Members of the public and researchers from across Kent, Surrey and Sussex, came together at an event, last month (April), to talk about the difference co-production and public involvement has made to their research and to share best practice.
Hosted by the Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex (ARC KSS), the Taking those extra steps towards meaningful public involvement and co-production: examples in practice online event, attracted around 90 people, including: researchers, academics, health and care professionals, provider organisations, community partners and members of the public.
'Involving members of the public at the start of the research project', 'the use of inclusive language', 'allowing public members to feel part of a team' and 'creating a safe space for people to come together' were just some of the tops tips that presenters shared with the audience.
Chaired by ARC KSS's Co-production Research Associate, Lisa Richardson, the event included presentations from:
ARC KSS-funded PhD student, Kat-Frere-Smith, who described how and why she is using co-production to explore the barriers and enablers for optimal health and wellbeing in the menopausal period, for under-resourced groups. Accompanied by Sharon Richenberg, a member of the research group, they talked about the steps they have taken to develop a project co-production group including: recruitment, getting to know each other, training - in relation to anticipated roles in the project, and funding.
Research Fellow in Public Health Lavinia Bertini and Living Well with Dementia Theme Public Advisor, Karin Webb, both from ARC KSS, explained how they developed a new research proposal, bringing together views from both a researcher and public member's perspective They explained how developing already established relationships, as well as recruiting new members, has helped them to develop more meaningful research questions, with more appropriate and inclusive language. Read a summary of their experiences and the impact on their learning for next time here.
While, Sarah Giles, ARC KSS Theme Public Advisor, reflected on her experiences of being a co-applicant in the research process, including: making sure that public members are included as part of the team through the sharing of information; arranging mutually convenient meeting times; and how the use of inclusive language; can lead to an enjoyable experience for all. Read the highs and lows she experienced and her summary of takeaway tips if you want to include public members in your research in a fun and meaningful way here.
And, Kathryn Stanley, ARC KSS Public and Community Involvement and Engagement (PCIE) Officer; was joined by Hannah Patton from Kent Youth Research Network and Harriet Peach, Digital and Participation Lead for YMCA Downslink. They have been working together on a project to develop Youth Research Partnerships to encourage young people to have a voice in research. Here are two short videos from Kent Youth Voice giving the young people's perspectives on why they should be involved in research and how to make meeting accessible and incentivised for young people
Kent Youth Voice: Young people talk about why they are involved in research
Kent Youth Voice: What young people need to be involved in research
Pippa Shaw, ARC KSS PCIE Lead, said:
"We were delighted by the strength of interest in this topic and the brilliant presentations that included perspectives from public members as well as researchers. Although each presentation had its own topic, there was an overwhelming sense of enthusiasm and passion, from both public members and researchers, resulting in fun and impactful working relationships for the benefit of the projects."
