Are you involved with or have an interest in engagement/research activity in health, social care or wellbeing? Do you want to know more about opportunities to shape and be involved in research activity? Do you want to find out more about the research evidence being produced to improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities? Are you looking for opportunities to apply for funding to conduct health and/or social care research activity? Then why not join the Birch network!

Birch is a dynamic and inclusive network of individuals and organisations with an interest in community engagement and involvement in health, social care and wellbeing research across Birmingham and Solihull. Through regular newsletters and quarterly online ‘meet-ups’, the network aims to create a space for people to share their activities and evidence, communicate opportunities for collaboration and learn from, and with, each other. Our vision is of a cohesive system of health, social care and wellbeing research and engagement partners, undertaking activity which:

  • Has community priorities at its heart

  • Accesses and builds upon the existing research/engagement evidence, without duplication

  • Makes a positive difference to tackling social/health inequalities and rebalances power dynamics

  • Connects with and involves senior leaders/policy makers within the health, social care and wellbeing system

  • Is built upon equitable, respectful and mutually beneficial relationships between researchers, community organisations and citizens

  • Continually develops and shares best practice, toolkits and skills.

Current members of Birch include representatives from community organisations, academic institutions, NHS bodies and the Local Authority.

If you want to find out more or join the network, click the button below: