22 Nov 2023On 7 November 2023, NIHR ARC North Thames was pleased to welcome a group of 26 health and care professionals to Woburn House, for a one-day training to develop their paths in mental health research.
The event was co-created by Advisory Group members and recipients of our Mental Health Research for All (MH-ALL) funding – a fund dedicated to improving the ability of staff, working across roles and organisations in mental health in the North Thames region, to engage with and conduct research. The Advisory Group members contributed with their invaluable knowledge and expertise in developing and shaping research that authentically involves patients and public from the onset, as recommended in the NIHR Involve Roadmap for research. MH-ALL fellows have benefitted from paid, protected time out of their day-to-day roles to engage with research, and the supportive ARC North Thames community of researchers at all ages and stages. This meant that facilitators were able to bring into the training their own personal perspectives and learnings on their internships, career development fellowships and springboard funding awards, to support others starting out on their research journeys. This also ensured that the training touched upon all the key research elements that recipients have needed to carry out rigorous mental health research, reflecting the reality of professionals on the ground who are balancing research with clinical work.
The training aimed to support participants to navigate through research, understanding the role of research in their everyday practice and how to embed research into their current role, advocate for their own research engagement, and practice pitching their research ideas.
Participants praised the practical focus of the training as a very helpful in starting to think creatively about research ideas and how to implement them. They were also grateful for the boost in confidence that came with pitching research ideas to a supportive audience!
Dr Fran Zanatta said: “The day was a great testament to the power of co-production and the importance of working with experts by experience, both in terms of clinical and personal experience. 15 public advisors collaborated in the shaping of the event and developed its content and delivery. The popularity of the event speaks to a wider interest from health and care colleagues in Trusts, Local Authority and community group settings to be part of and contribute to research. The aim of MH-ALL and of this type of training is to involve colleagues and break down the barriers to research. We are proud of the work that MH-ALL is doing in demystify research and break down the ‘Ivory Tower.’”
A training participant said: “I loved the focus on networking and connecting with other professionals. Its practical nature was very helpful in starting to think creatively about ideas and how to implement them. I feel it has really boosted my confidence and given me ideas and steps that could be implemented in my work setting.”
