REN - The creation of a Research Engagement Network

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

Partner with local organisations
Work with partner organisations to find and train community members as Community Champions
Support Community Champions to listen to people in the community about their knowledge and views of health and social care research.
Co-design local activities that respond to what people have said, and that will help improve local inclusion in health and social care research.
Implement co-designed local activities together.
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