Our Public Engagement Work
Between November 2023 and February 2024, we conducted five small group discussions (both online and in-person), engaging 28 participants from across Lancashire and South Cumbria. These sessions included senior leaders from both the Lancashire and South Cumbria SDE and the North West SDE.
In addition, we hosted two town hall events in Preston and Kendal, attracting 40 members of the public alongside healthcare system leaders. These events allowed participants to share their views, learn about the project, and contribute valuable perspectives and ideas to shape its development.
Additionally, we participated in a health festival in Morecambe Bay in October 2024 to further engage with the community.
Who we reached, and how
We successfully connected with:
- Ethnic minority groups and individuals for whom English is not a first language
- Young people
- Veterans
- LGBTQ+ communities
- Individuals with mental health conditions
- People with physical disabilities
- Those with long-term or life-limiting conditions
- Low-income groups
What participants said
“It was really great to be involved, some very meaningful conversations with the people who matter most in this work!”
“The roundtable discussions with a mixture of clinicians, data personnel, and the public were a great way to share ideas and gain knowledge, particularly around what AI is.”
“I found the session interesting & thought-provoking. It gave an important perspective on research & ultimate patient benefit. The environment was conducive to discussion & had good accessibility.”
Our Commitment to the Public
We are dedicated to:
- Promoting health and wealth by supporting research that delivers tangible benefits to our community.
- Encouraging industry partnerships that drive economic growth, jobs, and training opportunities.
- Building skills and capacity across the health and care sector to respond to future health challenges.
- Focusing on areas with high rates of chronic illness to improve health outcomes for those most in need.
Our work aligns with the Core20PLUS5 approach, which aims to reduce healthcare inequalities by focusing on key clinical areas, including:
- Maternity care
- Severe mental illness
- Chronic respiratory disease
- Early cancer diagnosis
- Hypertension case-finding
By working together, we can create a more inclusive, fair, and effective health and care system for Lancashire and South Cumbria.