The local NHS, voluntary sector, community and research organisations will be working with local people to increase the numbers able to take part in health research across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Over £90,000 has been awarded to increase uptake and diversity in research, particularly from communities who are underrepresented or less likely to participate currently. A series of workshops and events will start this month, running until March 2023, to hear from these communities about what matters to them.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care System Research Collaborative will bring together the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, Action Hampshire (representing Hampshire and Isle of Wight voluntary, community and social enterprise associations), University Hospital Southampton research organisations, the University of Winchester and Southampton and Hampshire County Council along with other voluntary sector organisations.
Dr Derek Sandeman, Chief Medical Officer at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB), the NHS organisation leading the bid, said:
“We are really proud to have been awarded this funding, working together with our partners across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Increasing the number of people involved in health research is really important to help ensure that findings are representative of all our population and have an impact across as many communities as possible.
Our local voluntary, community and social enterprise partners have invaluable links with our communities and local people so we are delighted to be working together to reach as many people as possible and find out what is important to them.”
Nicky Judd from Action Hampshire said:
“We’re really excited to have helped secure this funding for VCSE organisations to find out how their communities would like to be involved in research and what matters to them. These are experts by experience. The project will influence future research to be carried out on their terms, which we hope will mean more people having their voices heard.
Action Hampshire is all about amplifying voices, which is vital in making sure the services and activities in our communities are equitable and work for everyone.
We have such a strong VCSE sector across the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Care System; we’re going to make the most of their expertise!”
Professor Saul Faust, Consultant Paediatrician at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) and Director of the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility said:
“It’s vital that we connect with the diverse communities of our region. This award will give more people a voice in, and access to, cutting edge health and care research.
Working with our Integrated Care System for health and social care, voluntary and charitable partners means we can build relationships that last, and that tackle real need, faster.”
Further information about the events and how to get involved will be available shortly. In the meantime contact the team at Action Hampshire to find out more.