NIHR Voices

NIHR voices was formed in 2015. It brings together members of the public and health and social care professionals from across the Yorkshire and the Humber region who have an interest in public involvement in research. NIHR voices is supported by INVOLVE and the following organisations are members:

We held our second event in 2016, our report highlights the discussions from the day, our workstreams and the poetry written during the day to promote and illustrate diversity and inclusion in public involvement in research.

Find out more

For further information on NIHR Voices and information on our next event on 9 November 2017 contact Samaira Khan samaira.khan@sheffield.ac.uk

NIHR Voices 2016 Event 10th November 2016 – Weetwood Hall, Leeds

An NIHR Voices event was held at Weetwood Hall, Leeds on 10th November 2016. Sixty-two people were in attendance with a split of 31 members of the public and 31 NHS and university people from across the Yorkshire & Humber region. This project is supported by the Yorkshire and Humber NIHR Voices and the Wellcome Trust.

The topic of the day was around The Future of Public Involvement and the Importance of Diversity and Equality.

5 Work streams were identified which attendees were asked to sign up to if they had an interest.

The work streams consisted of:
  • Peer support 
  • Making involvement normal
  • Participatory methods
  • Communication: Evolving the network for all
  • Diversity and Inclusion 
INVOLVE were keen to acknowledge the contributions from the day i.e poems around the ten words people associated with diversity and inclusion for future use in any guidance papers produced. The poems submitted were:

To be included, 
To be listened to,
To be respected, 
To allow for all differences, 
To be appreciated,
To do this,
And to be this.

Acceptance and inclusion truly
Leads to embracing diversity.
We are in a world of empowerment
We are willing to listen, act
And help each other, so we can
All reap the benefits of equity
Of access which provides inclusion
By developing tailored needs and services.

I am what I am, I am me
Listen, respect, look and see me.
I value you, please value me
Take down the barriers, language, race,
Gender, ethnicity.
I am what I am, I am me,
Look and you will see there is no
Difference between you and me.
Give me the opportunities and you will see
I am approachable and you could learn from me

There was a researcher from Cardiff
Who liked to be very inclusive
Her friendly approach brought her lots of respect
But for her age was a matter of conjecture!
In language quite plain, when asked to explain
She replied “I regard it as flexible
My ethnicity’s clear but to be honest my dear,
Please listen my age requires ethical approval!”

In order to be inclusive in the world of equality
Requires respect, being honest and lots of flexibility.
No matter the language, the listening or age
The approach and experience turns another page.

Barriers that make us jump through hoops
With listening as a form of acceptance.
Respect to accept everyone
Which enables me to level with you and contribute
Without falling before the first barrier
Open your mind to different values
And Listen, Listen, Listen!

There is opportunity in the community
To overcome the barriers of inclusion
But race, age, ability and religion offer a solution
It’s not the politics, class or sexual orientation
That should affect your participation!

Use language that is inclusive
Accept differences with flexibility
Respect age and ethnicity
Be honest and approachable
Listening with openness
Giving you equality and diversity.

There once was a city
Full of multicultural ethnicity,
Where the language is of respect and inclusivity
Help every one of all ages and differences,
Happy, flexible, and approachable
So they all listen to make research approachable





Words associated with diversity and inclusion:

Figure 1 Tag cloud generated form the words individual associated with diversity and inclusion

 




Lots of networking took place with the exchange of contacts etc which attendees found very useful.

Discussion on my table was around use of a website only as a “go to” place was held and the view that not just one size fits all approach suits everyone, different people with different needs, require different methods of communication.  For example the use of printed materials posted to them, as not everyone has access to the internet or the ability to access websites, also some older people struggle with technology. 

The words associated with diversity and inclusion put forward by the attendees were put into a word cloud (see attached document)

Next Steps

A Steering group is to be set up to take suggestions/ideas forward and report back at the next event.  It is hoped to use the poetry contributions on national poetry day on Thursday 28th September 2017.  

Public Involvement lead | Dr Christine Smith | christinesmith@nhs.net