REND: Creating trusted partnerships for inclusion in mental health research
What are we trying to do?
We are developing a Research Engagement Network Development (REND) Programme which builds on our previous Research Engagement Network (REN).
Using community Health and Wellbeing Hubs, we will enhance links between local communities, the Voluntary, Charity, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector and research teams to make mental health research more acceptable and accessible, especially to diverse populations.
Why is this important?
Greater Manchester has high levels of depression, anxiety and distress. The VCFSE sector provides critical mental health support for local communities. However, participation in mental health research is lower than needed, particularly among diverse communities.
We need to increase participation, especially among diverse communities, to make sure that the initiatives being designed to improve mental health are meeting the needs of these groups.
How are we doing it?
We will:
- Create a model for long-term community research hubs within two VCFSE-led Health and Wellbeing hubs, building on previous REN initiatives.
- Work with VCFSE partners and research teams to develop better language and labelling for mental health research.
- Increase participation in mental health research by making it easier to understand and access.
- Co-design future plans for mental health research with local communities to make sure they match community needs.
Who are we working with?
Funding information
This work was funded by NHS England, as part of the ICS Research Engagement Network (REN) Development Programme.
More information
Programme Manager
Cristianne Bukhari
cristianne.bukhari@manchester.ac.uk