2. Creating a dialogue: helping researchers put User involvement into practice North West Users Research Advisory Group Evelyn Bitcon & David Britt & Sara Morris

3. North West Users Research Advisory Group (NWURAG) Background: 2000 – NWURAG started. 3 one day conferences held in the North West 2001 – facilitated workshops and focus groups 2002 – Health R&D NoW began training workshops for Users and NHS Staff. New User support post created at Health R&D NoW 2003 – “Making it Happen” report published. “Next Steps” event held. 12 new lay members recruited to NWURAG

4. Who we are Individual lay members and people from organisations (NHS staff and academics) Wide range of interests, experience and involvement with other organisations We meet every two months Lunch and expenses Supported by Health R&D NoW Currently 25 members 50% lay members

5. What we do - aims We aim to support members of the public and professional researchers working together in health research. We can offer: One-to-one advice Talks about user involvement Help with training and workshops General information about involvement in research Examples of successful involvement

6. What we do - actions Needs are identified through discussion. Work is carried out in subgroups: Confidence building workshop Patient & Public Involvement support Brown envelope (payment for users) Communications (links and publicity) Top tips (information for researchers)

7. Postcard

8. Future plans Develop a ‘code of practice’ for lay researchers Collect and publicise ‘success stories’ in the North West Engage with the existing and new clinical research networks Cancer, mental health, medicines for children, diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s

9. How to contact us Dr Sara Morris, R&D Manager for User Involvement Health R&D NoW, Lancaster University 01524 592656 s.m.morris@lancaster.ac.uk Or visit our website:www.lancs.ac.uk/fss/ihr/hrdn/users