A Blend of Collaboration on Leap Day for North West Coast Community Research and Engagement Network and Voluntary, Community, Social, Faith, and Enterprise Sector.

On the rare occasion of February 29th, the Leap Day Research Collaboration Café convened at Liverpool Central Library, providing stakeholders from various sectors an extra 24 hours to explore the practical advantages of collaboration. This event, hosted by the Community Research and Engagement Network (COREN), aimed to address persistent health inequalities through in-person discussions.

This event served to bridge the gap between the Voluntary, Community, Social, Faith, and Enterprise (VCSFE) sector and academic researchers across the North West Coast. “We are committed to actively addressing the root causes of health inequalities across the North West Coast,” emphasised COREN Stakeholder Research and Engagement Manager Claire Selby. “The theme of this Collaboration Café delves into the intricate web of factors contributing to health inequalities within our communities.”

The event provided a supportive environment for participants to explore new avenues for collaboration and to promote the development of initiatives aimed at reducing health inequalities. “The Collaboration Cafes are more than just a network; they can act as a catalyst for change,” remarked Claire. “The prospect of connecting communities with researchers and facilitating meaningful conversations means we can drive forward initiatives that have the potential to transform lives and create lasting positive impact.”

Vicki Birch, Participation, Health & Wellbeing Project Manager (North West), Canals and River Trust said “It was a great event yesterday, I learned more about the barriers of research and project development when trying to collaborate across local authority, Public Health, NHS and VCFS. I made lots of new contacts and was able to showcase the fantastic work we do at the Trust to support individual and community health and wellbeing by providing accessible green and blue space right on the doorstep of those who need it most.”

The COREN serves as a vital platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, bridging the gap between communities and researchers to foster innovative solutions for pressing health and social care issues. “Through collective learning and collaboration, we can harness our collective expertise to address the multifaceted challenges facing our communities,” added Claire.

As discussions unfolded during the Collaboration Café, participants exchanged insights and perspectives, identifying opportunities to leverage collective expertise in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing communities across the North West Coast.

By fostering inclusive partnerships and promoting the exchange of knowledge and expertise, these events prove to be pivotal in shaping a future where health inequalities are no longer accepted as inevitable.

For those interested in contributing to future discussions or learning more about COREN’s initiatives, inquiries can be directed to c.selby@lancaster.ac.uk for further information and involvement opportunities.

The next collaborative café will take place online on Thurs 7th March at 11am, providing an accessible platform for continued engagement and collaboration.