The NIHR Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC): Cheshire and Merseyside recently supported a successful dementia awareness event in Liverpool, bringing together local communities, healthcare partners and research teams to promote understanding of dementia and opportunities to get involved in research.
The event formed part of a wider collaborative approach that connects the NHS, local authorities, voluntary organisations and community groups to better understand local health needs and address inequalities in research participation. It was developed in response to concerns raised by local communities, including low awareness of dementia, stigma and mistrust of research, particularly within Black communities.
Around 150 people attended the event, with 45 individuals speaking directly with research teams about dementia, health inequalities and taking part in research. The Live Well Bus was also on site, offering health checks, vaccinations and wellbeing advice in a welcoming and familiar setting.
Delivered in partnership with organisations including Dementia Liverpool, Alzheimer’s Society, Mersey Care, Healthwatch Liverpool and Everton in the Community, the event demonstrated the value of working collaboratively to build trusted relationships.
Sarah Kirkbride, PPIE and EDI Lead for the NIHR CRDC: Liverpool, said: “By working alongside our communities and creating opportunities for open conversations, we can help more people feel informed, confident and able to take part in research.”
The team will continue to build on this approach, developing partnerships that support more inclusive and accessible research across the region.