A new team of Community Co‑Researchers (CCRs) has been established within Cumberland Council.
Employed by Cumbria CVS and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the team will work alongside the Cumberland Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) to deepen the understanding of the health and wellbeing issues affecting people across Cumberland.
Community Co-Researchers play a vital role in strengthening health determinants research by bringing lived experience, community knowledge, and local insight directly into the research process. Their perspectives help ensure that research questions, methods, and outcomes are meaningful, actionable and grounded in the real-world conditions that shape health and wellbeing.
"Seeing our Community Co‑Researchers begin their work with the Cumberland HDRC is a truly exciting moment for the project”, said Mike Siddall, Research and Innovation Manager.
“Their involvement marks a significant milestone as we begin building a stronger knowledge base around the determinants of health across our region. The energy, insight, and expertise the CCR team bring to the programme is fantastic, and sure to make a real difference"
Bridget Johns, Operation Manager added:
“Cumbria CVS is excited to be working in partnership with Cumberland HDRC in delivering the Community Co‑Researchers (CCRs) project
“Our key role is to provide pastoral support to the CCRs, while working closely with the HDRC team, who are delivering the research training, support and expertise. I am looking forward to seeing what research topics the CCRs choose and how their work positively influences public health policy.”
During the current training phase, designed and delivered by Dr Suzanne Wilson from the University of Lancashire, the Community Co-Researchers are building their skills in research methods, ethics, and co-production. Later this year, they will work together with academic partners University of Cumbria and University of Lancashire, and Cumberland communities to develop research plans, identify priority topics, and shape their approaches based on community needs and priorities.
As projects move forward, the team will begin seeking research participants from the community, with more information to be shared in the coming months.
Councillor Emma Williamson, Deputy Leader of Cumberland Council and Executive Member for Children's Services, Family Wellbeing and Housing said:
“Our new team of Community Co‑Researchers is a brilliant addition to Cumberland Council. By working closely with the HDRC, they bring lived experience and deep local insight directly into our research. Their voices help ensure that the questions we ask and the solutions we pursue truly reflect the realities of health and wellbeing in our community. This partnership strengthens our ability to create meaningful, actionable change for the people of Cumberland.”
This initiative reflects Cumberland Council’s commitment to community-focused research, improving health and wellbeing, addressing inequalities and delivering excellent public services.
For updates on upcoming research opportunities and participant recruitment, please visit Cumbria Observatory – Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) or contact [email protected]