COMMUNITY RESEARCH CHAMPIONS

Areas of focus: Engaging and involving local people, communities and stakeholders. 

Why change was needed

Current research participation does not always reflect our wider population or those who are most affected by a condition or circumstance. This means that results from research might not show how different groups respond to new treatments or services.

What we did

Volunteers have been recruited as Community Research Champions to support with local engagement within their communities. NHS Coventry and Warwickshire ICS is working with Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action to bridge the gap between people and health care services.

A Research Engagement Network, which includes partners across Coventry and Warwickshire ICS is leading on the recruitment of the Champions. The role will help to ensure that health and social care research better reflects the needs and interests of all communities. It will also support with the improvement of health and social care treatment, diagnosis, prevention and tackle health inequalities.

Outcomes

The project has already seen nine Community Champions recruited and attend a co-creation event led by Coventry University to develop research engagement resources. This is a great example of how our system partners have come together to engage and involve our people to improve access to healthcare services and increase trust and confidence.