Community research projects inspire at Showcase event

The second Clinical Research Network (CRN) Wessex Showcase event took place on 10 September 2024. 

The event brought to life the fantastic work funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) CRN Wessex’s Small Grant Scheme working with communities under-served by research, and demonstrated the huge impact a small grant can have. 

Delegates from local hospital trusts, councils, community organisations and universities heard from projects funded by the 2023/24 grant scheme. The presentations offered an incredible insight into the range of work undertaken at grass roots level, as a result of these grants. 

Projects included: 

• Engaging men and young males in the design of research and health service delivery
• How to meet the needs of people with intellectual disabilities 
• Exploring the link between social deprivation, health inequalities and anti-social behaviours
• Exploring perspectives of health literacy needs of migrants and minority ethnic groups
• Understanding mental capacity through the voices of those with a learning disability
• Building community research capacity to support community-informed learning and decision making
• Building a Wessex-Wide Community of Practice for people affected by gambling disorder
• Accessible Information Standard
• Portsmouth area maternity engagement

The Small Grant Scheme has been running for two years and meets a funding need for community organisations to build research capacity.  In 2022/23 and 2023/24 a total of 39 projects across Wessex have been funded in this way. 

Findings from an impact evaluation of the scheme were also shared by Sarah Williams, Director of Research & Improvement at Solent NHS Foundation Trust. The evaluation evidenced the importance of the funding, highlighting the inclusive, flexible and collaborative management of the grant. In addition, it found that the grant fostered community collaboration, weaving together expertise, trust and impact.  It also helped build skills and confidence and sustainable networks for long-term impact. 

Zoë Sheppard, Research Delivery Manager for CRN Wessex and who oversees the grant comments: “The Showcase is a fantastic event that celebrates the great work undertaken with communities under-served by research. Presenters delivered engaging and inspiring talks that showed a passion for research and a true desire to ensure that communities under-served by research were at the heart of it all.  I’m delighted that we have been able to support these projects and thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the day.”

Clare Rook, Network Director, South Central Regional Research Delivery Network comments: ““Yet again I'm amazed by the fantastic work showcased at this event. The Small Grants Scheme really does make a huge impact - this has not only been evidenced by the inspiring projects presented at the event but also by findings from the Small Grants Scheme evaluation report that was also showcased. It is important that we continue to collaborate across our communities to create inclusive research that will support improvements in health and care for everyone.”