake within our community. The event will be holding on the 28th of November in Southend venue yet to be confirmed.

    The plan for the event are;

    • We would be honoured to have Tom Abell the new CEO open the event with his insights on the REN projects impact and prospects.
    • James Hickling the SRO will also be speaking at the event.
    • Updates will also be given by Tina Starling the REN project lead on the overview of our partners and support we have received from Pfizer.
    • Partner organisations/ community champions will also be presenting on their findings and engagement outcomes since joining the REN project.
    • Researchers will also be presenting on research opportunities and impact they have been able to make through the collaborative nature of the REN project.
    • Presentation from Emmanuel Umeh the project manager on the feedbacks from community organisations on their responses during community engagement.
    • The event will conclude with a wrap up by Claire Hankey, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect with champions and other key stakeholders.

    We believe this event is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the progress of the REN project, share experiences and explore how we can further enhance research uptake in our community.

  • MSE Winter Vaccination Road Show

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    Bringing healthcare closer to our communities: NHS Mid and South Essex launches winter vaccination bus 🚌

    Last year, nearly 60% of eligible residents in mid and south Essex received their flu vaccination. This year, we’re going even further to ensure even more people are protected.

    Our community vaccination bus will be visiting towns across the region, offering flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as free blood pressure checks for adults over 40. Healthcare teams onboard will provide expert advice, administer vaccinations, and signpost residents to further care when needed.

    The towns selected are areas with historically low vaccination uptake and higher health inequalities. By engaging directly with local communities, we’re raising awareness of the importance of winter vaccinations and offering immediate vaccination at the point of conversation. This approach is key to increasing uptake and protecting the most vulnerable as we approach winter.

    The vaccination bus schedule:
    - Tesco Extra, Mayflower Retail Park, Basildon – Tuesday, 15 October (9am-5pm)
    - Morrisons, Southend-on-Sea – Wednesday, 16 October (9am-5pm)
    - Grays High Street – Thursday, 17 October (9am-5pm)
    - Morrisons, Northwick Road, Canvey Island – Friday, 18 October (9am-5pm)

    By bringing healthcare directly to our communities, we’re supporting public health and helping to prevent winter illnesses.

    #PublicHealth #WinterVaccinations #HealthcareProfessionals #CommunityHealth

  • Introducing the REN Community Champion Training

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    Introducing the REN Community Champion Training

    Health and care research is essential for understanding and improving healthcare practices. It helps uncover new insights into diseases, their causes, and potential treatments, informing the health advice and treatments we receive. This research is crucial in advancing healthcare practices, improving patient care, and developing new treatments.

    The REN (Research Engagement Network) project aims to make health and care research more inclusive by improving access to research opportunities for diverse communities in Mid and South Essex. By training and supporting community champions, the REN project helps local communities understand the benefits of health research and how to get involved.

    Community champions are trained to engage with their communities, gather insights on health and care research views, and identify local information sources. They work with community organisations, leaders, and services to improve access to health and care research. This collaboration ensures that people have better access to research opportunities and are informed about health and care research activities.

    The NIHR Clinical Research Network, established by the Department of Health and Social Care, supports this initiative. The network funds research staff, equipment, and facilities, ensuring that research is conducted without diverting funds from health and care services.

    The REN project provides free training for community champions, equipping them with the skills needed to promote health and care research in their communities. Champions conduct workshops and interviews, expanding the project’s reach and sharing their findings.

    Community partner organisations play a crucial role by supporting the REN project, hosting workshops, and developing action plans to increase research access. This collective effort aims to address health inequalities and ensure that research represents diverse populations.

    Join us in making a positive change. For more information on how to get involved, email mseics.getinvolved@nhs.net. Together, we can improve access to health research and contribute to better health outcomes for all.

Page last updated: 15 Oct 2024, 10:19 AM