Supporting people with learning disabilities to get involved in research

24 Mar 26

HPFT’s Research team have delivered a successful programme of events to support people with learning disabilities to learn about research and get more involved.

People sitting together in a bright community space holding up true and false signs during a group activity.

The initiative was funded by the East of England Research Delivery Network*. Over the past few months the team have been out on the road meeting different groups and sharing what research is, why it matters and how people can take part.

The first event was held at the Trust’s Head Office. Attendees learnt about what research involves and what they might expect if they join a study. They were also able to try out different research activities including taking part in a focus group and completing a survey.

The team then visited Mencap’s mental health support group in St Albans where they delivered two further sessions following a similar format. Feedback from those who took part was very positive and the team have been invited back to share reflections and findings from the project.

The final session took place at the Alban Arena with the Purple All Stars. The Purple All Stars are a group of people with learning disabilities who promote messages about health, equality and community inclusion for people with learning disabilities their families and carers. They use creative arts such as film dance songs plays art and photography to share these messages. The group particularly enjoyed taking part in an interactive research quiz and have invited the team to return to share what they have learnt.

Charis Botoft, HPFT Research Associate said:
“We found the project really useful and were grateful for the opportunity to engage with service users in this way. Following the project, lots of people have expressed an interest in taking part in further research opportunities which is great news and we will ensure to involve them going forwards.”

*Funding was awarded to Dr Sonay Kucukterzi-Ali, Clinical Research Practitioner and Charis Bontoft, Research Associate.

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Supporting people with learning disabilities to get involved in research