Since 2014 Blackpool Council has adopted a co-production model, shifting from asking residents what they think about policies, systems and services (a consultation-based approach) to what they define as authentic co-production, where people with lived experience are at the heart of changing services and systems, to improve the lives of the community.
Similarly, since its inception in 2022, Blackpool Researching Together (Blackpool’s Health Determinants Research Collaborative or HDRC) has committed to a model that has commissioned two community organisations to recruit community members to join the team as co-researchers. This approach provides paid roles for 10 youth and 10 adult community co-researchers.
For more information on the principles of co-producing research, and ways of working, see Blackpool Researching Together.
The following are two examples of the role Community Co-Researchers (CCRs) have played in health-led research into the wider determinants.
Cosy homes in Lancashire
Cosy Homes in Lancashire (CHiL) is a county-wide affordable warmth initiative delivered by all 14 local authorities in Lancashire. It offers a simplified ‘front door’ to residents to access grants to improve the warmth of their property.
To understand how the reach and uptake of CHiL could be improved, the PHIRST Fusion team worked closely with Blackpool Researching Together to conduct an evaluation, involving Community Co-Researchers (CCRs). CCRs received extensive training to enable them to participate.
CCRs helped develop the interview topic guide and conducted interviews with residents. They participated in a knowledge mobilisation sub-study to understand the impact of the CCR model on reaching seldom heard groups in research, and the impact of being involved in the evaluation on the researchers themselves.
The CCRs played a vital role in enhancing the inclusivity of the evaluation. Drawing on their lived experience and newly acquired research skills, they actively contributed to making the evaluation more accessible, particularly for under-served groups.
Their involvement in co-facilitating interviews was impactful, although they encountered unforeseen challenges in recruiting participants from these communities. CCRs engaged in reflective learning, recognising missed opportunities during earlier phases due to lower confidence. They expressed a strong intention to apply these insights in future projects to improve accessibility and inclusivity. Looking ahead, CCRs anticipated further growth through continued involvement in co-facilitating interviews and contributing to inclusive research practices.
The evaluation process was found to significantly contribute to the personal and professional growth of the CCRs. Through collaborative and equitable working practices, they gained confidence and resilience and demonstrated adaptability when faced with challenges in the delivery of the research. They experience increased self-assurance and skill development.
“I feel that over the past 12 months I have grown in confidence and have developed a better understanding of my role and I am excited to be involved in future projects” Sandra, co-researcher.
For further information:
- An evaluation of Cosy Homes in Lancashire (CHiL), PHIRST website
- Blackpool Researching Together
- Contact [email protected].
Supported housing improvement pilot
The supported housing improvement programme (SHIP) supports local authorities to address poor-quality supported housing and drive-up standards in their area.
In Blackpool, the programme was strengthened through a collaborative project led by Blackpool Researching Together working closely with the local authority supported housing team and Community Co-researchers (CCRs). The aim of this project was to gain a deeper understanding of residents’ experiences of supported housing.
To achieve this, CCRs were actively involved at every stage of the research process. They co-developed the interview guide, ensuring that the language used was accessible and inclusive. CCRs then conducted face-to-face interviews alongside an experienced researcher; the CCRs created a safe environment and encouraged residents to share their stories openly. Their involvement extended into the thematic analysis of the data where they contributed their lived experience to help interpret the data.
For many of the CCRs this was their first experience of conducting interviews, and whilst some experienced self-doubt, their confidence grew with each interview they completed; their growth enhanced the quality of the research and contributed to their personal and professional development. There has been a lasting impact on CCRs; they gained practical research experience and developed transferable skills that they have been able to apply to further projects.
A quote from Caitlin, one of the CCR’s on the project:
“This project has been great for my confidence levels, I now feel more confident working on projects and asking for clarification if needed. I feel more comfortable in sharing my views and experiences”.
For further information contact [email protected].