Community Health Research

Latest News on REACH Programme:

Because many people in our communities do not know the value of health and social care research, another vital part of this work is to empower more of the people who are often left out of planning and deciding how health and care services are delivered have their views heard by getting involved. So we are also keen to encourage conversations about health research in all our communities and support better links between community and research.

For information on training sessions and how to get more involved please click here

What is REACH?

Research Engagement And Community Health: Working together for better health through effective research

Mission: To improve health and wellbeing outcomes and address health inequalities through cohesive, targeted and research-informed support for communities in Worcestershire.
We aim to:

(Re) build trust in health and care services across the county
Increase participation in community health research by diverse and seldom heard groups
Encourage more consistent use of research evidence around what works in health and social care by the VCSE sector

Download Reach Leaflet Here

Download Powerpoint Here

REACH Community Research Training Latest News!

Over September and October, Community First hosted 4 face to face workshops which trained 25 more people from the VCSE in Research Engagement And Community Health tools. Attendees came with varying degrees of previous knowledge and experience, but everyone took away key learning points that they can put into practice in their ongoing work.

“I think my biggest take away from the session in relation to goals we want to achieve by doing community led research is that you don't have to your research goals all at once. You can break down your bigger research goal into smaller projects. The data can still be rich and meaningful, and the research project is not so big and daunting for the smaller organisation to complete.” Christine Searl, CEO and Founding Director, Beyond The Hoard CIC

We are now looking to develop satellite research hubs that can use their understanding of the value of community and health research to improve the lives of the people using their services.

To join this part of the project, your organisation will need to have at least one person who has completed the REACH training, agree to share relevant research information to the people who use your services and feedback on any research engagement by people who use your services as appropriate and continue to engage in REACH evaluation and activities. Please email amandaw@comfirst.org.uk to find out more.

If you missed the previous training dates it is not too late to get involved as we are offering a one-day REACH online session, 10am – 3.15pm, Tuesday 25th November. Please email amandaw@comfirst.org.uk to book a place.

For anyone who has been involved in REACH previously, either earlier this year or in 2024, we are hosting an informal REACH drop in online 1-2pm on Wednesday 12th November. Here you can ask any burning questions about REACH, community research, the satellite hubs, or to check in with other people involved in REACH. Please email amandaw@comfirst.org.uk if you would like to receive the link to join us.

Current Health Research Studies

TRAUMA

This study aims to understand the impact of traumatic experiences on mental health

Anyone aged 18+ who has experienced a traumatic event in childhood or as an adult can take part

Complete this online questionnaire, bit.ly/TSHWTrust  (inc online consent), which takes 10-15 minutes

STORY

Characterising Illness Stages, Progression and Recovery Trajectories of Eating Disorders in Young People
To understand the recovery process from eating disorders (EDs) in young people (YP) aged 16-25 by unobtrusively measuring behaviour, physiology, and daily experiences of young people in real time via smartphone apps and inbuilt sensors in smartphones and wearable devices
For further information: https://redcap-phidatalab.brc.iop.kcl.ac.uk/surveys/?s=RJCKPEELNYHYJYPC

EDGI - Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative

The aim is to better understand the genetic & environmental links to eating disorders & help develop better treatments

Anyone aged 16+ living in England who has experienced, or has been diagnosed with an eating disorder can take part

Complete the online questionnaire by visiting: https://edgiuk.org/. Saliva sample kit will be posted out to you

GLAD – Genetic Links to Anxiety and Depression

This study is exploring risk factors for depression and/or anxiety

Anyone aged 16+ living in England who has experienced, or has been diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression can take part

Complete the online questionnaire by visiting: https://gladstudy.org.uk/. Saliva sample kit will be posted out to you

Be Part of Research

Have you seen this? Might you know anyone who would like to give back by taking part in health research?

Here, you can read stories from members of the public across the UK who are involved in many different types of health research: https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/my-research-story/

Be Part of Research is a free service which makes it easy to find and take part in vital health and care research across the UK. 

Simply tell us which health conditions you’re interested in. We’ll match you to suitable studies and send you information on how to take part: https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/