Public Involvement in Social Care Research (PI-SoCR) Group

The Social Care Advisory Group was established in July 2022. It is facilitated by Shaping Our Lives in collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire.

Shaping Our Lives are a user-led organisation specialising in the inclusive involvement of Disabled people and people from other marginalised communities.

The user group includes people who:

  • Have experience of using social care services (either directly or for a family member or friend)
  • Have experience of doing or taking part in research in social care
  • Are Disabled people with long term health conditions and impairments, including people with learning disabilities

It aims to work with researchers to bring a lived experience perspective and voice to social care research studies by sharing their experience of social care research or of using social care services.

You can read a blog about the first meeting, written by Shaping Our Lives here.

Activities undertaken by the Public Involvement in Social Care Research Group

The group will share their experiences of research and/or using social care to support researchers in the SCRiPT study (Social Care Research in Practice Teams). The group can also advise other studies conducted by researchers at the University of Hertfordshire and at the University of East Anglia.

Typical activities may include:

  • Sharing experiences of using services with researchers
  • Discussing ideas for research proposals before bids are written
  • Reviewing bids, protocols, patient information sheets, and reports
  • Helping to develop topic guides/questions/research tools from a lived experience perspective
  • Advising on making accessible promotional materials for studies
  • Making recommendations for dissemination of research results
  • Working collaboratively with other research networks

Information for local Researchers

Are you a researcher looking for public involvement in your social care research?

The Public Involvement in Social Care Research Group is comprised of people with varied backgrounds and invaluable experience of using social care services and/or conducting social care research.

Contact Becki at becki@shapingourlives.org.uk or on 07956 424511 for more information.

RESEARCH PARTNERS