Collaboration Week Aims to Boost Inclusivity in Greater Manchester Health Research
In a joint effort by research, voluntary and community organisations from across Greater Manchester, “Collaboration Week” is set to address the lack of representation and systemic barriers to participating in health and care research with two events in March 2024.
The events are part of the NHS England funded Research Engagement Network (REN) programme on behalf of the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership. They have been co-developed by The National Institute for Health and Care Research, Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester (NIHR ARC-GM), Vocal, and the Caribbean, and African Health Network (CAHN) in order to:
- Share the Five pillars of our Charter and present back exemplars of Research Engagement Network 2 work that fits under each pillar to demonstrate solutions.
- Connect with others with a passion for improving inclusive engagement so the people of Greater Manchester have a voice in shaping future health and care research.
- Co-Design future ways of working to embed inclusive approaches when working with diverse communities.
- Pledge future support to collaborative working and sharing of learning and opportunities.
Collaboration Week kicks off on Tuesday 19th March 2024, with an online showcase from 10am to 12pm. The event will spotlight innovative and creative approaches to engaging with diverse communities, presenting an introduction to the Greater Manchester Respectful Research Charter.
The collaboration will continue on Friday 22nd March 2024, with a face-to-face workshop at St Thomas Centre, Ardwick from 10am to 3pm. This session will focus on shaping the pillars of the GM Respectful Research Charter, with participants exploring strategies to embed reciprocal partnerships for engagement. The workshop will particularly emphasise investments in and support for Voluntary, Charity, Faith, and Social Enterprise Sector (VCFSE) organisations and Community Champions.
Despite our region's robust research infrastructure and a thriving VCSFE Sector, there are key challenges to be addressed, the week aims to highlight the importance of investment in and learning from the work of VCFSE organisations and Community Champions, as well as the necessity for improved coordination between Greater Manchester's numerous research and community assets.
These events encourage individuals with a passion for improving inclusive engagement to connect with others during the week, aiming to ensure the people of Greater Manchester have a voice in shaping future health and care research.
Join the Conversation and Collaborate
Sign up now for Tuesday 19th March online event here.
Sign up now for Friday 22nd March in-person event here. Please note sign up for the in person event will close on 13th March 2024.
Attending on behalf of a voluntary, community or faith organisation? As a token of appreciation for your engagement, we will reimburse your organisation £50 for attending the online event on Tuesday 19th March and £150 for those joining in person on Friday 22nd March. Please state your organisation when signing up and we shall be in contact after the event for payment details.
For those unable to attend the events, an online platform you can contribute any thoughts, ideas, and support for the initiative on an online whiteboard to ensure a broad and inclusive range of perspectives. Email Joanna.ferguson@manchester.ac.uk for access.
Read the Research Engagement Network Development Programme Greater Manchester ICS – Full Report here.
Published 16/02/2024