We want to grow our connections with the public and ensure that they are at the heart of our research. This is incredibly important to us. However we realise that sometimes people might feel unsure, or even nervous, about getting involved in research.

At three recent events we explored different ways of starting conversations about our research with new people. We hope this will help to break down some of these barriers. In this feature, we share our approaches and lessons learned.

Making research more accessible

We have been partnering with Northern Cancer Voices to build connections with people who have experience of cancer. They invited us to be part of a Cancer Roadshow to honour World Cancer Day on 4 February. Cramlington Town Council, alongside Northern Cancer Voices, organised this event which took place at Cramlington Manors Shopping Centre.

At the roadshow, we discussed our collaboration with a company called Kromek and Newcastle Hospitals. Kromek are developing novel technology to improve cancer detection in people with dense breast tissue. We also used demonstration materials to raise awareness of breast self-examination and screening.

We loved being in a busy space with the public who stopped by to find out about our research. Most of the people we talked to had not been involved in research before, but they showed lots of interest. Some people also shared stories about times when someone invited them to take part in research. However practical issues, like transport, got in the way. We are working to remove these kinds of barriers by designing our research and opportunities for public involvement in ways that are accessible to all.

Starting conversations with creative approaches

Recently we delivered a health information session with Hope Beyond Borders, who support Spanish migrant families in North East England. This opportunity arose through our ally membership of the Haref network.

Beginning the session with some time to make our own clay bacteria, viruses and parasites was great fun! It also helped to create a relaxed atmosphere with something everyone could do together. Maria Calderon, Clinical Research Fellow at Newcastle Hospitals, also joined us and led the session in Spanish for the group. After sharing some key information around infections, use of antibiotics, and keeping ourselves and our families well, we learnt a lot from the community’s experiences and questions about infection.

Making research methods relatable

We also supported Genetics Matters which took place at the Great North Museum on 28 February. The Newcastle University Rare Disease Patient and Public Inolvement and Engagement Strategy Group organises this event each year. The purpose of Genetics Matters is to mark Rare Disease Day and highlight research and innovation in this area.

Following some fantastic talks in the morning, we were part of an interactive afternoon. We invited people to share the journey they had taken to the event as a way of explaining one type of research we do. People seemed to enjoy telling us about how they had travelled that morning, including those who had travelled from the Midlands! Using the analogy of transport was a valuable way for us to explain how we approach understanding the patient journey to diagnosis. This research, called Care Pathway Analysis, helps us to identify where a new diagnostic technology could make the most impact.

We are grateful to have met so many new people recently and look forward to their involvement in our research. We have learnt so much about how different approaches to conversations about health and health research can be helpful and will use these more.

We are continuing to build our connections with people and communities.

Please get in touch if you would like to get involved or highlight an upcoming event that we could support.

You can e-mail us at: nihr.hrc-dxtecheval@newcastle.ac.uk