From April 2026 onwards the Research Engagement Network (REN) will be co-ordinated by the NIHR Yorkshire and Humber Applied Research Collaborative: https://arc-yh.nihr.ac.uk/
The Research Engagement Network (REN) project:
REN was launched in West Yorkshire in November 2023 and is a voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE) led project, funded by NHS England, through which VCSE Research Champions have engaged with and delivered sessions with people from an identified underserved community:
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to develop an understanding of research barriers and enablers and to explore opportunities for myth-busting around research;
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to offer opportunities for research participation;
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to understand the kinds of information communities are willing to share as part of research.
Kirklees VCSE research champions case study:
Rehana's case study:
West Yorkshire Research Engagement Network (REN) contributors:
With thanks to all research champions, communities and partners, including:
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Bradford District & Craven: Black Health Forum (Bradford), Bangladeshi Youth Organisation, MAPA Cultural Arts Centre, the Race Equality Network, the VCS Alliance
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Calderdale: Jah Light Community Project, Mums On A Mission, Advancement of Community Empowerment CIC, Women’s Activity Centre, Calderdale Voluntary and Community (CVAC)
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Kirklees: Community Skills Centre, Ravensthorpe Community Centre, Third Sector Leaders Kirklees
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Leeds: Hamara, LeedsACTS!, Forum Central, Voluntary Action Leeds
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Wakefield: One Ummah, Spectrum People, Nova Wakefield
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everyone who took part in community conversations with the research champions;
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the West Yorkshire Power of Communities (previously HPoC) programme;
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the West Yorkshire VCSE Voices Panel;
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the Ethnic Minority Research Inclusion (EMRI) network;
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the Co-production and Peer Research (CoPPer) network;
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the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network Yorkshire and Humber;
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the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB);