Earlier in the year and throughout 2024 the Centre for Urban Wellbeing and Birmingham Voluntary Services Council (BVSC) Research to co-produce a guide for researchers to work in a values-led and inclusive way with community research. We hope that you find this a recipe for great research! It advances a values-led and inclusive approach to community research which puts into practice our primary mission to address Urban Wellbeing Inequalities.
The guide is based on a method of participatory community research we have been developing, called a Community of Inquiry, which has its roots in pragmatist philosophies and education for democracy. We are indebted to the CUWb Community Researcher Panel who worked with us on this programme of work, and who we continue to work alongside for the WM Adapt project.
We’re delighted that the Recipe Book, written by Marianne Walker from BVSC Research and developed collaboratively with Clare Harewood is now available as a free download at the CHERP community hub for Engagement in Research Practice. for Engagement in Research Practice. This is a new shared space for community, connection and research into health, social care and wellbeing:https://cherp.org.uk/
The resource is now being used by BVSC Research, external trainers, and provided to Birmingham Women and Children’s Hospital, Birmingham City Council Public Participation Team and University of Birmingham Community Collaborations.
Clare Harewood’s leadership in establishing the Birch Network has created a regional forum that bridges health and social care organisations, academic researchers, and Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise groups committed to tackling health and wellbeing inequalities. Through a co-design approach, she ensured the network’s relevance and accessibility, fostering meaningful cross-sector collaboration. With a diverse membership, including NHS trusts, Integrated Care Board representatives, five academic institutions, NIHR infrastructures, and VCFSE organisations. The Birch Network facilitates knowledge exchange and joint working. Its quarterly meetings provide a platform for researchers, including early career academics, to share ideas, showcase projects, and disseminate findings. By promoting connection, reducing duplication, and embedding ethical practice Clare’s work has strengthened community engagement in health research and enhanced the sector’s capacity for collaborative impact.
We’re glad that Clare, who continues to work at BVSC research is now undertaking a doctorate with the Centre for Urban Wellbeing and Centre-UB Understanding Human Behaviour.
