Find out how collaboration and true partnership working creates action with regard to the reduction of health inequalites across Newham and north east London, by increasing participation and knowledge sharing in health ad social care research.

North East London Research Engagement Network (NEL REN)

NEL REN work collaboratively with community groups, research organisations and researchers to reduce health inequalities through increasing participation and diversity in health and social care research

The role of the network

Our purpose is to make health and social care research in north east London:

accessible
competent
person and community-centred
trustworthy

We work with local voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations to ensure that research reflects the voices and needs of all communities across north east London. We do this by:

building trust with communities
increasing research capacity
sharing knowledge within north east London
tackling misconceptions
including local communities in research

Our aim is to create a future where everyone has a voice in health and social care research.

The responsibilities of the network

The network is a platform for strengthening research engagement, participation, and promotion within north east London.

The key duties and responsibilities of the network are informed by the national REN project aims, which include:

increasing opportunities and access for diverse communities to take part in research.
supporting integrated care systems (ICSs) to grow their research networks by engaging with local stakeholders, particularly the VCSE sector and communities.
establishing long-term, sustainable approaches to increase diverse participation in research.
improving communication about research within local communities
building trust and fostering sustainable relationships between local partners
enhancing ICS capability through training for project teams, community representatives, and wider stakeholders.
generating evidence to understand how research engagement networks can most effectively increase diversity in research.

Newsletter

In March we produced and disseminated our first Research Engagement Network Newsletter, ther newsletter was viewed by 341 individuals across our Compost network, we was shared across the REN partners.

Maternity Film

The North East London Research and Engagement Network has co-produced a new film highlighting the importance of maternity research and the need to improve diversity in research participation.

This film was created in collaboration with our partners at Barts Health NHS Trust and the NIHR North London Regional Research Delivery Network — and we hope it inspires more people to get involved in shaping the future of care.

The film has been viewed by 200 individuals and circulated to 30 organisations by us here at Compost and across NE London by our REN Partners.

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5 events, north east London.

Each event co-designed with local partners to ensure relevance, cultural sensitivity, and accessibility.

In Harmony

Led by one of our partner organisations Harmony, the event focused on raising awareness, tackling stigma, and improving engagement in future research.

433 surveys.

433 Survey respondents offered valuable insight into public understanding, trust, and barriers to research participation.

Maternity Research Film

Co-produced Maternity Research Film – Developed to increase engagement and participation among marginalised and BAME communities. The film reflects a collaborative effort with community members and researchers. (We are currently liaising with NIHR to gather data on reach and engagement.)