You can make a difference by supporting research that improves health and care locally and nationally
We have many opportunities for members of the public, service users, carers, patients, families and local communities to get involved in our research activities.
To get involved you don’t need any special or previous knowledge. You just need an interest in health and social care research, some time to spare. and a willingness to share your thoughts and ideas with us.
Sometimes we need service users, carers or other members of the public with certain types of experience for a research study. This might include people with a particular health problem, who have had particular treatments or used specific services, or are from a particular social group or particular area.
We offer training and support, payment for your time (agreed in advance) and cover reasonable expenses.
What is public involvement?
Public involvement is about researchers working in active partnerships with members of the public.
It is about research being carried out with or by members of the public, rather than to, about or for them.
The term public includes service users, carers, families, patients, potential patients, and people who use health and social care services, as well as people from organisations, such as community groups, that represent people who use services.
You can be any age, as we want to work with children and young people, parents, working age people and older people.
What could I be involved in?
Involvement is different to engagement (sharing information and knowledge) or participation (where people take part in a study as subjects).
Things you could be involved in:
- Identifying research topics and questions of importance to members of the public, patients and service users
- Offering advice and feedback as a member of a project’s steering group or a public involvement group
- Helping to develop materials such as information sheets, interview guides or questionnaires
- Carrying out interviews with research participants
- Helping to share research findings and get research evidence into practice.
Join our Public Advisory Network
Our Public Advisory Network (PAN) is made up of members of the public and representatives from small community organisations.
The group meets quarterly and helps to shape and advise our work.
Anyone is welcome, and we’re keen to attract a wide range of people from a wide range of backgrounds, to join.
The group also offers other opportunities to get involved in things such as events, meetings and research projects, and members receive regular updates on events and activities.
We also have a Young Public Advisory Network (YPAN) which is a group of young people who meet regularly and are also involved in our events and activities.
If you’d like to find out more about being involved in our work as a public advisor, please contact arcnenc@cntw.nhs.uk
