Our Health, Our Voices. Engaging underserved audiences in health research. (360G-Wellcome-207028_Z_17_Z)

"A diverse and inclusive public involvement community is essential if research is relevant to population needs and provides better health outcomes for all" (NIHR). Situated in the heart of a vibrant NHS and University research environment, a diverse patient population and communities with some of the poorest health outcomes in England, our team will deliver a 5 year programme of exceptional engagement, within the context of Greater Manchester’s devolved healthcare system. Based on our track record, knowledge and strengths, we will boldly experiment, learn from and reflect on, methods of working with people that address issues of social justice in health research. Our locally embedded long-term programme of activities will combine Research-driven, arts-led approaches focusing on particular groups and scaled up to national audiences Listening, responsive and relationship projects Support for researchers and development of young and diverse engagement talent Celebrating our communities who drive research Sharing our learning far and wide, including through income generation methods Thus generating more informed and inclusive health research, and people supported to learn, question, and enabled to actively contribute to such research. Underpinned by significant organisational changes, including the launch of new business model maintaining our not-for-profit status, a communications overhaul, income generation and more efficient processes, we will enhance our reputation as pioneers in our sector, influencing positive change in people, research and practice. Ultimately, we aim to be recognised as an innovative centre for excellence in engaged health research, and a leading practitioner in the UK working with underserved audiences.