The Research Engagement Network – What is it?
The Mid and South Essex ICB, along with local hospitals and community assembly members, has established the Research Engagement Network (REN) to improve research inclusivity for underserved groups. This initiative focuses on addressing health inequalities and increasing representation in health and social care research.
Key Characteristics of Target Groups:
- Lower than expected research inclusion.
- Higher healthcare burdens without corresponding research focus.
- Different healthcare engagement patterns.
Priority Groups:
- Age extremes (under 25s and over 65s).
- Women of childbearing age.
- Ethnically diverse groups (e.g., faith groups, Gypsy, Roma, and travellers).
- LGBTQ+ individuals.
- People facing health inequalities (e.g., those with learning disabilities, serious mental illness, or neurodivergence).
Programme Goals:
- Build trust and collaborative relationships with communities.
- Increase understanding of underserved groups.
- Partner with local organisations and community members to make research inclusive.
How can I get involved with research?
Ots so easy…. Just follow this link to ‘Sign up to Be Part of Research’ with the NIHR – National Institute of health and care research. You will then receive notifications when a study comes up that matches yourself.
MSE Virtual Views – Mid and South Essex online community to share your views, opinions and lived experience. Lots of research opportunities are shared on this website.
Some links to Mental health related studies:-
Genetic Links to Anxiety and Depression | GLAD Study
Measuring loneliness in UK (INTERACT) study | Faculty of Medicine | Imperial College London
Link here to the REN leaflet – c2ea4dc76fb112b1476df471ec64979d_Research_Engagement_Network_(REN).pdf
