North West People in Research Forum
Aim
The North West People in Research Forum is an organisation that supports patient and public involvement and public engagement in health and social care research. Its overarching aim is to contribute to the highest quality health and social care research in the region by promoting effective and meaningful involvement and engagement.
Objectives
The Forum works across the North West, through Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside, to provide support and advice, share learning about involvement and engagement; and raise awareness about health and social care research and opportunities to get involved.
Membership
The Forum was launched as a membership organisation in February 2011. The membership is a diverse group of patients, carers, members of the public and health care professionals, researchers, research managers, nurses, universities, trusts, charities and not-for-profit groups. Membership is free and members are kept up-to-date with involvement and engagement news, events and opportunities.
Conclusions
The importance of patient and public involvement and engagement in health and social care research has been recognised by the NHS and other research funders. The Forum builds links and shares learning and good practice examples in order to promote involvement and engagement, improving the quality and relevance of research and ultimately leading to better health and social care.
