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Research Ambassador Network Champions Lived Experience in Service Transformation and Policy Change
RESEARCH AMBASSADOR NETWORK CHAMPIONS LIVED EXPERIENCE IN SERVICE TRANSFORMATION AND POLICY CHANGE.
Dr Kate Mahoney from Healthwatch Essex introduces a new Research Ambassador Network that provides the opportunity for individuals to share their lived experiences to help improve health and social care provision.
Healthwatch Essex are an independent charity that record the experiences of people from across Essex to improve health and social care. We believe that people ’ s voices should be at the heart of service transformation. Through our ambassador networks, we create opportunities for individuals to share their experiences with service providers to produce positive change. We currently run networks for people living with disabilities, carers, individuals with experience of trauma, and young people who have used mental health services. We also host an Information and Guidance helpline, that provides support to individuals who are struggling to access services, have had a negative experience of health and social care, or who require signposting to a local service or initiative.
We also produce our own in-depth research and engagement reports focused on a range of health and social care concerns affecting people in Essex. Our research reports, typically aimed at academics, service providers and policy makers, align lived experience with academic theory to generate recommendations for policy change and service transformation. We draw on a variety of methods when conducting our research. These include qualitative interviews and focus groups, thematic analysis, literature reviews, and creative methods such as collaging and photography.
We are always keen to share our research skills and learn from others. We are therefore pleased to announce the foundation of our Research Ambassador Network – a scheme that invites individuals with an interest in health and social care, qualitative methods and lived experience to volunteer with us to gain experience conducting research in the voluntary sector. Starting in October, the Research Ambassador Network will host monthly meetings where we will try out different research methods, assess academic literature, and conduct data analysis related to our projects. The sessions will be supplemented by a Research Forum, where external speakers with academic and clinical expertise will be invited to talk to us. Members will also be encouraged to write for our monthly Research Reflections blog, with our full support.
The Research Ambassador Network is an opportunity for members to develop their research skills in a charity setting, build connections with others from different academic and professional backgrounds, and share their own experiences and expertise in a supportive environment. The Network is open to anyone from a range of educational and professional backgrounds, including: · Undergraduate and postgraduate (taught and research) students who are keen to gain valuable experience conducting health and social care research in the voluntary sector. · Health and social care staff who would like to learn more about research and the role of lived experience in transforming services. · Professionals from a range of industries who are looking to gain more qualitative research experience, particularly relating to health and social care.
You do not need to have prior experience of research, just a commitment to learning about the role that lived experience research can play in improving health and social care. Our meetings will typically last between one to two hours at a time convenient for members. Network members will be expected to spend some time preparing for meetings, either by reading suggested literature or analysing data provided.
Healthwatch Essex ’ s Research Team are more than happy to respond to any queries and have a chat to prospective members to ensure the accessibility and inclusivity of our Network.
If you would like to get involved or have any questions, please email Healthwatch Essex ’ s Research Manager Dr Kate Mahoney at kate.mahoney@healthwatchessex.org.uk or call 07565 189844.
