The VCSE Alliance hosted an inaugural event that launched a new framework, Research Engagement and Community Health (REACH) in Worcestershire. The purpose of REACH is to make sure that underrepresented groups in Worcestershire have access to the resources needed to improve their health and wellbeing. The project launch event was held at the University of Worcester and led by Branwen Bingle, Community Health: Research Training Lead for the Worcestershire VCSE Alliance.
The project funding was secured from the Integrated Care Systems Research Engagement Network (ICS REN) in autumn 2023 and officially began in early November, with Branwen appointed as Community Health: Research Training Lead.
In December 2023 and January 2024, VCSE Alliance ran a survey which was filled out by the VCSE Alliance management group and other wellbeing leads. The groups were keen to collaborate and give useful information for people’s use of research in their roles within the VCSE.
Throughout January 2024 and February 2024, weekly meetings were held to review and discuss what information would be useful. This led to the launch of the REACH Worcestershire initiative as well as some initial resources to support Awareness and Engagement with community health research. This is currently being piloted by VCSE organisations across the county.
The event was well-attended and included Redditch District Collaborative, Worcestershire Association of Carers, Macmillan Cancer Support, South Worcestershire Primary Care Network, University of Worcester, Droitwich, Ombersley & The Rurals Primary Care Network, Adult Social Care, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS.
Other organisations that were unable to attend the event but have regularly contributed were; Sight Concern, YSS, the Stroke Association, and Behind the Smile. About the programme, Branwen said, “I am delighted to see the development of REACH Worcestershire to better represent diverse community voices in health and social care research across the county.”
“As the project lead, I have enjoyed working with committed members of VCSE organisations on the co-production of a framework that best meets the needs of people living and working in the region.”
What is REACH Worcestershire?
The mission of REACH is:
· To improve health and wellbeing outcomes.
· To address health inequalities through detailed and research-informed support for communities in Worcestershire.
Both will be achieved by:
· Building on existing community engagement programmes.
· Creating a network of Local Research Leads (LRLs) who will coordinate panels to act as research advisors for existing community engagement programmes.
Kay Burton, Communications Lead for Worcestershire VCSE Alliance, shared her future hopes for REACH. “Worcestershire Community Wellbeing Roles Network' is proving very popular and a much-needed source of peer support. The work of REACH is a brilliant opportunity for people working in community well-being roles to help amplify the voices of the people they work with.”
To find out more information, visit Worcestershire VCSE Alliance.
Comments