Published on: 23 June 2025
Health and Care Research for All, funded by the NHS England Research Engagement Network is seeking to build on its success in involving local people in making health and care research more inclusive and accessible.
Hosted by Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) the partnership features voluntary sector organisations, including Support Staffordshire, VAST, Community Resource, STAY, and Qube, alongside Keele University and the University of Staffordshire.
As well as seeking to make sure the voices of diverse populations are heard in research that matters to them, the partnership is working to increase participation in studies and develop future research with local people to address health inequalities.
Launched in 2022, it has so far secured more than £550,000 funding to support the involvement of communities in North-West Midlands in health and care research. It has also invited more than 17,400 people to take part in research studies and engaged with over 300 community organisations and their members. Community Research Engagement Co-ordinators work within a number of voluntary sector organisations, while community partners have been involved in collaborative research grant applications.
Ruth Lambley-Burke, Director of Research and Innovation at MPFT said: “People should be able to get involved in health and care research without any barriers blocking their way. Through the Health and Care Research for All programme, voluntary, health and university partners are working closely together in Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, and Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin to ensure there are no barriers when it comes to accessing and contributing to research studies.
“The partnership has enjoyed much success thus far and is committed to going further in expanding the opportunities available for people, whatever their background to be part of something that seeks to make a real difference.”
To get involved with Health and Care Research for All, or to find out more contact RENprogramme
