Community–led research Dr Lesley Greenaway (Evaluation Services) Jacqui McDowell (CFHS NHS Health Scotland) JM

What we plan to do now Brief inputs on community led research approach, to introduce website resources & share how they were used in a research project involving 3 partners Short discussion on the approach, in pairs/small groups Practical experience of using one of the tools Check delegates expectations via introductions Double act Check expectations – do a thumbs up down vote,is this balance about what you anticipated, check out if there are lots of thumbs downs Lesley do introductions ie who are and what want in two – three words, this is another check for us, remember more networking later this is just to put faces to names 10 mins approx

Jacqui

1. What is a community-led research approach? Align with principles of empowerment and participation Local people make enquiries within own community Positive & respectful way to research sensitive issues Community researchers bring their own assets & talents eg rich understanding of the context & issue Possible future wins eg for researchers, for organisation & community Lesley

On planning Research question(s) Steps and stages in the process Resources, expenses, venue, incentives, staffing, transcription, dissemination Team building Lesley

2. Getting started Lesley

Discussion What issue or research question do you have that could suit this approach? What resources & partners do you have, or could you access, to support the process? Jacqui Pair discussion approx. 10 mins

3. Doing research together Designing questions   Deciding who to ask Choosing your research method/s Collecting your data Lesley

Things to think about… Background data ensuring the right people are reached Informed consent and permissions Same and/or different Using technology Lesley

4. What your research means – … Qualitative and quantitative Not another spreadsheet Main report, many communication tools: audience, purpose, focus, message Jacqui

A real example What Community led research into food security Why Questions = What would/could food security look like and mean for people? How would this be different from where they are now? What would need to happen in people’s communities to achieve food security for all? Who Resources Investment for partners + Specialist support (Lesley) When 2015 – 2016 Jacqui

…at a glance 5 Community researchers 3 focus groups Burnfoot Healthy Living Networks VOMO EYC BHLN Mens group Mums and toddlers Central and West Integration Network Recruitment 12 Community Researchers Introduction Build team Training Code of practice Designing questions Target groups Plan methods Data collection Pilot survey Interviews Focus groups Analysis Discussion Findings Reporting Report Celebrate Share Focus group Linwood Community Development Trust Individual interview 5 Community researchers LCDT staff Glasgow Caledonian University 3 focus groups 7 Individual interview Video Jacqui

Creative dissemination.. Jacqui Creative dissemination..

5. Evaluating the community-led research process Project review and evaluation activities Recognition and celebration What next for community researchers? Lesley

Successes and challenges The research was undertaken, reports delivered & outcomes achieved – for partners, community researchers and us Unexpected outputs – resources for web Adapting to and learning from the variations in approach Challenges Time, all took longer than expected or desired Small sample sizes, potentially restricted range of population eg no young people Unexpected issues due to variations in approach Double act Lesley Successes – groups ie one used their report to support a successful funding bid, for community researchers – skills that they want to use to do more research, some have gone on to be involved in other activities locally and have ideas to take forward , for us learning about the topic from the group we wanted to hear from which we can share with others re measuring food insecurity, understanding the issue and practice development unexpected outputs – we had not planned to produce resources for website but as they were produced we were able to take advantage of the opportunity Adapting to the variations in approach needed more flexibility, creativity etc than anticipated, use of videographers and other partners, different ways to recruit volunteers, central role of food eg meals, pilot community event, gifts for respondendents Jacqui Challenges

Take away learning Investment in early stages is crucial Be flexible and open to adapt the pace Piloting the approach in a real context pays off Time Jacqui

Group activity Practical example of using a tool to help create a code of practice Lesley 10 mins activity plus 5 – 10 feedback

Review and recap Jacqui

Next steps…. Provide support for partners local dissemination and to take forward a small piece of work Share learning about community led research and findings at CFHS networking conference Share learning and findings via CFHS website and directly with other stakeholders Draft article(s) for appropriate journals and newsletters Jacqui