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Our ambition is that any research about older people should include older people in its design, implementation and dissemination.
About this project
Leeds Older People’s Forum aims to collaborate with academics and researchers to enable older individuals to participate in studies that drive real-world change.
We’re offering specialist consultancy to research teams with expertise that spans pre-research design, participant engagement, dissemination, and more.
Why you should work with us
Leeds Older People’s Forum is proud to partner with esteemed universities, including Leeds Beckett University, York St John’s University, and the University of Sheffield, driving innovative research and developing vital services for the National Health Service (NHS) and other national organisations. Our influential work has played a key role in numerous projects funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), and various other entities.
We connect with older adults from a broad spectrum of cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds, including those with disabilities and from underrepresented communities.
By collaborating with local grassroots organisations, Leeds Older People’s Forum ensures that researchers have access to voices that might otherwise be missing from the conversation. This commitment to inclusivity not only enhances the quality of research but also positions us as a leader in advocating for the needs of an ageing population.
Partner with us to create impactful, representative research that makes a difference in the lives of older individuals.
What we can offer
Our research support offer has been developed through consultation with both older people and researchers, ensuring it meets community needs while also achieving academic requirements for ethical, inclusive, and impactful research.
We are signed up to the People’s Voices Partnership principles of engaging with communities, and we recommend that these principles be adopted when approaches are made to people and communities.
Our offer
Pre-Research
Advice on the design of research to include older people and community groups:
Our staff have decades of experience working in the ageing sector, with expertise in themes such as transport, health and digital, having sat on research steering groups such as the INCLUDE Steering Group on digital inclusion.
Older people we work with have experience participating in university studies, including:
– Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (Chapel Allerton Hospital)
– NIHR-supported wellbeing studies
– Loneliness and mental health research with the Centre for Ageing Better
Support with funding applications
Inclusive involvement of older people and community organisations in the design of research, and what interests them, in addition to building pre-project trust and a shared understanding.
– LOPF is a membership organisation of 90 organisations that work with and for older people in local communities
– We have a growing database of older people who want to be involved in research
– We have opportunities outside of research that older people can be involved with, to keep their interest and trust while the academic process continues
Support and advice on research tools older people could use to be part of the research, and training sessions on how to use them.
During Research
Communications and awareness raising to the older people’s community sector, as well as the age-friendly sector (local authorities, health partners, and national AF colleagues), to promote awareness of the research.
Support and check-ins with older people and community organisations involved, along with a designated space for debriefing and a named contact for support when needed.
Post-Research
Clear communication to older people and community organisations about how their input will be used.
Dissemination of results to policymakers and practitioners.
Support to older people to disseminate the results of the research to policy makers and practitioners, e.g.
– Organisation of events (webinars and in-person)
– Sharing of stories and/or soundbites on social media
– Creation of videos and films to share dissemination
– Podcasts including older people involved
Our brochure
Next steps
Whether you’re seeking early input on inclusive research design, support with engagement and dissemination, or guidance on how to build trust and relevance in your work, Leeds Older People’s Forum can help.
To discuss packaging, pricing, or to explore how our research service can support your project from start to finish, please get in touch with us at research@opforum.org.uk
Project updates
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