Research Better Together

Research Better Together aims to build capacity and knowledge exchange in participatory research among health and social care researchers and voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations (VCFSEs) in Birmingham.

In stage 1 (Jan – Oct 2022) the project:

• Mapped participatory research and education in Birmingham.
• Delivered training for researchers and VCFSEs in creative participatory research methods and approaches.
• Facilitated peer learning and support for researchers and VCFSEs in Birmingham through webinars and a networking workshop.

In stage 2 (Mar 2023 - May 2024) the project connected and provided practical support to social care researchers and VCFSEs in Birmingham to engage in participatory research by:

• Networking events to enable academics and VCFSEs to discuss shared social care research interests.
• Delivering training for VCFSEs and academic researchers in participatory research, focusing on engaging communities, evidencing impact and creative methodologies.
• Providing grants of £1k and mentorship to small teams of academic researchers and VCFSEs to co-design and in some cases co-deliver social care focused research projects or bids that include people with lived experience of care.

In Stage 3 (Oct 2024 – March 2026), the project connected and provided practical support to health, wellbeing and social care researchers and VCFSEs in Birmingham to engage in participatory research through:

• Networking events.
• Training, including on academic and VCSE landscapes, research ethics and research funding.
• Mentoring and support to develop research-based collaborations, produce research proposals, and apply for funding.
• Grants of up to £8,000 to support new collaborations and the inclusion of people with lived experience and communities in co-production activity.
• Access to a Community of Practice with other VCFSE and researcher collaborations to share ideas and learn.

Research Better Together Resource Guide: We have developed this resource as a guide to support you to deliver your own ‘Research Better Together’ inspired programme.

The NIHR Report on RBT

The Evaluation Report (PDF, 1.14 MB)

Phase 1 Findings

• Scoping current practice in the Birmingham Social Care VCFSE Sector. A report by BVSC
• A report by Co-Production Works on Social Care Participatory Research and Education in Birmingham’s Universities

Academic publications

• Perspective Paper
• Conference Abstract

The beneficiaries and benefits of this project include:

• Academic researchers, who will develop a stronger understanding of participatory research methodologies, and have access to a wider network of local organisations and co-researchers that can be embedded within research design and delivery;
• VCSOs, who will benefit from peer learning, training and networking with other VCSOs and academic researchers to support future partnerships and the creation of a more inclusive research environments;
• People with lived experience of care, who will benefit from new opportunities to co-produce research with academics and VSCOs, and in turn enable a better understanding of social care delivery.

Research Better Together phases 1 and 2 were funded by the Enhancing Research and Knowledge Exchange Funding Programme at University of Birmingham. Phase 3 was funded through an NIHR Programme Development Grant (award NIHR207060).

Research Better Together is a collaborative project involving:

• Kelly Hall and Caroline Jackson from University of Birmingham.
• Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC), an infrastructure organisation which supports the VCFSE sector in Birmingham.
• Birmingham Community Healthcare Foundation Trust.
• Catalyst4Change – a CIC supporting community organisations, social enterprises, faith groups or businesses that have a significant African and Caribbean mental health / wellbeing service user base.
• Danai Papachristopoulou from The Refugee and Migrant Centre as a VCFSE sector adviser, having been involved in phase 2 of Research Better Together.
• Our evaluation team from Newman University (Adam Benkwitz, Mark Holland, Kirsty Spencer), University of Nottingham (Celine Benoit) and Catalyst 4 Change.

In phases 1 and 2, training was delivered by:

• Communicate2U, a local social enterprise with expertise in participatory research, including non-verbal, creative research methodologies.

• Co-production Works a consultancy specialising in supporting organisations to work in co-production with people who use services and carers.

• The Social Care Institute for Excellence web pages on co-production.
• INVOLVE – UK Standards for Public Involvement
• Imperial College London's Public Involvement Resource Hub
• Co-Production Collective
• Co-Production Collective Resource Library
• Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations, this page includes a film about sharing power.

• Think Local Act Personal
• Shaping Our Lives - Inclusive Involvement
• National Survivor User Network
• Dementia Enquirers 
• Disability Rights UK

• NIHR Public Involvement in Social Care Research | NIHR
• NIHR public contributor payment policy | NIHR
• Payment for Public Involvement in Health and Care Research: A guide for organisations on determining the most appropriate payment approach | NIHR
• Payment guidance for researchers and professionals looking to include public involvement| NIHR
• Learning For Involvement | NIHR

CHERP is a collaborative initiative created in partnership with academia, community researchers, the VCFSE sector and those interested in creating research and driving change. CHERP brings together a growing collection of tools, knowledge and opportunities for anyone interested in health, social care and wellbeing research. Whether you’re a researcher, a community organisation, or a citizen wanting to get involved, you’ll find:

• Research reports
• Toolkits, guidance, and training packages
• Information about current and upcoming research
• Opportunities to become a Community Researcher
• Spaces to connect with others and share your ideas

The Birch Network is Birmingham Voluntary Service Council’s practitioner and learning network for organisations and individuals interested in community and participatory research, engagement and evidence-informed practice. Birch provides opportunities to:

• Connect with others working in community and participatory research
• Share learning and experience
• Explore new approaches to participation and engagement
• Collaborate across sectors

University of Birmingham Adult Social Care Cluster & Lived Experience Panel 

Coren

University of Sheffield Participatory Research Network